Make tender, juicy air fryer shrimp using fresh or frozen shrimp in about 15 minutes. This easy recipe includes separate cooking instructions for raw and precooked shrimp, so you can get the timing right without overcooking them.
Season the shrimp simply and serve them with the optional creamy remoulade sauce for a quick appetizer or weeknight dinner.
Air fryer shrimp cook quickly with minimal oil and simple seasonings. This recipe covers fresh and frozen shrimp, including raw and precooked varieties, with separate instructions to help prevent overcooking. Serve them with optional homemade remoulade sauce for a quick appetizer or dinner. Or pair it with Air Fryer Asparagus, Yuca Fries, or rice for a complete meal.
Quick Look: Air Fryer Shrimp
- 🍤 Shrimp Options: Fresh or frozen shrimp, either raw or precooked.
- ⏱️ Prep & Cook Time: About 15 minutes for the shrimp, depending on their size, starting temperature, and air fryer model. Optional remoulade sauce takes additional time.
- 🔥 Cooking Method: Air frying with minimal oil and separate cooking instructions for all four shrimp types.
- 🌡️ Cooking Temperature: Follow the temperature and timing specified for your shrimp type in the recipe instructions.
- ✅ How to Tell When It's Done: Raw shrimp should be opaque, firm but not rubbery, and reach 145°F (63°C). Precooked shrimp only need to be heated through.
- 🌿 Flavor & Texture: Tender, juicy shrimp with savory seasoning and lightly crisp edges.
- 🥣 Sauce: Optional creamy, tangy remoulade sauce for dipping or serving.
- 🍽️ Best For: Quick dinners, appetizers, salads, tacos, and rice bowls.
- 💡 My Tip: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer with space between them. Check early, especially when reheating precooked shrimp, to prevent a tough, rubbery texture.
- Why This Recipe Works: The air fryer circulates hot air around the shrimp for quick, even cooking, and the seasoned oil helps keep them juicy without needing breading.
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Jump to:
- Quick Look: Air Fryer Shrimp
- Chef's Notes from Valentina
- Ingredients
- Substitutions And Additions
- How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
- How Long to Cook Shrimp in an Air Fryer
- Expert Tips for Air Fryer Shrimp
- FAQ About Air Fryer Shrimp
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
- More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Shrimp (from Frozen or Fresh)
- Storage and Reheating
Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Shrimp
- Jumbo shrimp – 1 pound: Use peeled and deveined shrimp, with tails on or off. Fresh or frozen shrimp work, whether raw or precooked, but follow the corresponding cooking instructions because their cooking times differ.
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons: Helps the seasonings coat the shrimp evenly and encourages light browning in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon: Provides an even garlic flavor without the risk of fresh minced garlic scorching at high heat.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon: Seasons the shrimp. Adjust only if your shrimp are already salted or seasoned.
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon: Adds mild heat and complements the garlic and paprika.
- Italian seasoning – ½ teaspoon: Adds a blend of dried herbs for a savory flavor.
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon: Contributes color and a mild, earthy sweetness. Regular sweet paprika works well.
- Dijon mustard – ¼ teaspoon, optional: Adds subtle tanginess to the seasoning mixture.
For the Optional Remoulade Sauce
- Mayonnaise – ½ cup: Creates the creamy base.
- Ketchup – 1 tablespoon: Adds sweetness, acidity, and color.
- Hot sauce – ½ tablespoon: Provides heat and tanginess; adjust to taste.
- Whole-grain mustard – 2 tablespoons: Adds a pleasantly sharp flavor and a little texture.
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped: Adds freshness.
- Capers – 1 tablespoon, drained: Provide a briny contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon: Brightens the sauce and balances its richness.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Cooking Fresh Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes.
- Mix the seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional Dijon mustard.
- Season the shrimp: Pat the fresh raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Add them to the bowl and toss until coated with the seasoned oil.
- Arrange in the basket: Place the shrimp in a single layer with a little space between each piece. There's no need for cooking spray because the shrimp are already coated in oil.
- Air fry: Cook for approximately 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Start checking a little earlier if the shrimp are smaller. They should be opaque and firm but still tender, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Add cooking time in short increments if needed.
Cooking Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 400°F (205°C) for at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare the seasoning: Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional Dijon mustard in a large bowl.
- Partially thaw the shrimp: Place the frozen raw shrimp directly in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until they have softened enough to separate and season. This initial stage is for thawing, not fully cooking the shrimp. PIC. 1 & 2
- Dry and season: Transfer the shrimp to a bowl using a slotted spoon. Pat them dry with paper towels, then toss with the prepared seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the basket: Discard the accumulated water and carefully dry the basket. Use heat-resistant gloves or mitts to protect your hands from the hot surface.
- Finish cooking: Return the seasoned shrimp to the basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Air fry for approximately 5 more minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness and adjust the time as needed. The shrimp should be opaque throughout and reach 145°F (63°C). PIC. 3 & 4
Note: Cooking spray isn't necessary because the shrimp are already coated in olive oil.
Cooking Precooked Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Fresh precooked shrimp: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Coat the shrimp with the olive oil and seasoning mixture, then arrange them in a single layer. Air fry for approximately 3–5 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
- Frozen precooked shrimp: Place the frozen shrimp in the preheated air fryer for approximately 5 minutes, or until softened enough to separate and season. Remove with a slotted spoon, pat dry, and toss with the seasoned oil. Carefully empty and dry the basket before returning the shrimp for approximately 3 more minutes, just until heated through. Adjust the time based on shrimp size and your air fryer.
Making Remoulade Sauce
- Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, whole-grain mustard, chopped parsley, drained capers, and lemon juice until evenly blended.
- Serve: Enjoy the shrimp with homemade remoulade as an appetizer, or pair them with rice, noodles, asparagus, or another side for a main dish.
How Long to Cook Shrimp in an Air Fryer
At 400°F (205°C), jumbo shrimp take approximately 5 minutes when fresh and raw, or 10 minutes when cooked from frozen using the two-stage method in this recipe. Precooked shrimp require less time because they only need reheating.
The exact time depends on shrimp size, whether they are raw or precooked, and your air fryer model.
| Shrimp Type | Approximate Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Fresh raw shrimp | 5 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Fresh precooked shrimp | 3–5 minutes, until heated through |
| Frozen raw shrimp | 10 minutes total: 5 minutes to partially thaw, then 5 minutes after seasoning |
| Frozen precooked shrimp | 8 minutes total: 5 minutes to partially thaw, then 3 minutes to reheat |
How to check for doneness: Raw shrimp should turn opaque throughout and feel firm but tender, not rubbery. For food safety, cook raw shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Precooked shrimp only need to be reheated.
These times are guidelines for jumbo shrimp. Check smaller shrimp earlier and allow additional time for larger shrimp or air fryers that heat less aggressively.
FAQ About Air Fryer Shrimp
Yes. Shell-on shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer, and the shells can help retain moisture. For this recipe, peeled and deveined shrimp are preferable because the garlic and herb seasoning coats the flesh directly. Check doneness rather than relying on the exact cooking time for peeled shrimp.
Avoid cooking them longer than necessary. Start checking before the suggested time if your shrimp are smaller than jumbo, and transfer them out of the hot basket promptly once cooked.
Yes. Cook the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Keep finished batches covered loosely while the remaining shrimp cook, and avoid reheating them repeatedly.
Raw shrimp that remain translucent or gray in the center need more cooking. Properly cooked shrimp should be opaque throughout and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Check the thickest part of a shrimp with a food thermometer when possible.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
- Rice and Noodles: Pair the shrimp with white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for an easy dinner.
- Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts complement the garlic and herb seasoning.
- Potatoes and Starchy Sides: Roasted potatoes, potato wedges, or Mashed Sweet Potatoes pair well with the shrimp and remoulade.
- Salads: A green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Appetizers: Arrange tail-on shrimp on a platter with remoulade, cocktail sauce, or lemon wedges for dipping.
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Air Fryer Shrimp (from Frozen or Fresh)
Equipment
- pair of tongs
- slotted spoon
- bowl
Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Shrimp
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp – peeled and deveined, tails on or off (frozen or fresh, cooked or raw)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard – optional
Optional Remoulade Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon parsley – chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers – drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Cooking Fresh Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes.
- Mix the seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional Dijon mustard.
- Season the shrimp: Pat the fresh raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Add them to the bowl and toss until coated with the seasoned oil.
- Arrange in the basket: Place the shrimp in a single layer with a little space between each piece. There's no need for cooking spray because the shrimp are already coated in oil.
- Air fry: Cook for approximately 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Start checking a little earlier if the shrimp are smaller. They should be opaque and firm but still tender, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Add cooking time in short increments if needed.
Cooking Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 400°F (205°C) for at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare the seasoning: Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional Dijon mustard in a large bowl.
- Partially thaw the shrimp: Place the frozen raw shrimp directly in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until they have softened enough to separate and season. This initial stage is for thawing, not fully cooking the shrimp.
- Dry and season: Transfer the shrimp to a bowl using a slotted spoon. Pat them dry with paper towels, then toss with the prepared seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the basket: Discard the accumulated water and carefully dry the basket. Use heat-resistant gloves or mitts to protect your hands from the hot surface.
- Finish cooking: Return the seasoned shrimp to the basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Air fry for approximately 5 more minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness and adjust the time as needed. The shrimp should be opaque throughout and reach 145°F (63°C).Note: Cooking spray isn't necessary because the shrimp are already coated in olive oil.
Cooking Precooked Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Fresh precooked shrimp: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Coat the shrimp with the olive oil and seasoning mixture, then arrange them in a single layer. Air fry for approximately 3–5 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
- Frozen precooked shrimp: Place the frozen shrimp in the preheated air fryer for approximately 5 minutes, or until softened enough to separate and season. Remove with a slotted spoon, pat dry, and toss with the seasoned oil. Carefully empty and dry the basket before returning the shrimp for approximately 3 more minutes, just until heated through. Adjust the time based on shrimp size and your air fryer.
Making Remoulade Sauce
- Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, whole-grain mustard, chopped parsley, drained capers, and lemon juice until evenly blended.
- Serve: Enjoy the shrimp with homemade remoulade as an appetizer, or pair them with rice, noodles, asparagus, or another side for a main dish.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the remoulade separate, and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Freeze: Freezing isn't recommended because the shrimp may lose their tender texture. If needed, store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best quality. Reheat: Warm the shrimp in the air fryer for approximately 2 minutes, until they reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid overheating to keep them tender.Nutrition
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Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
Since I'm retired and my wife still works full-time, I do most of the cooking. I was looking for low carb side dish options when I found your recipe. I like simple, so I gave it a try. I used pre-cooked, frozen jumbo shrimp. I didn't make the Remoulade sauce, just the simple spice mix. It was delicious! Thanks!
Hi Robert! I am so glad you tried our air fryer shrimp recipe. Yes, it is delicious the shrimp by itself. But if you make this recipe again, I recommend trying it with the remoulade sauce. It is even more delish. My husband and I can't get enough of it! Sometimes I have to double the recipe. 🙂
Excellent recipe! I love the seasonings! Will make the remoulade sauce next time! Thanks so much.
Hi Lynn! I am so glad you enjoyed our air fryer shrimp recipe. Yes, the remoulade sauce makes this dish even more delish.
I'm still one of those cooks who does not own either an air fryer or an instant pot. I'm still cooking the old fashioned way and can always improvise.
This looks wonderful. Really need to get an air fryer! Good stuff -- thanks.
This recipe is EXQUISITELY DELISH!!! Thanks for sharing such deliciousness!!!
Hi Susie! The pleasure is all mine. I am glad you enjoyed our air fryer shrimp.
That looks really amazing for an airfryer dish
This shrimp looks incredibly yummy, thanks for sharing this easy recipe!