19 Mind-Blowing Shrimp Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Crave
Are you looking for quick, delicious ways to prepare shrimp in your air fryer? You’ve come to the right place! These shrimp air fryer recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and so tasty you’ll want them in your regular rotation. As a chef and nutritionist, I’ve tested dozens of shrimp air fryer recipes to bring you this mouthwatering collection that combines convenience with incredible flavor.
Shrimp air fryer recipes have become incredibly popular, and for good reason! The air fryer creates perfectly cooked shrimp with a wonderful texture – juicy on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside – all in just minutes. Plus, you’ll use significantly less oil than traditional cooking methods, making these shrimp air fryer recipes healthier alternatives to deep-fried options.
Let’s dive into these 19 amazing shrimp air fryer recipes that will revolutionize your seafood game!
Table of Contents
Quick Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp
Before jumping into our shrimp air fryer recipes, here are a few universal tips to ensure success:
- Pat dry: Always pat your shrimp dry before seasoning for the best texture
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed for even cooking
- Shake or flip: Halfway through cooking to ensure even browning
- Watch closely: Shrimp cooks quickly – usually just 5-8 minutes total!
Now let’s explore these mouthwatering shrimp air fryer recipes that will have you reaching for your air fryer again and again!
Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp
This simple yet flavorful recipe is a perfect introduction to shrimp air fryer recipes. The garlic butter creates a rich, aromatic coating that’s irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Place shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
This classic shrimp recipe pairs beautifully with rice or pasta. For more protein-packed meal ideas, check out our air fryer salmon recipes that follow similar quick-cooking principles.
Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Craving something crispy? These coconut shrimp air fryer recipes deliver all the crunch without deep frying!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled with tails on
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Sweet chili sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Create a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and coconut mixed with panko, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with coconut mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer and spray tops lightly with oil.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
The contrast between the crispy coconut exterior and tender shrimp inside is absolutely magical! If you’re looking for more crispy air fryer creations, our air fryer chicken wings recipes use similar techniques for perfect crunchiness.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp
Kick things up a notch with this bold and spicy shrimp air fryer recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Let marinate for 10-15 minutes (if time allows).
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
This spicy shrimp is perfect over rice or in tacos! The Cajun spices create an incredible depth of flavor that transforms simple shrimp into a flavor explosion.
Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Sometimes simple is best! This lemon pepper shrimp air fryer recipe lets the natural sweetness of the shrimp shine through.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
The bright, citrusy flavor makes this one of those shrimp air fryer recipes you’ll come back to time and again. It’s perfect for a light summer dinner!
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Sweet, savory, and utterly delicious, this honey garlic shrimp air fryer recipe creates caramelized edges that are absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat.
- Marinate for 15-30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
This sweet and savory combination creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Parmesan Garlic Shrimp
Cheese lovers, rejoice! This shrimp air fryer recipe combines the savory goodness of Parmesan with aromatic garlic.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.
The Parmesan creates a delicious crust on the shrimp that’s hard to resist! This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple pasta or salad.
For other protein options with similar flavor profiles, explore our collection of meat and chicken air fryer recipes that use comparable seasoning techniques.
Buffalo Shrimp
Bring the wing joint flavor home with this spicy buffalo shrimp air fryer recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
- Celery sticks on the side
Instructions:
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Cook shrimp for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Meanwhile, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
- When shrimp are done, toss immediately with buffalo sauce mixture.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks.
This recipe transforms the classic buffalo wing experience into a quick shrimp dish that’s perfect for game day or any time you’re craving something spicy!
Mediterranean Shrimp
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with this flavorful shrimp air fryer recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crumbled feta and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Garnish with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
The Mediterranean herbs create an aromatic dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. For another Mediterranean-style seafood dish, check out this air fryer shrimp recipe that uses similar flavor principles.
Taco-Seasoned Shrimp
Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade with this Mexican-inspired shrimp air fryer recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Tortillas, avocado, slaw, and lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Combine olive oil, taco seasoning, lime juice, lime zest, and garlic in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss until coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
These shrimp cook in just minutes, making this one of the quickest shrimp air fryer recipes for taco night! The seasoning creates a perfect balance of flavors that pairs wonderfully with all your favorite taco fixings.
Teriyaki Shrimp
This Asian-inspired shrimp air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat.
- Let marinate for 15-30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
The teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a sticky-sweet coating that’s absolutely delicious over rice or noodles.
Blackened Shrimp
This bold shrimp air fryer recipe creates perfectly seasoned shrimp with a gorgeous spice crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Mix all spices in a bowl.
- Brush shrimp with olive oil, then coat with spice mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
The robust spice blend creates a “blackened” effect that’s packed with flavor but not burnt. Perfect for salads, grain bowls, or as a protein-packed snack!
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Transport your taste buds with this aromatic shrimp air fryer recipe featuring rich curry flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, coconut milk, and salt in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Let marinate for 15 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
The aromatic spices combined with coconut milk create a fragrant coating that’s absolutely delicious. Serve over rice to soak up all of that wonderful curry flavor.
If you’re looking for more beginners-friendly recipes like this one, our beginner air fryer recipes collection has more easy and flavorful dishes to try.
Garlic Parmesan Breaded Shrimp
This shrimp air fryer recipe creates a crispy coating without deep frying!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Create a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer and spray tops lightly with oil.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
The combination of crispy breadcrumbs and savory Parmesan creates an irresistible coating that’s perfect for dipping!
Simple Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Sometimes the simplest shrimp air fryer recipes are the most versatile!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, shell-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
The shells help protect the shrimp from overcooking and add extra flavor. Eat these with your fingers for a fun, hands-on appetizer!
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
This bright and zesty shrimp air fryer recipe is perfect for summer!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
The bright, fresh flavors make this perfect for tacos, salads, or served over rice. If you’re looking for more ways to use your air fryer, check out this collection of air fryer shrimp recipes for additional inspiration.
Old Bay Seasoned Shrimp
This East Coast-inspired shrimp air fryer recipe brings classic seafood flavors to your table in minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix melted butter, olive oil, and Old Bay seasoning in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
This classic seasoning creates restaurant-quality shrimp in minutes! The distinctive Old Bay flavor is perfect for a seafood feast at home.
Sesame Ginger Shrimp
This Asian-inspired shrimp air fryer recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Let marinate for 15-30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
The combination of sesame and ginger creates an aromatic dish that’s perfect over rice or noodles. The air fryer helps to caramelize the marinade for extra flavor!
Bang Bang Shrimp
This popular restaurant copycat shrimp air fryer recipe brings the flavor without all the oil!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
- Create a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with panko.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer and spray tops lightly with oil.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, mix sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss cooked shrimp with sauce and garnish with sliced green onions.
This lightened-up version delivers all the flavor of the popular restaurant dish but uses your air fryer instead of deep frying. The spicy-sweet sauce is absolutely addictive!
For more ways to use your air fryer for quick meals, check out our guide to frozen food made easy in the air fryer.
Greek Shrimp with Feta
This Mediterranean-inspired shrimp air fryer recipe combines tangy feta with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer to a serving dish and immediately top with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
The hot shrimp slightly melts the feta, creating a creamy, tangy topping that’s absolutely delicious. This recipe is perfect served with a Greek salad or over orzo pasta.
Tips for Cooking Shrimp in Your Air Fryer
To make the most of these shrimp air fryer recipes, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Size matters: Larger shrimp (16-20 count) work best in the air fryer as they’re less likely to overcook
- Temperature sweet spot: 370-390°F is ideal for most shrimp air fryer recipes
- Timing is everything: Shrimp cook quickly – usually 5-8 minutes total depending on size
- Prep properly: Always peel and devein unless a recipe specifically calls for shell-on shrimp
- Thaw completely: If using frozen shrimp, thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking
For more helpful air fryer techniques, check out our tips and how-to guides section.
FAQ About Shrimp Air Fryer Recipes
Can I cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes! Add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. For best results, check out this simple air fryer shrimp recipe that works well with frozen shrimp too.
How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink with red tails and opaque (not translucent). They’ll also have a slight C-shape – if they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked.
Can I reuse marinades used for raw shrimp?
Never reuse marinades that have touched raw shrimp unless you boil them first for food safety reasons.
What’s the best way to store leftover air fryer shrimp?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F.
Can I use these recipes if I follow a vegetarian diet?
While these specific recipes call for shrimp, many of the flavors and techniques can be adapted for plant-based proteins! Check out our vegetarian air fryer recipes for inspiration.
Final Thoughts on Shrimp Air Fryer Recipes
These 19 shrimp air fryer recipes showcase just how versatile this cooking method can be! From crispy coconut shrimp to spicy buffalo and aromatic curry versions, there’s something here for every palate. The best part? All these shrimp air fryer recipes come together in minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of effort.
The air fryer truly revolutionizes how we cook shrimp, providing that perfect texture without excess oil or complicated techniques. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a protein-packed topping for salads, or a delicious main dish, these shrimp air fryer recipes deliver incredible results every time.
Now it’s your turn! Which of these shrimp air fryer recipes will you try first? Do you have a favorite shrimp seasoning not mentioned here? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear how these recipes turn out for you!