Juiciest Air Fryer Shrimp

This extra-juicy air fryer shrimp is quick, healthy, and ready in under 10 minutes. Use fresh shrimp or thaw frozen shrimp — no breading required! Naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and perfect for salads, bowls, tacos, or an easy weeknight dinner.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 5

Total Time 7

Serving servings

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed if frozen)
2 tablespoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika, regular or smoked
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon

Instructions

Defrost (if needed): If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes.
Preheat: Set the air fryer to 380°F.
Pat the shrimp dry: Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning. You can leave the tails on, up to you!
Season shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Arrange: Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry: Air fry until the shrimp are pink and opaque — about 8 minutes for jumbo shrimp and 5 minutes for small shrimp.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Delicious in tacos, on salads, or as a main dish.

Notes

Use thawed shrimp: For best results, always thaw frozen shrimp before air frying so the seasoning sticks and they cook evenly.

Don’t overcrowd: Cook shrimp in a single layer — work in batches if needed. This helps them stay juicy with crisp edges.

Watch the time: Small shrimp cook in ~5 minutes, jumbo in ~8. They’re done when pink, opaque, and slightly curved (not a tight “C”).

Best served fresh: Shrimp dry out quickly, so enjoy right away. If reheating, air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

Flavor twists: Try Cajun, garlic butter, honey-lime, or lemon-pepper for easy variations.

Nutrition

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Italian

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