Air Fryer Shrimp in Under 10 Minutes

Name: Air Fryer Shrimp That's Ready in Under 10 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges, for serving

The first time I made air fryer shrimp, I couldn't believe how fast it happened. I tossed a bowl of shrimp with garlic and paprika, spread them out in the basket, and by the time I'd set the table they were done. Juicy inside, with those little crispy edges you usually only get from a screaming hot pan. No splattered stove, no standing guard with a spatula.

These are the shrimp I make on a Tuesday when I'm hungry and out of patience. Toss them over rice, pile them into tacos, or just eat them straight off the cutting board (guilty).

Ingredient notes and swaps

Go for large or jumbo shrimp if you can. Smaller ones cook too fast and turn rubbery before you blink. I like buying them peeled and deveined with the tail on, but tail-off is fine for tacos. Frozen works great, just thaw them fully and pat them dry, because water is the enemy of crisp. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon are my go-to, but Cajun seasoning or a chili-lime blend are both excellent.

Tips and common mistakes

Don't crowd the basket. Shrimp need room to breathe or they steam instead of browning. Dry them well before seasoning, and give them a light coat of oil so the spices stick. Watch the clock, too. Shrimp go from perfect to chewy in about a minute, so pull them the second they turn opaque and pink.

Recipe

Prep

10 min

Cook

8 min

Total

18 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne until evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 400F for 2-3 minutes.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are opaque and pink with crispy edges.
Transfer to a plate, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories

165 kcal

Protein

24 g

Carbs

2 g

Fat

7 g

Estimated values. Actual nutrition varies with brands and portion sizes.

Overhead shot of raw shrimp tossed in paprika and garlic oil in a glass bowl on a wooden counter, soft daylight, 35mm

Storage and reheating

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes so they don't dry out. I wouldn't microwave them unless you enjoy the texture of a pencil eraser.

Ways to serve them

Shrimp tacos with slaw, a big Caesar salad, garlicky pasta, or a rice bowl with avocado. They're also great cold, tossed into a quick shrimp cocktail with lemon and cocktail sauce.