Sometimes, dinner needs to be quick but still exciting. This air fryer shrimp and sausage recipe hits that sweet spot—smoky sausage meets tender shrimp, all seasoned with just enough kick to make your taste buds sit up. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a little celebration after a long day, even if the kitchen looks a bit chaotic.

I remember the first time I made this, the timer was almost forgotten while I answered a text, and I swear the shrimp could have been just a minute more golden. Still, that slight imperfection didn’t ruin a thing. The combination of smoky paprika, the hint of cayenne, and the fresh parsley sprinkled on top made for a dish that’s just as fun to eat as it is to make. Plus, the air fryer does half the work, leaving you free to set the table or just breathe for a moment.

Quick turnaround: from prep to plate in about 22 minutes, which is lifesaving on busy nights.
Flavor-packed without being overwhelming — it’s balanced but can be easily adjusted if you want more heat.
The air fryer makes cleanup easier, though you might need to do two batches depending on your basket size.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just straightforward deliciousness.

If you’re worried about overcooking the shrimp or sausage, just keep an eye on the timer the first time. Shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery pretty fast, but that smoky seasoning helps mask a little extra cook time.

Air Fryer Shrimp and Sausage

Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp and smoky sausage cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Add the shrimp and sliced sausage to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Place the shrimp and sausage in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket or use tongs to turn the shrimp and sausage pieces.
Cook for an additional 6 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the sausage is browned and heated through.
Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Using an air fryer makes this dish feel almost effortless, even if you’re not a kitchen pro. No special equipment needed beyond the air fryer itself, and you’ll love how quickly everything browns up with minimal oil. Serving it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad feels just right. Sometimes, I swap the sausage for chorizo or try adding a squeeze of lemon at the end for a fresh twist, though I haven’t tested all those combos extensively.

One question I often get is whether you can prep everything ahead of time. You can toss the shrimp and sausage with the seasoning in the morning and keep it in the fridge, but I usually cook it right away for the best texture. And yes, it reheats surprisingly well in the air fryer, so leftovers aren’t a problem.

Ready to get that satisfying sizzle going? This air fryer shrimp and sausage will make your weeknight dinner feel like a small win. Go on, save it, print it, and make it soon.