Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe makes perfectly seasoned shrimp with crisp, golden edges and a tender, juicy center, all served with a homemade spicy remoulade sauce for dipping. They cook up in no time, making this easy shrimp recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, game day gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a quick taste of the coast.

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Seafood is one of the best candidates for air frying, and shrimp are especially good this way. In the South, we usually think of shrimp as being breaded and fried until crispy, but this recipe takes a lighter approach. These shrimp aren’t breaded at all; instead, they’re coated in a flavorful blend of seasonings that turns beautifully crisp in the air fryer. They cook in just minutes, too, making them a wonderful choice for busy weeknight dinners when you want something quick without sacrificing flavor.

Serve them with the homemade spicy remoulade sauce for dipping, or add them to a seafood platter for casual entertaining, game day gatherings, summer get-togethers, or a laid-back weekend supper. They have all the restaurant-quality flavor you crave, right from your own kitchen.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Air Fryer Shrimp: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Shrimps – Large shrimp peeled and deveined leaving the tails intact.
• Oil – Olive oil coats the shrimp adding richness to the flavor. Use classic or extra virgin olive oil. 
• Seasonings – Store-bought seafood seasoning i.e. Seafood Magic or Old Bay amps up the flavor.
• Spices – Smoked paprika, granulated garlic or garlic powder, salt, lemon pepper.
• Garnishes – Fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
• Spicy Remoulade Sauce – Mayonnaise, ketchup, whole grain mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, seafood seasoning i.e. Seafood Magic or Old Bay and garlic.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

• Season Shrimp – Place shrimp with tails on in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with oil then toss with seafood seasoning, paprika, garlic, salt and lemon pepper until evenly coated.
• Prepare Air Fryer – Spray the basket of an air fryer with cooking spray or brush with oil. Heat to 375°F.
• Transfer Shrimp to Basket – Arrange shrimp in basket of air fryer in a single layer, not touching.
• Cook – Cook per the cooking time in the recipe just until no longer pink.
• Make Remoulade Sauce – Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl whisking until combined. Place in an airtight container and chill until serving. This can done the day before or several hours in advance.
• Serve – Serve shrimp hot with remoulade garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Shrimp in Air Fryer

• Large Air Fryer.
• Medium bowl.
• Measuring spoons.
• Tongs.
• Citrus juicer.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Spices – You can use Cajun seasoning in place of seafood seasoning for Cajun shrimps or adapt using your favorite brand of seasoning mixture.
• Shrimp – The shrimp used in this recipe are large raw shrimp with tails on. If you choose to use a medium shrimp or smaller shrimp, the cooking time would need to be decreased as well.
• Fresh Herbs – You can garnish with basil, thyme or chives.
• Italian Variation – You can make air-fried shrimp using one teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for a flavor twist. Garnish with rosemary or basil.
• Allow Air to Circulate – Avoid overcrowding the shrimp in the air fryer basket. They should be cooked in batches, in a single layer without touching.
• Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time – The remoulade sauce is optional of course but it complements these shrimp beautifully. For the best flavor, whip it up in advance and chill in an airtight container in the fridge to allow the flavors to fully combine.
• Adjust Amounts – This ingredient amounts in this recipe will easily double. If you have time to cook several batches, go for it! Keep cooked shrimp warm on a sheet pan or platter.
• Serving Options – You can serve these shrimp as an entrée with pasta, with a baked potato and salad or as a delectable appetizer with picks when entertaining.
• Special Note – The nutritional analysis is provided as a courtesy and includes the remoulade sauce, which is optional.  You can serve shrimp with a simple squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – When making shrimp in an air fryer, they’re best made and eaten fresh. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in an air fryer or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftover shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

Side Dishes to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp

Whether you choose to serve these air fryer shrimp as an appetizer or as an entrée, I wanted to add a few side dish inspiration to round out your menu:

• Creamy chopped Southern Style Cole Slaw.
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad is everything you love about a baked potato that can be enjoyed chilled or warm.
• Hushpuppies are classic and always a hit!
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables made in the oven while the shrimp cooks in the air fryer.
• Should you choose Cajun seasoning, serve shrimps alongside a heaping helping of Cajun Dirty Rice.
• Salt and Vinegar Potatoes made in the oven.

More Shrimp Recipes to Make

Shrimp is one of our surf side favorites so, you’ll find it on our menu year round. A few other recipes you may like to add to your seafood menu:

• Buffalo Shrimp Recipe will bring the heat to meal time.
• Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil can be made with ease in the oven.
• Shrimp and Cheddar Grits are packed with flavor.
• Make these seasoned Baked Shrimp in the oven.
• Shrimp Dip Recipe for the holidays and game day.
• Sausage and Shrimp Kabobs from Gimme Some Grilling.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils