Air Fryer Shrimp is seasoned and tender jumbo shrimp cooked in an air fryer and ready to eat in about 10 minutes! Try my Shrimp Scampi if you are looking for a more traditional (and pan-seared) shrimp recipe!
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air-fried foods are lower in fat than deep-fried foods, which is one good reason to give it a try with a recipe like this. But, just because it saves on some fat and calories doesn’t mean it is light on flavor. Tossed in Old Bay seasoning (found in the spices sections of a grocery store), the shrimp has plenty of taste to eat as-is. Or, dip the shrimp in a side of cocktail sauce.
Shrimp Ingredients
It’s all about the shrimp in this recipe. I used frozen (and then thawed), tail-on jumbo shrimp that had been deveined and peeled. But, there are a lot of varieties of shrimp to choose from.
If you are buying fresh shrimp, it is up to you if you decide to devein the shrimp. Deveining is actually based on looks, not any other reason. To peel the shrimp, start underneath. It is up to you to leave the tail on or off.
To devein, make a slit (not too deep) along the back of the shrimp, pulling out the black vein with the tip of a knife. It’s really not as intimidating as it would seem. So, if already peeled and deveined shrimp are not an option for you, don’t skip on the recipe–try the fresh stuff!
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
It’s great how quick and easy this recipe is. In about 15 minutes, you can have an appetizer ready to share. Or, put the cooked shrimp over some rice to add some substance. First, toss the shrimp with the oil, salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning. Next, place the coated shrimp into the basket of your air fryer and cook for 10 minutes at 400°F. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the shrimp.
If you are using smaller shrimp, the cooking time may be less. On the other hand, if you are leaving the peel on the shrimp, cooking time may need to be increased. To double-check if the shrimp is done, the internal temperature should read 145°F.
What is the Best Air Fryer?
I have tested 3 brands in my home and I recommend the Ninja Air Fryer. (affiliate link) You can go up a size if needed, but it is superior in achieving consistent results and also ease of use. I’ve been very happy with this Air Fryer!
Skillet (or Pan Cooked) Shrimp
Follow the recipe up to step 3. Instead of placing the shrimp in an air fryer, place it in a skillet over medium heat. You could spray the skillet with non-stick spray first. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side (depending on size).
Air Fryer Shrimp
Air Fryer Shrimp is seasoned and tender jumbo shrimp cooked in an air fryer and ready to eat in about 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound tail-on jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- shrimp cocktail, for dipping
Instructions
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Spray the basket of an air fryer with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, add the shrimp, oil, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Toss to coat.
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Evenly spread out the shrimp in a single layer into the basket of the air fryer.
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Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you are using smaller shrimp, the cooking time may be less.
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Serve warm with cocktail sauce.
Looking for More Appetizers?
Most air fryers tell you not to spray the basket with nonstick spray , it shortens the life of the basket.
I like to be able to get my food out of it, so I will continue spraying it. If you choose not to, that is your choice.