Ultimate Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Guide - Crispy, Juicy, and Fast
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (reduce to 1/4 teaspoon if using table salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8–1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but brightens the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for finishing)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Serving ideas: lime wedges, tortillas, mixed greens, rice, or cocktail sauce
Instructions
- Pat dry the shrimp. Excess moisture leads to steaming instead of crisping. Use paper towels to get them as dry as possible.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). A hot basket helps with quick searing and better texture.
- Season the shrimp. In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lemon zest. Toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a single layer. Place shrimp in the air fryer basket without crowding. Work in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Air fry for 5–6 minutes. Flip halfway at the 3-minute mark. Shrimp are done when pink, opaque, and curled into a loose “C.” Avoid a tight “O,” which means overcooked.
- Finish and serve. Squeeze lemon juice over the hot shrimp. Garnish with herbs. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or sauces.
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