These Air Fryer Shrimp are absolutely irresistible – they’re bursting with flavor and ready in nearly no time. Perfect for appetizers, salads, or tacos, this recipe may just become a go-to in your rotation!
Table of Contents
What Is Air Fryer Shrimp?
Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy way to enjoy perfectly seasoned, tender shrimp without the hassle of deep-frying or the cleanup from grilling. The air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook the shrimp evenly, giving them a lightly crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside. It’s a healthier alternative to frying and so versatile that you can pair it with just about anything – think salads, pastas, or rice dishes!
This recipe is all about bold, bright flavors that bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp. A blend of warm spices adds layers of savory goodness, while the air fryer locks in all the deliciousness. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a fast weeknight meal, air fryer shrimp is a win every time!
Ingredients You Need
- Paprika – Paprika adds a touch of smoky depth and rich color to the shrimp. You can also try smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky goodness!
- Sumac – This vibrant spice brings a hint of tanginess that makes the shrimp pop. It’s one of our favorite ways to elevate seafood dishes.
- Oregano – This spice provides a warm, earthy note to balance the zestiness of the other ingredients. Fresh or dried works equally well here.
- Thyme – We love using this herb because it adds an aromatic, slightly floral touch to the shrimp. It’s a classic pairing for seafood.
- Cumin – This warm, nutty spice deepens the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
- Black Pepper – A pinch adds subtle heat to highlight the spices in the mix. Freshly ground is always best for maximum flavor.
- Sea Salt – Salt brings out all of the flavors and ensures the shrimp is perfectly seasoned.
- Olive Oil – Just a little bit of olive oil helps the spices to stick to the shrimp.
- Shrimp – Juicy, tender shrimp are the star of this dish. Fresh or thawed raw shrimp works best to soak up all the flavors from the spice blend.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
- Prepare the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for easy handling. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the seasonings stick.
- Combine the spices. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, sumac, oregano, thyme, cumin, black pepper, and sea salt.
- Season the shrimp. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss them with a drizzle of olive oil. Then sprinkle the spice mix over the shrimp, tossing again to coat each piece.
- Preheat the air fryer. Allow your air fryer to preheat briefly to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the shrimp. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry until the shrimp turn pink and are slightly crisp on the outside.
- Serve and enjoy! Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a larger dish.
Variations
- Citrus Zest – Sprinkle lemon zest or lime zest into the spice mix for a fresh, zesty twist!
- Spice – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Protein – Try the spice mix on scallops or chunks of white fish for a different take.
- Fresh Herbs – Toss in some chopped cilantro or parsley after cooking for a burst of freshness!
- Garlic Powder – A sprinkle of garlic powder adds a savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
- Cajun Style – Swap the spices for a Cajun seasoning blend for a Southern-inspired version.
Can I Store Leftovers?
While air fryer shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for later use.
Refrigerate any extra shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
If you’d like to freeze them, ensure the shrimp are completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month in the freezer.
Common Questions about Air Fryer Shrimp
The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and they’ll spring back when lightly pressed.
Sure! Try tossing in some lemon slices, garlic cloves, or even a few sprigs of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
A little soap and warm water should do the trick. For stubborn bits, you can try soaking the basket in a solution of baking soda and water.
Yes, air frying is a much healthier way to cook shrimp. It uses less oil and helps to reduce the amount of fat and calories.
More Seafood Recipes
Looking for more ways to satisfy a seafood craving? These easy recipes are bound to do the trick!
Za’atar Baked Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350F.
- Whisk the spices and olive oil in a bowl.1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon sumac, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup olive oil
- Add the shrimp, and toss to combine.1 pound raw shrimp
- Arrange the shrimp in an even layer in a greased air fryer basket. Work in batches as needed!
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes or until opaque pink.
- Repeat, cooking all the shrimp, and enjoy!
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is such an easy dinner!