Some dinners are just as easy to pull off with frozen shrimp as they are with fresh, and this air fryer shrimp is proof. Whether you've got a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer or just picked up fresh from the store, you can have this air fryer shrimp on the table in under 15 minutes.
If you're starting with frozen shrimp, just thaw them first (a quick run under cold water works in about 5-7 minutes), pat them dry, and follow the recipe as written.
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Ingredients
- Shrimp - Large shrimp cook quickly but still stay juicy. Make sure they're peeled and deveined for easy eating.
- Avocado oil - Has a high smoke point, so the shrimp cook without burning. Olive oil works too.
- Paprika - Adds warmth and color without overpowering the shrimp. Smoked paprika gives a deeper flavor.
- Garlic powder - The quick shortcut to garlicky flavor without chopping.
- Lemon - A squeeze at the end brightens everything up.
- If you like this easy seafood recipe, try my hot honey shrimp and shrimp bowls next!
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Shrimp in Air Fryer
- Mix the seasoning: Stir avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Season the shrimp: Add shrimp and toss until well coated. Let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat: Heat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Air fry: Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Finish and serve: Once pink and opaque, remove from the air fryer. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley if you like.
Can You Cook Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer Without Thawing?
You can air fry shrimp straight from frozen! Just cook them plain at 400°F for 8-10 minutes (instead of 5 min), shake halfway, then toss with oil and seasonings while they're still hot so the flavor sticks.
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Tips
- Just like the oven, I like to preheat the air fryer for the best texture.
- Smoked paprika adds a deeper, slightly smoky flavor.
- Frozen shrimp work fine, just thaw them in cold water for 10-15 minutes and pat them dry first.
- Shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
- Add chili flakes to the seasoning if you like some heat.
- Use jumbo shrimp for more of a main dish vibe.
- This seasoning also works great on scallops or fish fillets.
Serving Suggestions
- Lime Cilantro Rice or Cauliflower Rice
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Quinoa Kale Salad
Julia's Tip
Watch the cook time closely! Shrimp go from perfect to overdone in under a minute.
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To Freeze. Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To Make Ahead. Mix the seasoning and prep the shrimp earlier in the day. Cook just before serving.
To Reheat. Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.1 pound large shrimp
- Let the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, remove them from the air fryer. Serve the air fryer shrimp hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.lemon wedges, chopped parsley
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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