This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is a quick and effortless way to prepare perfectly seasoned shrimp with a crispy, flavorful coating. Cooking shrimp in the air fryer ensures a tender inside with a lightly crisp exterior, making it a great option for a simple appetizer, main dish, or a protein-packed topping for salads and tacos.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound raw frozen shrimp (tail-off, deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving (Optional Additions)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Additional Parmesan cheese
- Dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or aioli
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, there is no need to thaw—cook them straight from the freezer for convenience.
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil to ensure an even coating.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and Parmesan cheese over the shrimp.
- Mix thoroughly to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasonings.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at 5 minutes to promote even crisping.
Cooking Pre-Cooked Frozen Shrimp
- If using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, reduce cooking time to 5 minutes at 400°F to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the shrimp hot with your preferred dipping sauce, over pasta, in tacos, or as a protein boost for salads.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Pro Tips and Variations
Enhance the Texture and Flavor
✔ Extra Crispy Coating: Add ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs to the seasoning mix for an extra crunch.
✔ Spicy Option: Mix in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
✔ Garlic Butter Shrimp: After air frying, toss the shrimp with melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley for a rich, buttery finish.
✔ Lemon Herb Shrimp: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp right before serving for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Different Serving Ideas
✔ Classic Appetizer: Serve with cocktail sauce or a creamy aioli.
✔ Shrimp Tacos: Use the shrimp in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and a lime crema.
✔ Shrimp Salad: Toss the shrimp over a crisp salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
✔ Shrimp and Rice Bowl: Serve the shrimp over steamed rice with roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Cooks in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Light: Uses minimal oil while keeping the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
Versatile: Can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or a topping for various meals.
Full of Flavor: The combination of Parmesan, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning adds depth to every bite.
This Air Fryer Shrimp is a perfect go-to recipe for a quick meal or a dish that will impress guests.