This mouthwatering air fryer shrimp recipe delivers perfectly cooked seafood in just 15 minutes from start to finish. Packed with 14g of lean protein per serving and only 81 calories, it’s an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep.
The air fryer works its magic to create succulent, tender shrimp with a wonderfully crisp exterior – no excess oil needed. Whether you’re watching your calories or simply love quick, delicious seafood, this foolproof method guarantees restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
- Medium Sized Shrimp: 10 ounces, peeled and deveined for best results
- Garlic Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to enhance the savory flavor
- Oil: 1 teaspoon, helps achieve golden perfection
- Lemon Slices: Optional, but adds a bright, fresh finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Thaw your shrimp completely either overnight or under cold running water until fully defrosted
- Season: Place thawed shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with oil, ensuring even coating
- Add Flavoring: Sprinkle garlic salt over the shrimp and toss gently to distribute seasoning evenly
- Air Fryer Setup: Transfer the seasoned shrimp into your air fryer basket in a single layer
- Cook Time: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, remembering to flip halfway through for even cooking
- Final Touch: Serve hot with fresh lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest
Cooking Techniques
Air frying gives shrimp a wonderful crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside! The key to perfect air-fried shrimp is not overcrowding your basket – give those little guys room to crisp up. When you flip them halfway through cooking, give the basket a gentle shake to help them cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely pink color and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Try these easy changes:
- Replace garlic salt with Old Bay seasoning for a seafood boil flavor
- Add paprika or cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
- Use olive oil or avocado oil – both work great!
- If you have fresh garlic, mince 2 cloves and mix with regular salt instead of garlic salt Just keep the seasonings light so you can still taste the sweet, natural flavor of the shrimp!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy shrimp are super versatile! Serve them:
- Over a bed of rice with extra lemon wedges
- As an appetizer with cocktail sauce
- In tacos with fresh slaw and lime
- On top of a fresh green salad
- Alongside your favorite pasta They’re yummy hot or cold, making them perfect for any meal!
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right up! Try not to microwave them if you can help it, as they might get a bit rubbery. For best results, only cook as many as you plan to eat right away!
Air Fryer Shrimp
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 10 oz medium sized shrimp
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp oil
- lemon slices optional
Instructions
- Thaw shrimp overnight or under cold water. Place thawed shrimp in a bowl.
- Pour oil over the shrimp and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle the garlic salt over the shrimp and toss again to coat evenly.
- Place the seasoned shrimp into your air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with sliced lemons, or squeeze half a lemon over the cooked shrimp for flavor (optional).
