This simple Air Fryer shrimp recipe uses just a few ingredients and takes under 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s great tossed into salads and grain bowls or served as a quick appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Like my Air Fryer Cajun shrimp, these turn out juicy and tender every time.
Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins for busy weeknights because it cooks so quickly and pairs well with many flavors. If you prefer more complex preparations, I also have recipes for garlic butter shrimp and bang bang shrimp, but when I want something fast and fuss-free I make this version. If you love shrimp, consider saving a collection of air fryer shrimp recipes for quick weeknight inspiration.
Quick Look At This Recipe
✨ Flavor: Juicy and savory.
⏱️ Prep time: 5 minutes.
🔥 Cook time: 6 minutes.
⏲️ Total time: 11 minutes.
👥 Servings: 4 servings.
🥄 Tools: Air Fryer.
❄️ Freezer friendly: No.
👩🏻🍳 Tip: Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to help them brown and stay juicy.
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Table of Contents
- Quick Look At This Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Recipe Ingredients
- Variations
- How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
- Serving Ideas & Suggestions
- Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Recipe FAQs
- More Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes
- Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extremely quick and easy — just an air fryer, a few pantry staples, and under 15 minutes.
- Versatile — serve the shrimp in tacos, salads, grain bowls, or as an appetizer.
- Simple seasoning keeps this version low-carb and gluten-free, a great option for many diets.
Recipe Ingredients
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Tails can be left on or removed based on preference.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of chili powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. You can substitute or add your favorite spice blend.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Variations
- Add lemon juice and zest for a bright citrus version.
- Try a blackened seasoning for a smoky, bold flavor.
- Mix honey, mustard, salt, and pepper with a little oil for a honey mustard glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
- Rinse and pat the shrimp dry, then place them in a bowl with the olive oil and seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces so they cook evenly.
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through.
- When the shrimp turn slightly golden and opaque, remove them and serve immediately.
Serving Ideas & Suggestions
Pair these shrimp with simple air-fried vegetables like asparagus or green beans, or serve over roasted spaghetti squash for a more filling meal. They also work great in tacos, salads, grain bowls, or alongside quesadillas and wings for a bigger spread.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Check the shrimp at about 6 minutes to avoid overcooking; shrimp become tough and rubbery if cooked too long.
- Cooking time varies with shrimp size and air fryer model—larger shrimp may need an extra minute.
- For extra crispiness, dust the shrimp lightly with cornstarch before air frying.
- Line the basket with a silicone mat or parchment liner for easier cleanup.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to refresh their texture.
Recipe FAQs
The shrimp are done when the flesh is opaque and the base of the tail is no longer translucent.
You can, but cooking time and preparation differ. Thaw and pat dry for best results, or follow a frozen-shrimp-specific method.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Reheat shrimp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until warmed through to preserve texture.
More Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes
Dinner
Air Fryer Keto Fried Shrimp
Appetizers
Air Fryer Shrimp Egg Rolls
Seafood
Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas
Dinner
Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers
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Air Fryer Shrimp
Rate
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, uncooked
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
- After removing shells, rinse the shrimp and pat them dry. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil and seasonings, then toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
- Arrange shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between pieces.
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6–8 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Check doneness: shrimp should be opaque and no longer translucent at the tail base.
Notes
- Cooking time varies with shrimp size—start checking at 6 minutes.
- Patting shrimp dry before seasoning helps achieve a light golden color.
- Flip or shake the basket at the 2–3 minute mark to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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