21 Perfect Air Fryer Recipes for Shrimp Every Time

Are you tired of rubbery, overcooked shrimp? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend! I’ve tested dozens of air fryer recipes for shrimp and handpicked 21 absolute winners that deliver perfectly cooked results every single time. From crispy coconut shrimp to zesty garlic butter varieties, these recipes will revolutionize how you prepare this delicious seafood.

As both a chef and nutritionist, I love that these air fryer recipes for shrimp use minimal oil while maximizing flavor. Plus, most cook in under 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!

Why Air Fryer Shrimp Is Superior

Air fryer recipes for shrimp have completely changed the game for home cooks. Here’s why:

• Perfect Texture: Get that crispy exterior and juicy interior every time
• Lightning Fast: Most shrimp air fryer recipes take just 6-8 minutes
• Healthier Option: Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying
• No Fishy Smell: Contains cooking odors better than stovetop methods
• Easy Clean-up: No oil splatters to wipe down afterward!

If you’ve been enjoying air fryer chicken wings but haven’t tried shrimp yet, you’re in for a treat!

Essential Tips For Air Fryer Shrimp Success

Before diving into our air fryer recipes for shrimp, let’s cover some basics:

Choosing the Right Shrimp

The foundation of great air fryer recipes for shrimp starts with quality ingredients:

• Size Matters: Medium to large shrimp (21-30 count) work best for most air fryer recipes
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Both work great! If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry
• Shell On or Off: This depends on the recipe, but removing shells often allows better seasoning penetration
• Deveined: Always devein your shrimp for the best eating experience

Prepping Your Shrimp

For perfect air fryer recipes for shrimp:

1. Pat completely dry with paper towels (crucial for crispiness!)
2. Season generously – shrimp can handle bold flavors
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket (cook in batches if needed)
4. Lightly spray with oil for better browning

Now let’s dive into these amazing air fryer recipes for shrimp!

Quick & Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes (Under 10 Minutes)

When time is tight but you still want delicious results, these air fryer recipes for shrimp will save dinner!

1. Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp

This simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe has become my go-to for quick dinners. The air fryer creates perfectly tender shrimp coated in a garlicky butter sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes.
2. Toss shrimp in the mixture until well coated.
3. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook at 380°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a simple salad. For more simple protein options, check out my air fryer salmon recipes too!

2. Lemon Pepper Shrimp

This zesty air fryer recipe for shrimp delivers bright, bold flavor in minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
2. Arrange in air fryer basket.
3. Cook at 370°F for 5-7 minutes until pink and opaque.

3. 5-Minute Cajun Shrimp

When you need dinner in a flash, this spicy air fryer recipe for shrimp delivers major flavor with minimal effort!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all seasonings in a bowl.
2. Toss shrimp with oil and seasoning mixture.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway.

This recipe pairs beautifully with rice or makes an excellent protein addition to salads. The air fryer creates the perfect texture without any risk of overcooking!

Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes

These air fryer recipes for shrimp deliver that satisfying crunch you crave without deep frying!

4. Crispy Coconut Shrimp

This restaurant favorite becomes incredibly easy with these air fryer recipes for shrimp techniques! The coconut exterior gets perfectly toasted while the shrimp stays juicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled with tails on
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Set up breading station: flour mixture in one bowl, beaten eggs in second, coconut and panko mixed in third.
2. Dredge each shrimp in flour, then egg, then coconut mixture, pressing to adhere.
3. Spray air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
4. Arrange shrimp in single layer and spray tops lightly with oil.
5. Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

For more crispy air fryer goodness, see my collection of frozen food made easy recipes!

5. Parmesan Crusted Shrimp

This air fryer recipe for shrimp creates a crispy, cheesy coating that’s utterly irresistible!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix Parmesan, panko, and seasonings in a bowl.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, then coat in Parmesan mixture.
3. Air fry at 380°F for 7-9 minutes until crust is golden.

6. Southern Style Breaded Shrimp

This classic air fryer recipe for shrimp delivers that down-home taste with a fraction of the oil!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• Oil spray

Instructions:

1. Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Dredge shrimp in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Spray air fryer basket and arrange shrimp in single layer.
5. Spray tops of shrimp lightly with oil.
6. Cook at 390°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway.

For more protein-packed air fryer ideas, check out my collection of air fryer chicken recipes!

Global-Inspired Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes

Take your taste buds on a world tour with these international air fryer recipes for shrimp!

7. Bang Bang Shrimp

This popular restaurant copycat air fryer recipe for shrimp features crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Oil spray

For sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Set up breading station: flour mixture, beaten eggs, and panko.
2. Dredge shrimp through each station.
3. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Mix sauce ingredients while cooking.
5. Toss hot shrimp in sauce and garnish with green onions.

8. Mexican Chili-Lime Shrimp

This zesty air fryer recipe for shrimp brings bold south-of-the-border flavors to your table in minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Zest of 1 lime
• Cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients except cilantro and lime wedges.
2. Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes if time allows.
3. Air fry at 380°F for 6-8 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or on its own! For more international flavors, explore my vegetarian recipes that pair beautifully with these shrimp.

9. Thai Sweet Chili Shrimp

This air fryer recipe for shrimp delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (plus more for serving)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Toss shrimp in sauce until coated.
3. Air fry at 370°F for 6-7 minutes.
4. Brush with additional sauce midway if desired.
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

According to a recipe by Preppy Kitchen, the key to this dish is not overcooking the shrimp, which the air fryer helps prevent!

Healthy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes

As a nutritionist, I love these nutritious air fryer recipes for shrimp that don’t sacrifice flavor!

10. Lemon Garlic Herb Shrimp

This light and flavorful air fryer recipe for shrimp is perfect for those watching their calories!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Air fry at 370°F for 6-7 minutes.
3. Serve over salad or with vegetables.

11. Protein-Packed Shrimp and Veggie Bowls

This complete meal air fryer recipe for shrimp gives you protein and vegetables in one go!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables with 1 tablespoon oil and half the seasonings.
2. Air fry vegetables at 380°F for 5 minutes.
3. Add shrimp (tossed with remaining oil and seasonings).
4. Continue cooking 6-7 minutes until shrimp is pink.

12. Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi

This air fryer recipe for shrimp delivers all the buttery garlic goodness without the pasta carbs!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zucchini noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and mix with garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper.
2. Toss shrimp in mixture.
3. Air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
5. Serve over zucchini noodles.

For more protein-focused recipes, check out my meat and chicken recipes collection!

Family-Friendly Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes

These crowd-pleasing air fryer recipes for shrimp will win over even picky eaters!

13. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious, this air fryer recipe for shrimp is a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and oil.
2. Toss shrimp in mixture, reserving some sauce.
3. Air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes.
4. Brush with reserved sauce halfway through.

14. Popcorn Shrimp

Kids love this bite-sized air fryer recipe for shrimp – perfect for dipping!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• Oil spray
• Ketchup or tartar sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. Set up breading station with seasoned flour, eggs, and panko.
2. Coat shrimp completely.
3. Spray basket with oil.
4. Air fry at 390°F for 5-6 minutes.

If you’re looking for more beginner-friendly recipes, check out my beginner recipes collection!

15. Shrimp Tacos

This fun build-your-own dinner uses a simple air fryer recipe for shrimp as its base!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings: avocado, slaw, cilantro, lime

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with oil and taco seasoning.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 6-7 minutes.
3. Serve with tortillas and toppings.

Gourmet Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes

Impress dinner guests with these restaurant-quality air fryer recipes for shrimp!

16. Shrimp Scampi with White Wine Sauce

This elevated air fryer recipe for shrimp makes a stunning dinner party main!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Salt and black pepper
• Linguine for serving

Instructions:

1. Air fry shrimp at 380°F for 5-6 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
3. Add wine, simmer 2 minutes.
4. Add lemon juice, zest, and seasonings.
5. Toss cooked shrimp in sauce.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve over pasta.

According to Serious Eats, using your air fryer for the shrimp portion creates perfectly cooked shrimp that aren’t rubbery!

17. Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp

This show-stopping air fryer recipe for shrimp makes an elegant appetizer!

Ingredients:

• 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
• 8 thin slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Wrap each shrimp with prosciutto strip.
2. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme and pepper.
3. Air fry at 370°F for 6-7 minutes until prosciutto is crisp.

18. Crab-Stuffed Shrimp

This decadent air fryer recipe for shrimp is perfect for special occasions!

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo shrimp, butterflied
• 4 oz crab meat
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 green onion, minced
• ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix crab, cream cheese, mayo, green onion, and Old Bay.
2. Fill butterflied shrimp with mixture.
3. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
4. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes.

Air Fryer Shrimp for Meal Prep

These make-ahead air fryer recipes for shrimp are perfect for busy weekday lunches!

19. Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers

This colorful air fryer recipe for shrimp creates perfectly portioned meal prep options!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1 bell pepper, chunked
• 1 red onion, chunked
• 1 zucchini, chunked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked

Instructions:

1. Toss all ingredients in seasonings.
2. Thread onto skewers.
3. Air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.

20. Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

This nutritious air fryer recipe for shrimp creates a balanced meal that reheats beautifully!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives
• ¼ cup feta cheese
• Lemon-herb dressing

Instructions:

1. Season shrimp with oil and spices.
2. Air fry at 375°F for 6-7 minutes.
3. Assemble bowls with quinoa, vegetables, and shrimp.
4. Store in containers up to 3 days.

Check out more helpful cooking advice in my tips and how-to guides!

21. Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

This low-carb air fryer recipe for shrimp is perfect for light yet satisfying lunches!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce
• Butter lettuce leaves
• Celery sticks
• Blue cheese dressing
• Green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with oil and seasonings.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 6-7 minutes.
3. Toss with buffalo sauce.
4. Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

For more delicious shrimp inspiration, you can check out these additional shrimp air fryer recipes on my blog!

FAQ About Air Fryer Recipes for Shrimp

Conclusion

These 21 air fryer recipes for shrimp showcase just how versatile and delicious this cooking method can be! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive appetizers, the air fryer delivers perfect results every time. The best part? Most of these recipes take less than 10 minutes of cooking time!

I’d love to hear which air fryer recipe for shrimp is your favorite! Drop a comment below and let me know which one you tried first.

Happy cooking!