Ready in just 10 minutes (including prepping and cooking!), this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe delivers perfectly tender and juicy shrimp every time. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a delicious stand-alone meal, or a fun addition to your favorite salads and sandwiches.
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Quick and Effortless: Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Versatile and Delicious: Enjoy these savory shrimp as a main dish, toss them into salads, pasta, or tacos, or serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer on fancy little toothpicks.
- Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The air fryer ensures juicy, tender shrimp with a flavorful, caramelized coating.
Are you as obsessed with your air fryer as I am? Check out my recipe for Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer and, for a fun twist, Blackened Air Fryer Sardine Tacos.
Ingredients for Recipe:
- Shrimp: I'm using large, Argentine Red Shrimp for this recipe. The size of the shrimp dictates cooking time, so monitor so they don't over-cook!
- Spices: Old Bay is my preferred mix for this recipe, but grab your favorite all-purpose seasoning mix as a substitute.
- Sugar: a touch of brown sugar helps balance out the super-savory spice mix and promotes browning. Substitute raw sugar or your favorite sugar substitute.
- Butter: the perfect touch of flavorful fat to coat our shrimp. Substitute olive oil, if you prefer.
Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Air Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Season Shrimp
Toss shrimp in fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with seasonings. Drizzle melted butter over seasoned shrimp and toss again.
Step 2: Air Fry Shrimp
Air fry at 375 for 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with diced scallions and lemon wedges.
Can I use frozen shrimp, or do they need to be thawed?
When using dry seasoning on shrimp like we use in this recipe, it’s best to thaw the shrimp before air frying to ensure the spices don't fall off the shrimp as they thaw in the fryer. You can quickly thaw frozen shrimp by soaking them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Pat dry thoroughly before seasoning to help the coating stick and achieve the best texture. If you don't have time to thaw, check out my recipe for Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
For this recipe, preheating isn't required.
How can I prevent the shrimp from drying out in the air fryer?
Avoid overcooking by checking for doneness at the 5-minute mark. The shrimp should be opaque and slightly firm. Tossing them in melted butter before air frying will help them retain moisture and enhance flavor.
Can I substitute Old Bay seasoning with something else?
Yes! If you don’t have Old Bay, using your favorite seafood seasoning mix or a Cajun spice mix for a spicier kick. Check out my Best Subs for Old Bay for all my favorite spice swaps for Old Bay.
Looking for a new air fryer? This beauty has rocked my world. Check it out!
Print
10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-3
Description
Ready in just 10 minutes, this Air Fryer Shrimp delivers tender, juicy shrimp every time. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus wedges, for serving)
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Dry shrimp well with paper towels, then toss in fresh lemon juice. Season with Old Bay, brown sugar and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly. Drizzle melted butter over seasoned shrimp and toss again.
- Air fry at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes (depending on size of shrimp).
- Garnish with diced scallions and lemon wedges.
Notes
Storage Tips
- Cool Completely: Let the shrimp cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the shrimp in a single layer in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
- Refrigeration: Store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Reheat the shrimp for 2-3 minutes at 375 degrees, just until warmed through.
- Skillet: Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until heated through, being careful not to overcook.
- PRO TIP: Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, as reheating shrimp multiple times can affect their texture and flavor. Serve with fresh scallions and lemon wedges to brighten up the leftovers!
- Prep Time: 4
- Cook Time: 6
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½
- Calories: 301
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 1516.7 mg
- Fat: 12.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Protein: 45.9 g
- Cholesterol: 395.5 mg
Jill
This is such a good recipe for my new air fryer. Thanks for sharing!
Christina Jolam
So glad you loved it, Jill. I could eat shrimp 3 times a week, so new shrimp recipes are always fun to make!