Golden shrimp with a little char on the edges, tender inside, ready before your oven even finishes preheating. Air Fryer Shrimp might be the simplest weeknight win you’ll make all month and it tastes like something you’d order out.
I started testing this back in 2019 when a reader asked if frozen shrimp would work (they do, brilliantly). The trick is patting them bone-dry before seasoning moisture is the enemy of that crispy edge. After dozens of batches, I can tell you: eight minutes at 400°F is the sweet spot every time.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Easy Crispy and Delicious
Enjoy perfectly crispy and juicy Air Fryer Shrimp in just minutes! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and quick cooking to deliver succulent shrimp that’s perfect for tacos, salads, pasta, or a tasty snack. Fast and fuss-free shrimp cooked right in your air fryer every time.
1 lb / 450 g shrimp or prawns large peeled deveined
2 tablespoons / 30 ml light olive oil
1 teaspoon / 2 g paprika
1 teaspoon / 3 g garlic powder
½ teaspoon / 3 g salt
¼ teaspoon / 0.5 g black pepper
Method
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C).
Dry the shrimp thoroughly then combine them with olive oil and the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper seasoning in a bowl. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket occasionally, until they are cooked through and light golden in color. Keep a close eye near the end to prevent overcooking.
Notes
Use either shrimp or prawns according to preference. Adjust cooking times based on shrimp size, increasing for larger and decreasing for smaller ones. Substitute any high smoke point oil if preferred. Alternatively, a premade seasoning mix of approximately 3 teaspoons can be used. Confirm doneness using an instant-read thermometer aiming for at least 145°F (63°C).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to have perfectly cooked shrimp on the table faster than takeout arrives. No oil splatter on your stovetop, no preheating a full-sized oven, and no guesswork about when they’re done.
Lightning fast: From fridge to plate in 13 minutes flat
Foolproof: The air fryer circulates heat so evenly, you’d have to really try to mess these up
Endlessly versatile: Toss them in pasta, pile them on salads, tuck them into tacos, or eat them warm with cocktail sauce while standing at the counter
Healthier than frying: All that crispy-edged goodness with just two tablespoons of oil
What You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes where the ingredient list fits on a sticky note. You probably have most of it already.
For the shrimp: Look for large peeled and deveined shrimp (the 31/40 count works beautifully). Frozen works just as well as freshjust thaw them completely and pat them bone-dry with paper towels. That step matters more than you’d think.
For the seasoning: Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper create a simple blend that lets the shrimp shine. Light olive oil helps everything stick and encourages those golden edges. If you’ve got a favorite Cajun or Old Bay seasoning in your cabinet, use about 3 teaspoons of that instead.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
The whole process is almost comically simple. Pat the shrimp dry (seriously, use extra paper towels), toss them with oil and seasonings in a bowl, then spread them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Don’t pile them on top of each other or they’ll steam instead of getting those crispy edges.
Set your timer for 8 minutes at 400°F and check them around the 7-minute mark. They’re done when they’ve turned pink and opaque with little charred spots on the edges. If you want to be precise, an instant-read thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest part.
Shrimp Size
Cook Time at 400°F
Notes
Small (51/60 count)
5–6 minutes
Check early; they cook fast
Large (31/40 count)
8–10 minutes
Perfect for this recipe
Jumbo (21/25 count)
10–12 minutes
Flip halfway for even browning
Tips for Getting Them Just Right
Don’t skip the pat-dry step. Wet shrimp steam instead of crisping up. I use three or four paper towels and really press downit makes all the difference.
Single layer only. If you’re cooking more than a pound, work in batches. Overlapping shrimp means rubbery texture, and nobody wants that.
Check them early. Air fryers vary wildly in how they heat. Start peeking at 7 minutes, especially if your shrimp are on the smaller side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast, and there’s no coming back from that.
How to Swap and Serve
Once you’ve got the basic technique down, this recipe becomes a blank canvas. Swap the paprika for smoked paprika if you want a little campfire vibe, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat. I’ve also used avocado oil when I’m out of olive oilanything with a high smoke point works.
Use
Serving Ideas
Taco Night
Warm tortillas, shredded cabbage, lime crema
Pasta Dinner
Toss with garlic, lemon, and olive oil over linguine
Salad Topper
Add to greens with avocado and citrus vinaigrette
Snack Plate
Serve with cocktail sauce or garlic aioli for dipping
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I’ll be honestthey’re best fresh, but cold shrimp are wonderful chopped into salads or grain bowls the next day.
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that crispy edge you worked so hard to get.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Shrimp )
What temperature should I cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Cook shrimp at 400°F for the best results. This high temperature creates a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Cooking times typically range from 5-8 minutes depending on the size of your shrimp.
How long does it take to cook shrimp in an air fryer?
Medium shrimp cook in 5-6 minutes, while jumbo shrimp need 7-8 minutes. Always flip halfway through for even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with an internal temperature of 145°F.
Should I preheat my air fryer before cooking shrimp?
Yes, preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F before adding the shrimp. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Preheating also reduces the overall cooking time.
Do I need to thaw frozen shrimp first?
Always thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking this recipe. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cooking frozen shrimp directly can result in uneven cooking and a rubbery texture.
Can I use oil spray on the shrimp?
A light coating of oil or cooking spray helps achieve better browning and prevents sticking. Use about 1 teaspoon of olive oil or a few sprays of cooking spray. Too much oil can make this dish greasy instead of crispy.
You’re about to pull Air Fryer Shrimp out of your basket in just eight minutes, golden-edged and perfectly tender. That little char on the tips? Pure magic. No mess, no second-guessing, and dinner’s done before you’ve finished setting the table.
Try tossing them with lime juice and cilantro for taco night, or drizzle with garlic butter if you’re feeling fancy. They’re incredible cold on salads the next day, too. A trick I learned shopping Texas farmers markets: buy frozen wild-caught shrimp when they’re on sale and keep a bag in your freezer for nights like this.
Did you serve these at a weeknight dinner that turned into something special? I’d love to hear how you used them. Snap a photo, tag a friend who needs an easy win, or tuck this recipe away for the next time you’re craving something quick and satisfying. Here’s to simple suppers that feel like a treat.
