Description
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring large shrimp seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a hint of cayenne for optional heat. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, juicy texture without excess oil, it’s served with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Ideal for a healthy, fast dinner or appetizer, this recipe yields 4 delicious servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the shrimp evenly.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil. Then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat all the shrimp thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Arrange Shrimp in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding them to allow hot air to circulate properly for even cooking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and develop a light crisp on the outside.
- Check for Doneness: Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over just before eating to add brightness and acidity.
Notes
- For best results, pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance or omit for a milder flavor.
- You can double the recipe but cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket.
- Serve as a main dish with rice or salad or as a tasty appetizer.
- Use frozen shrimp, thawed and patted dry, if fresh shrimp are unavailable.
