Okay, so let’s talk about air frying. Ever since I got my air fryer, I’ve been obsessed with making everything crispy without all the grease. Like, I love fried food, but I do not love the mess (or the guilt) that comes with deep frying. And if you’re like me—aka a busy mom trying to keep meals simple but still so good—then you’re gonna love this Air Fryer Fried Shrimp recipe.
This one’s a total keeper. It’s quick, crispy, and packed with flavor—without all the extra oil. I’m talkin’ golden, crunchy Air Fried Shrimp that comes together in minutes. Whether you need an easy dinner, a last-minute appetizer, or just a new go-to Air Fryer Seafood Recipe, this one’s got you covered. And trust me, even the picky eaters will be all over it.
So if you’ve been wondering how to cook shrimp in an air fryer or looking for new air fryer recipes to add to your rotation, this is it. It’s one of my favorite Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes Easy, and you can serve it up in so many ways—tacos, salads, pasta, or just straight off the plate (no judgment). If you’re all about easy air fryer recipes healthy enough for the fam but still super tasty, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it!
Why This Recipe Slaps
- Takes like 10 minutes. No joke. Faster than waiting on takeout.
- Crispy and flavorful. We don’t do soggy shrimp here.
- Healthier than deep frying. Less oil, same crunch. Win-win.
- Super versatile. Eat them as is, toss on a salad, or stuff in tacos. Endless possibilities.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just some basic pantry staples:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, whatever works)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (adds a little smoky vibe)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a little heat)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (trust me, makes them extra crispy)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (because cheese makes everything better)
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley (for serving)
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
First things first—pat those shrimp dry with a paper towel. This step is important because if they’re wet, they won’t get crispy. And we want that crunch.
Throw them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Then sprinkle on the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne (if you like a little spice). Toss it all together until the shrimp are nice and coated.
Step 2: Add the Crunch
In a separate bowl, mix the panko and parmesan. Now, take each shrimp and give it a little roll in the breadcrumb mixture so it’s evenly coated. No need to get fancy here, just press the crumbs on so they stick.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Pop the shrimp in your air fryer in a single layer. No stacking, no overlapping—give them space so they crisp up properly. Work in batches if you need to.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. If they look a little pale, let them go another minute or two.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
As soon as they’re done, hit them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. Then dig in immediately, because crispy shrimp waits for no one.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Shrimp need space to crisp up—cook in batches if needed.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning. Wet shrimp equals no crunch.
- Dipping sauces make everything better. Cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo are all great choices.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
- Over garlic butter pasta
- Stuffed into shrimp tacos with slaw and avocado
- With a side of rice and veggies
- On top of a big salad for extra protein
- Or just straight off the plate
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to flip the shrimp while air frying?
Nope! The air fryer circulates heat all around, so flipping isn’t necessary. But if you want to be extra sure they crisp up evenly, you can shake the basket at the halfway mark.
What’s the best way to reheat air fryer shrimp?
To keep them crispy, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you want sad, rubbery shrimp (trust me, don’t do it).
How do I store leftovers?
If you actually have leftovers (which, let’s be real, probably won’t happen), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just don’t expect them to be quite as crispy when reheated.
Can I use a different seasoning?
For sure! This recipe is super flexible. Try Cajun seasoning for a little kick, lemon pepper for a fresh vibe, or garlic parmesan for extra richness. You really can’t go wrong.
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
Step 2: Add the Coating
- In a bowl, mix panko and parmesan.
- Press shrimp into the mixture to coat evenly.
Step 3: Air Fry
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Squeeze fresh lemon on top, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Quick Tips
- Do not overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray shrimp with oil before air frying.
- Reheat leftovers at 375°F for 2 to 3 minutes in the air fryer.
Alright, so if you’ve been looking for new air fryer recipes to add to your lineup, this Air Fryer Fried Shrimp is definitely one to try. It’s quick, crispy, and packed with flavor—without all the extra oil and mess of deep frying. And let’s be real, anything that saves time and keeps the kitchen from turning into a grease disaster? That’s a win in my book.
Whether you’re new to air fried food or already obsessed with all the air fryer ideas, this one’s a keeper. It’s one of my favorite Air Fryer Seafood Recipes because it works for literally any meal—toss them in tacos, throw ‘em on a salad, or just eat them straight off the plate (no judgment). Plus, if you’ve been wondering how to cook shrimp in an air fryer, this is as easy as it gets.
So go ahead, grab that shrimp and get air frying! And if you try this, let me know—because I know I’m not the only one out here obsessed with finding the best Airfryer Shrimp Recipes.
