Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a delicious and healthy meal. Here’s a simple 10-minute recipe for air fryer shrimp:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with the olive oil and all the seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper). Toss the shrimp to evenly coat them with the seasonings.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; if needed, cook the shrimp in batches.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Place the shrimp-filled basket into the preheated air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your shrimp and the specific model of your air fryer. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
- Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for extra flavor. You can garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve your air fryer shrimp as a main dish with a side of your choice, such as a salad, rice, or pasta. It’s also great for making shrimp tacos or adding to a stir-fry.
This easy air fryer shrimp recipe is not only quick to prepare but also results in perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp with a hint of spice. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
1. Marinade Options:
- Consider marinating the shrimp for 20-30 minutes before air frying for even more flavor. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices.
2. Breading:
- For a crispy coating, you can lightly coat the seasoned shrimp in breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes before air frying.
3. Skewers:
- Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers to make shrimp skewers. This is a great way to prevent the shrimp from falling through the air fryer basket, and it also looks great for presentation.
4. Dipping Sauces:
- Serve your air fryer shrimp with dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli for added flavor.
5. Spice Level:
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of your shrimp. You can omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
6. Side Dish Ideas:
- Pair your air fryer shrimp with a variety of side dishes like steamed vegetables, coleslaw, a simple green salad, or some roasted potatoes.
7. Leftovers:
- If you have leftover air fryer shrimp, they can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. They are also great for adding to salads or making shrimp tacos.
8. Garnish Options:
- Besides parsley or cilantro, you can garnish your shrimp with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
9. Cooking Time Variations:
- Shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer, so be cautious not to overcook them. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your shrimp. Larger shrimp may require a minute or two longer, while smaller shrimp may cook faster.
10. Experiment with Seasonings: – Get creative with your seasonings! Try different herbs and spices like cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, or even a bit of curry powder for a unique flavor profile.
Remember that air fryer models can vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on your shrimp and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they come out perfectly cooked and not overdone. Enjoy your delicious air fryer shrimp!
