Golden crispy air fryer whole shrimp served with rich brown gravy

Crispy Air Fryer Whole Shrimp with Savory Gravy

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Whole Shrimp with Savory Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g Whole shrimp (shell-on, deveined); 1 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper; 0.5 tsp Garlic powder; 2 tbsp Butter; 1 tbsp All-purpose flour; 250 ml Chicken broth (or seafood broth); 1 tsp Soy sauce; 1 tbsp Lemon juice; 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)

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

medium

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories220kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat8gram

Protein26gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole shrimp (shell-on, deveined)500 g
Olive oil1 tbsp
Salt1 tsp
Black pepper0.5 tsp
Garlic powder0.5 tsp
Butter2 tbsp
All-purpose flour1 tbsp
Chicken broth (or seafood broth)250 ml
Soy sauce1 tsp
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Fresh parsley (chopped)1 tbsp

This recipe shows how to prepare crispy whole shrimp in an air fryer, paired with a savory, homemade gravy. Perfect for those who want a quick, delicious seafood meal with minimal effort. The dish includes fresh whole shrimp seasoned and air-fried to perfection, served with a smooth, flavorful gravy. This recipe costs approximately $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900 for 4 servings and offers around 220 kcal per serving. Suitable for pescatarians and those seeking a quick, medium-difficulty seafood dish with a total cooking time of 30 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

1Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 5 minutes. This helps to ensure the shrimp will cook evenly and get crispy.

Prepare the Shrimp

2In a mixing bowl, toss the whole shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to coat them evenly. The seasoning adds flavor and helps in crisping.

Cook Shrimp in Air Fryer

3Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook until shrimp shells turn pink and slightly crispy, and internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.

Make the Gravy Base

4While shrimp cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, which will eliminate the raw flour taste.

Add Broth to Gravy

5Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Keep whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Finalize Gravy and Serve

6Remove gravy from heat, stir in chopped parsley. Serve the crispy whole shrimp hot with the warm gravy poured over or on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately.

Cooking Tips

-Make sure to check shrimp size to adjust cooking time; smaller shrimp cook faster.

-Use a meat thermometer to check shrimp internal temperature to ensure food safety.

-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to get crispier shrimp.

-You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable or seafood broth for a richer taste.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Small saucepan
Whisk
Meat thermometer (recommended)

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole shrimp (500 g): Approx. $10. Look for fresh or well-frozen shrimp with intact shells and clear eyes.
[ ] Olive oil (1 tbsp): Approx. $0.20. Choose extra-virgin for best flavor.
[ ] Salt and black pepper: Usually on hand; buy good quality.
[ ] Garlic powder (small container): Approx. $1.25. Fresh garlic can be used as substitute.
[ ] Butter (2 tbsp): Approx. $0.25. Unsalted is preferred.
[ ] All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Pantry staple.
[ ] Chicken broth or seafood broth (250 ml): Approx. $0.75. Can use bouillon cubes dissolved in water.
[ ] Soy sauce (1 tsp): Approx. $0.10.
[ ] Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Approx. $0.30. Fresh lemon preferred.
[ ] Fresh parsley (1 tbsp): Approx. $0.50. Can substitute with dried parsley.

Total Approximate Cost: $13.35

FAQ

Can I cook frozen whole shrimp in the air fryer for this recipe?

It's best to thaw shrimp completely before air frying to ensure even cooking and to reach the safe internal temperature. Cooking frozen shrimp may result in uneven texture.

How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked and safe to eat?

Shrimp is fully cooked when its shell turns pink and the flesh is opaque. For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F). Using a meat thermometer confirms doneness.

Can I use peeled shrimp instead of whole shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, peeled shrimp can be used but cooking time will be shorter, about 5-7 minutes in the air fryer. Adjust accordingly and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.