Golden crispy whole shrimp freshly cooked in an air fryer basket

Crispy Air Fryer Whole Shrimp – A Quick, Delicious Sea Treat!

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Whole Shrimp – A Quick, Delicious Sea Treat!
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g whole shrimp, deveined, shells on; 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin (choose fresh, cold-pressed for best flavor); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt (fine sea salt recommended); 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 4 n/a lemon wedges (for serving)

Home Page / Air Fryer Cooking Recipes / Cooking Air Fryer Shrimp

easy

10 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories180kcal

Carbs3gram

Fat6gram

Protein20gram

Ingredients

Quantity

whole shrimp, deveined, shells on500 g
olive oil, extra virgin (choose fresh, cold-pressed for best flavor)2 tbsp
garlic powder1 tsp
smoked paprika1 tsp
salt (fine sea salt recommended)1 tsp
black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
lemon wedges (for serving)4 n/a

Discover a quick and easy way to cook whole shrimp in your air fryer to achieve a crispy, flavorful treat that's perfect for any day. This recipe includes detailed steps to cook shrimp safely to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked seafood with a satisfying crunch. Using common ingredients and simple equipment, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet delivers bold flavors. The total ingredient cost is approximately $10 / €9 / £8 / ₹750. Each serving provides around 180 kcal, suitable for pescatarian and low-carb diets. Complexity: easy. Total time: 25 minutes, including prep and cooking.

Preparation instructions

Preheat your air fryer

1Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy texture on the shrimp.

Prepare the shrimp seasoning

2In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.

Coat the shrimp

3Add the whole shrimp into the bowl and toss gently to coat all shrimp evenly with the seasoning mixture. Make sure they are well-coated for the best taste and crispiness.

Arrange shrimp in air fryer basket

4Place the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding which can cause uneven cooking and reduce crispiness.

Cook the shrimp

5Air fry the shrimp at 200°C (390°F) for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through (at 4-5 minutes) to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Check for doneness

6Shrimp are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Check using a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a shrimp. They should be opaque and firm to touch.

Serve immediately

7Transfer the crispy shrimp to a serving plate. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the shrimp for a zesty finish.

Cooking Tips

-To avoid cross-contamination, always wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw shrimp.

-If you prefer spicier shrimp, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

-For extra crunch, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs over the shrimp before air frying.

-Don’t throw away the shrimp shells if you want to make seafood stock later; they add great flavor.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spoon for tossing
Food thermometer (recommended for safe cooking temperatures)
Measuring spoons
Plate for serving

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole shrimp (500g) – approx. $8.50 - Choose fresh or frozen shrimp with shells on and deveined for best flavor and ease.
[ ] Olive oil extra virgin (small bottle) – approx. $3.00 - Pick a fresh, cold-pressed bottle for best taste.
[ ] Garlic powder (small jar) – approx. $1.50 - Ensure a dry, clump-free powder for even seasoning.
[ ] Smoked paprika (small jar) – approx. $2.00 - Look for vibrant red color indicating freshness.
[ ] Lemon (1-2 pieces) – approx. $0.50 - Choose firm, heavy lemons with bright skin for juiciness.

Total approx. cost: $15.50 (you will have leftover spices for future use)

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. It’s best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper crispiness.

Why keep the shells on when cooking shrimp?

Keeping the shells on helps retain moisture and adds flavor. It also contributes to a crispier texture in the air fryer.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and firm. For safety, verify that the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) using a food thermometer.