This air fryer shrimp recipe is a fast, flavorful, and foolproof family meal or party appetizer idea. Deliciously spiced, it’s the ultimate weeknight hack for effortless dinners, meal prep, or even last-minute entertaining. Make it in 15 minutes or less!
Combine the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and toss in the seasoning until they are evenly coated. Set aside and marinate for about 10 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 °F for about 3 to 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 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Shrimp are done once they turn pink and opaque.
Remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with a parsley garnish and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels so they crisp instead of steam.
Lay them out in a single layer for even cooking and that golden edge.
Shrimp cook quickly—watch closely so they don’t turn rubbery.
For extra flavor, let them sit in oil and seasonings for up to an hour before cooking.
Add crunch with sesame seeds, peanuts, or crispy garlic, or bring the heat with sriracha, chili oil, or cayenne.
Have your sides ready since shrimp cool fast and can lose their texture if they sit too long.
Serve: Air fryer shrimp works with just about anything—pair it with dips for parties, toss it over rice or pasta, tuck it into tacos or wraps, or add it to salads for a filling meal.Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350 F for 2–3 minutes so they stay crispy, or enjoy them cold in salads or wraps. Avoid overheating, since shrimp can turn rubbery.