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This mouthwatering Old Bay Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is the quick, healthy, and versatile protein dish you’ve been searching for. With just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes, this culinary delight of perfectly seasoned, plump air fried seafood will tantalize your taste buds. Trust, making shrimp in the air fryer is about to become your new favorite pastime!
Table of Contents
About this air fryer shrimp recipe
If you’ve ever wondered if you can cook shrimp in an air fryer, the answer is a big ol’ HECK YES.
The air fryer effortlessly transforms shrimp into crispy and tender morsels of perfection. Say goodbye to the hassle and added calories that come from deep-frying. Making fried shrimp in the air fryer creates that irresistible golden exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. This is one Weeknight Wonder you’re not gonna want to miss!
Why you’ll love shrimp in the air fryer
Aside from being the simplest way to achieve crave-worthy crustacean goodness, this recipe for shrimp in the air fryer is also:
- Quick & Easy. Seriously, this air fryer shrimp recipe is a breeze to make. You’ll have a pile of glistening, piping hot seafood ready to devour in just 10 minutes!
- Made With Just 4 Simple Ingredients. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender shrimp, bathed in iconic Old Bay seasoning. This classic spice blend infuses the shrimp with a symphony of flavors, boasting a harmonious balance of savory, zesty, and subtly spicy notes that will have you craving more.
- Ideal For Making All Year Round. Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re avoiding the oven during summer, enjoying a cozy winter night in, or looking to impress your guests with a simple yet impressive appetizer, these air fryer shrimp are an absolute winner.
So, what are you waiting for? With just 4 ingredients, the convenience of everyone’s favorite countertop appliance, and a burst of irresistible flavors, this air-fried shrimp is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients for air frying shrimp
As promised, you only need a handful of ingredients to make this air fry shrimp recipe. Here’s what to grab:
- Raw Jumbo Shrimp – I personally recommend using jumbo shrimp (21/25 shrimp) for this recipe; however, smaller extra-large shrimp (26/30) work well too. Just make sure to adjust the cook time as needed. You’ll also want to thaw shrimp if they are frozen, and devein shrimps as well.
- Olive Oil – No need to bust out the “good stuff”; your go-to cooking oil will work perfectly here.
- Substitutions: Feel free to use any other cooking oil you prefer (e.g. avocado oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, etc.).
- Old Bay Seasoning – This delectable spice blend was originally designed for seafood, so it’s a no-brainer for air frying shrimp.
- Substitutions: You’re welcome to swap in any other spice blend you prefer. Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, za’atar, you name it!
- Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper – For seasoning to taste.
Optional ingredients for serving
While I’ve got a whole list of possible ways to serve these delightfully delicious shrimp treats under Serving Suggestions, these are some basics that are always welcome for eating them as the main event:
- Lemon Wedges – A bit of acidity helps to brighten the flavors.
- Fresh Herbs – Parsley, dill, or cilantro are favorites here.
- Cocktail Sauce – Essentially just ketchup with horseradish, this sweet and spicy dipping sauce is a favorite of kids (and kids at heart) the world over.
- Remoulade – Creamy, tangy, Cajun remoulade is to shrimp what Special Sauce is to a Big Mac.
- Garlic Butter Sauce – Plump shrimp and a vat of melty, garlicky butter are a match made in heaven. Make your own garlic butter and melt it over a low flame for the best butter sauce for shrimp!
Optional variations
As much as we love this recipe for jumbo shrimp in air fryer, there is plenty of room for you to put your own stamp on it. Here are just a few ideas to kick your creativity into high gear:
- Lemon Zest Twist: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating the zest of a lemon into the seasoning mixture. The vibrant citrus notes will complement the Old Bay seasoning beautifully and add a delightful tangy kick.
- Garlic Infusion: For garlic lovers, mince a clove or two of garlic and mix it with the Old Bay seasoning and olive oil. This simple addition will infuse the shrimp with a mouthwatering garlicky aroma.
- Spicy Kick: If you crave some heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the seasoning mixture. This fiery addition will elevate the spice level and give your shrimp extra zing.
- Herbaceous Delight: Introduce an herbaceous twist by adding chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill to the seasoning blend for added depth and freshness.
Dietary Adaptations
- Low-Sodium Adaptation: For a reduced sodium version, opt for a low-sodium or no-salt-added Old Bay seasoning (or make your own!). You can also decrease the amount of salt in the recipe or omit it entirely. The shrimp will still be packed with flavor from the Old Bay seasoning and the natural taste of the shrimp itself.
How to fry shrimp in an air fryer
This shrimp in air fryer recipe is about as simple as it gets. Here’s how it’s made:
- Clean, dry, and season shrimp: Clean the shrimp by removing and discarding their shells and veins. Then, gently run the shrimp under cool water and dry shrimp with paper towels. Next, add the shrimps to a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and toss to coat. Then, add the seasonings and toss the shrimp again to coat.
- Add shrimp to the air fryer basket: Arrange the oiled and seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400-degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque in color and cooked through. (Note: You don’t need to flip or turn the shrimp over.)
- Serve Air Fried Shrimp: Transfer the air fried shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh herbs and fresh lemon juice. Serve the air fryer shrimp with lemon wedges and your favorite seafood sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately.
Expert tips for the best air fried shrimp
- To save on prep time, purchase peeled and deveined defrosted shrimp. If the shrimp is frozen, you need to defrost them prior to starting this recipe.
- To quickly defrost frozen shrimp, place them in a colander in the sink and run cool water over them. Toss every few minutes until they’re all defrosted. This shouldn’t take more than about 10 minutes!
FAQs: air fryer shrimp recipes
How long to cook shrimp in air fryer?
If you’re wondering how long to air fry raw shrimp, the unsatisfying answer is: it depends. Why? Well, a number of factors, actually:
The exact amount of time your shrimp need to cook in the air fryer will depend upon the size/type of your shrimp AND the strength of your air fryer.
- Jumbo shrimp in my double-door air fryer take approximately 5 minutes, while the same size shrimp in my pull-out-tray-style air fryer takes 6 minutes (both set at 400-degrees). The lesson here? Not all air-fryers are created equal.
- You also have to remember: not all shrimp varieties cook in the same amount of time! For example, White Shrimp cook faster than larger Tiger Shrimp. Don’t ask me why — I have no idea.
Can you air fry raw shrimp?
Yep! And it’s super fast, too. 😀
How long to cook thawed shrimp in air fryer?
Ooops, looks like you skipped ahead one section too far. The answer is “it depends,” but generally speaking raw Jumbo shrimp should be done in 4-6 minutes.
How to tell when shrimp are done air frying?
You can tell shrimp are done cooking in the air fryer when they have a soft, tender texture, turn opaque in color, and form a slight “C” or “U” shape. If they’re slimy, they’re undercooked so toss them back in. If they’re rubbery, you’ve sadly overcooked them.
What’s the best way to reheat fried shrimp in air fryer?
Reheating fried shrimp in an air fryer is an excellent way to restore their crispy texture without making them greasy or soggy. Here’s the best way to reheat fried shrimp in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes. This ensures that the shrimp will heat evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Arrange the shrimp: Place the leftover fried shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper airflow and ensure even reheating.
- Reheat: Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook the shrimp for approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Check the shrimp halfway through and give the basket a gentle shake to ensure even heating.
- Monitor and adjust: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while they reheat. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the initial crispness. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
Serving air fryer shrimp
Whether you choose to serve the air fryer shrimp as an appetizer, in a sandwich, tossed in pasta, or as a main course with your favorite side dishes, they’re sure to be a hit! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic Shrimp Cocktail: Serve air fryer shrimp as an appetizer with a tangy cocktail sauce or honey mustard for dipping. Don’t forget the lemon wedges and fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.
- Shrimp Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with the air fryer shrimp, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of creamy cilantro-lime sauce.
- Po’ Boy Sandwich: Build a shrimp po’ boy sandwich by layering the air fried shrimp on a toasted French roll. Add crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a dollop of easy remoulade sauce, for a satisfying meal that pays homage to the New Orleans classic.
- Shrimp Salad: Toss the air fryer shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and healthy salad. Consider adding sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Grits with Shrimp Go Southern and serve them over a creamy bed of cheesy grits. Add a touch of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for an added kick.
- Stir-fry Shrimp: Add air fried shrimp to your favorite vibrant veggie stir-fry right at the end of cooking. Toss them in a flavorful sauce, such as teriyaki or sweet and sour, and serve over steamed rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Shrimp Caesar Salad: Combine the air fryer shrimp with crisp romaine lettuce, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and homemade Caesar dressing for a delicious twist on the classic salad. Add crunchy croutons and a squeeze of lemon juice for that perfect finishing touch.
Storing air fry shrimp leftovers
- Allow the air fryer shrimp to cool down to room temperature before storing them to prevent condensation and excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess. Ick!
- Place the cooked and cooled shrimp in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent any air from entering and store it in the fridge promptly.
- Ideally, you should consume the leftover air fryer shrimp within 2 to 3 days of refrigeration. The longer they are stored, the more their texture and flavor may deteriorate.
- If you plan to reheat the refrigerated shrimp, it’s best to do so in the air fryer or oven to help restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- If you have a larger quantity of leftover shrimp or need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to use frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the air fryer or oven until heated through and crispy.
- Always remember to use your best judgment and discard any shrimp that appears spoiled, has an off odor, or shows signs of mold.
Alright, friends! I hope I’ve shrimpressed you with the ease and deliciousness of this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp recipe. Remember, whether you’re frying high with flavor or shrimply enjoying a cozy night in, these easy, air-fried shrimp are here to satisfy your cravings year-round. Keep calm and shrimp on!
Cheyanne
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More simply delicious shrimp recipes!
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The best easy air fryer shrimp recipe👇
Air Fryer Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl (for seasoning shrimp)
- 1 Air Fryer (for air frying shrimp)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Raw Jumbo Shrimp (SEE NOTES)
- 2 tsp Olive Oil (substitute: non-stick cooking spray or neutral oil)
- Heaping 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (substitute: your favorite spice mix)
- To Taste Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper
- Optional for Serving: Remoulade Sauce Cocktail Sauce, Lemon Wedges, Fresh Herbs, Garlic Butter Sauce
Instructions
- Clean Shrimp: Clean shrimp by removing and discarding their shells and veins. Gently run the shrimp under cool water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Season Shrimp: Add shrimp to a large bowl. Drizzle the oil over the shrimp and toss to coat. Then, add the seasoning and toss the shrimp again to coat in the seasoning.
- Add Shrimp to Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the oiled and seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Fry Shrimp in Air Fryer: Air fry the shrimp at 400-degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque in color and cooked through. (Note: You don’t need to flip or turn the shrimp over.)
- Serve Shrimp: Transfer the air fried shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh herbs and fresh lemon juice. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite seafood sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Shrimp: To save time, purchase peeled and deveined defrosted shrimp. If shrimp is frozen, you need to defrost them prior to starting this recipe.
- Shrimp Size: I personally recommend using jumbo shrimp (21/25 shrimp) for this recipe; however, smaller extra-large shrimp (26/30) work well too.
- Air-Fryer Cook Time: The exact amount of time your shrimp need to cook in the air fryer will depend upon the size/type of your shrimp AND the strength of your air fryer.
- Air fryers: Jumbo shrimp in my double-door air fryer take approximately 5 minutes, while the same size shrimp in my pull-out-tray-style air fryer takes 6 minutes (both set at 400-degrees). Not all air-fryers are created equal.
- Shrimp variety: Not all shrimp varieties cook in the same amount of time! White Shrimp cook faster than larger Tiger Shrimp.
- Shrimp are Done When: You can tell shrimp are done cooking in the air fryer when they have a soft, tender texture (slimy = undercooked) (rubber = overcooked), turn opaque in color, and form a slight “C” or “U” shape.
Nutrition
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