Fitness / May 21, 2024

Air Fryer Shrimp

Lose the fat and keep the flavor with this delicious air fryer shrimp recipe!

Table of Contents

Toggle

Next to chicken fingers, shrimp is probably my next favorite late-night appetizer from Applebee’s, especially when it’s fried. In college, me and my friends would venture to Applebee’s for their late-night two-for-one apps special. We’d gorge ourselves on fried goodies and lemonade without a thought. But I’m not in college anymore, and I try to watch my grease intake these days. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I love this air fryer shrimp. It’s quick, pretty healthy, and most importantly, delish!

The seasoning blend used in the recipe adds a burst of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the shrimp. One of the star ingredients is the sweet paprika; its subtly sweet and smoky flavor profile complements the garlic powder and dried parsley perfectly. Plus, with only two tablespoons of olive oil, this recipe won’t grease up your kitchen. If you prefer a crunch with your shrimp, try our air fryer breaded shrimp or air fryer coconut shrimp recipes instead!

Is Air Fryer Shrimp Healthy?

Compared to its deep-fried counterpart, this shrimp recipe is absolutely healthy! It uses minimal oil (which reduces the overall fat content) and shrimp are naturally low in calories and high in protein. You’ll even find some essential nutrients in these little guys. Shrimp are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. And if you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, this shrimp recipe fits perfectly due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content.

Proper spacing: the key to perfect air-fried shrimp

Unlike traditional frying methods, an air fryer relies on the circulation of hot air to cook food evenly and create a crispy texture. However, air fryer baskets are often deep, so it’s tempting to just stuff them to the brim – but if the shrimp are too crowded, the air cannot circulate properly. This leads to uneven cooking and soggy results. Nobody wants that! That’s why proper spacing is kind of a big deal.

Always, always, always, place the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If you have a large batch of shrimp, cook them in batches to maintain proper spacing. By giving the shrimp enough room to cook, they come out perfectly crispy and tender every time. That’s a guarantee.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
32 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (approximately 1 1/4 pounds)
Lemon wedges for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

Season

Combine oil and spices, and coat shrimp.

Arrange

Place shrimp in an air fryer in a single layer.

Cook

Air fry shrimp, and shake halfway until done.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

You can store leftover Air Fryer Shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You don’t want to mess with seafood, so toss the shrimp if it’s in your fridge longer than that. Alternatively, you can place the shrimp in a ziplock bag and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

I like fresh, but yes, you can. But don’t cook them frozen; thaw the shrimp first and then pat them dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp tends to be more moist than fresh.

How Can I Prevent Overcooking the Shrimp?

There’s no real trick here. Just keep a close eye on the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer shrimp is flavorful yet neutral enough to go with practically anything! For a light meal, pair them with a fresh beet salad and a side of our air fryer asparagus. They also make a great addition to tasty tofu tacos, pasta dishes, or rice. Add them to your next party and serve them with other air fryer faves like air fryer buffalo cauliflower or air fryer cheese curds!

Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 4

Cook Time 6

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 178kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
32 jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined (approximately 1 1/4 pounds)
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, and kosher salt.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
Serve the air-fried shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side.