Hey y'all! Craving something juicy, fast, and packed with flavor? These 6-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp are about to become your go-to recipe! Whether you're prepping a last-minute weeknight dinner, serving up a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or adding protein to your salads, this recipe delivers succulent shrimp with crispy edges and sensational taste in a flash. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 6 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Delivers juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp every time.
- Requires only a handful of simple ingredients.
- Easy clean-up—no oil splatters or pans needed.
- Versatile as a main, appetizer, salad add-on, or taco filling.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Directions
Prep the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil until well coated.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the shrimp. Mix well to evenly season.
Preheat and Arrange
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding to ensure even cooking.
Air Fry the Shrimp
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, shaking or flipping the shrimp halfway through for best results.
- The shrimp are done when they turn opaque with slightly crispy edges and a light golden tint.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve with extra lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For the juiciest shrimp, don’t overcook—remove as soon as they’re pink and opaque.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model.
Variations
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Swap smoked paprika for lemon zest and extra black pepper.
- Cajun Style: Use Cajun seasoning in place of the paprika and garlic powder.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss with melted butter and minced garlic before air frying.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Not recommended for freezing after cooked, as texture may be compromised.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over a bed of rice, quinoa, or pasta with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice.
- Use as a protein-packed taco filling with slaw and creamy sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- Always spread shrimp in a single layer—not stacking—for even crispiness.
- Taste and adjust salt or spice to your preference just before serving.
- Don’t skip the lemon—bright citrus brings out the best in shrimp!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and air frying to ensure the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp will curl into a C-shape, turn pink, and become opaque with a light golden hue at the edges—they cook fast, so watch closely!
What size shrimp should I use?
Large (21–25 per pound) or extra-large shrimp work best for even cooking and juicy texture in the air fryer.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes.
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2In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano until well coated.
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3Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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4Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
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5Remove the shrimp and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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