
The air fryer has revolutionized how I prepare shrimp. It's become my go-to method for quick appetizers and weeknight dinners. The results are consistently perfect - crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. Plus, it requires minimal oil for a healthier preparation.
Air Fryer Magic
This versatile appliance transforms shrimp into golden perfection in minutes. No more monitoring hot oil or cleaning up splatters. The air fryer ensures even cooking and reliable results every time, making it an indispensable tool for efficient meal preparation.
Ingredients Needed
- Shrimp: 500g cleaned and deveined
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons high-quality
- Garlic: 2 fresh cloves, minced
- Seasoning blend:
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Garnish: Fresh lemon and parsley
Quick Preparation Method
- Preheat
- Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while preparing ingredients.
- Season
- Combine oil, spices, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl to create the marinade.
- Coat
- Toss shrimp in the seasoned oil mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
- Serve
- Transfer to serving plate, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Pro Tips
For enhanced flavor, marinate shrimp for 30 minutes before cooking. Create a complementary garlic-yogurt dipping sauce. Experiment with smoked paprika for a grilled flavor profile. For visual appeal, add a pinch of turmeric to achieve a beautiful golden color.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen shrimp be used?
- Absolutely! Just make sure they're fully defrosted and dried off properly before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
- → How do you know when the shrimp are done?
- Shrimp are fully cooked when their color turns pink and they curl into a C shape. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- → Do the shrimp need to be flipped while cooking?
- Yep, flipping them halfway during cooking helps them get evenly crispy on all sides.
- → What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
- Medium-sized shrimp are just right. They cook evenly and stay nice and juicy.
- → How can these shrimp be served?
- Try them with fresh lemon wedges and parsley. They're great with salad, pasta, or even some rice.