Sometimes, after a day that feels like it stretched on forever, all you want is something fast, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent. That’s exactly when this air fryer shrimp recipe comes in clutch. It’s not fussy, but it doesn’t skimp on taste either. With just a handful of seasonings and the magic of the air fryer, you get shrimp that’s crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
I remember the last time I made this—my kitchen was a little chaotic, with the phone buzzing and a dog pacing nearby. I tossed the shrimp in the seasoning mix without measuring exactly, probably a bit more cayenne than intended, but that’s part of the charm. The smell of paprika and garlic filled the air while the air fryer hummed away. Eight minutes later, I had golden bites that paired perfectly with a quick squeeze of lemon, making the whole experience feel like a small celebration amid the everyday rush.
It’s these moments—simple, a little messy, but satisfying—that make cooking worth it.
- Ready in under 20 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.
- The air fryer gives a crisp texture without the extra oil—healthier but still indulgent.
- The spice blend is bold but can be adjusted if you want it milder or with a different kick.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
If you’re worried about overcooking or the shrimp sticking, don’t stress too much. A little trial and error with your air fryer model will get you there fast.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp
Crispy and flavorful air fryer shrimp made with simple seasonings, perfect for a quick and healthy meal or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and transfer to a serving bowl.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately.
For this recipe, you don’t need anything special—just your air fryer and a bowl to toss those shrimp. I usually serve them with a crisp salad or tucked inside a warm tortilla for a quick taco. Sometimes I try adding a dash of cumin or swapping parsley for cilantro, though I haven’t tested all the combos yet. A drizzle of garlic butter instead of lemon juice is also a nice change if you feel like indulging a little more.
Reheating? The air fryer does the trick without turning the shrimp rubbery, but I usually eat them fresh because, well, I get impatient.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw and pat dry before seasoning to avoid soggy bites.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works too, though it’s less smoky.
Can I make this spicy? Absolutely, add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
When you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying, this air fryer shrimp hits the spot every time. Give it a go—you might find yourself reaching for the air fryer more often than you expected.