Garlic-Infused Crispy Air Fryer Whole Shrimp
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat6gram
Protein24gram
Ingredients
- Whole shrimp (with shell and head on, deveined if possible) - Choose fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp with firm flesh and a mild sea aroma, avoiding any with black spots or off smells.500 g
- Garlic cloves - Fresh garlic provides the best flavor; look for firm, unblemished bulbs.4 cloves
- Olive oil - Use extra virgin olive oil for aroma and health benefits.2 tbsp
- Salt - Fine sea salt or kosher salt works well for even seasoning.1 tsp
- Black pepper - Freshly ground black pepper enhances flavor best.0.5 tsp
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving) - Choose firm, bright lemons with smooth skin.4 pieces
This Garlic-Infused Crispy Air Fryer Whole Shrimp recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp with minimal fuss. Using an air fryer allows you to get a crispy exterior without deep frying, making it a healthier option while preserving juiciness. Total ingredient cost is approximately $12 USD (€11, £9.50, ₹900) for 4 servings. Each serving contains roughly 220 calories. This dish fits well into a low-carb, pescatarian diet and is rated as easy in complexity. Prep takes about 10 minutes and cooking about 10 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Preheat the air fryer
1Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
Prepare the garlic oil mixture
2Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. In a bowl, combine minced garlic with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a garlicky marinade.
Toss the shrimp in garlic oil
3Pat the whole shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps achieve crispiness. Then, gently toss the shrimp in the garlic oil mixture, coating them evenly.
Load the air fryer basket
4Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, so air can circulate and shrimp cooks evenly. You might need to cook in batches depending on your fryer size.
Cook shrimp in the air fryer
5Cook the shrimp at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking (around 4-5 minutes) to ensure even cooking and browning.
Check doneness and temperature
6Shrimp is done when its shell turns pinkish-orange and the flesh is opaque and firm. For safety, the internal temperature of cooked shrimp should reach 63°C (145°F). Use a food-safe thermometer to check if possible.
Serve immediately
7Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over. Enjoy your crispy garlic shrimp immediately for best taste.
Cooking Tips
-Deveining shrimp is recommended for better texture and taste, especially if the shrimp haven't been deveined already.
-If you prefer less intense garlic flavor, reduce garlic cloves to 2 or use garlic powder instead.
-For variation, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic oil for a smoky or spicy kick.
-Do not overcook shrimp; they become rubbery quickly. Watch closely at the 8-minute mark.
-Always wash hands and utensils after handling raw shrimp to avoid cross-contamination.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and chopping board
- Tongs or spoon for tossing
- Food thermometer (recommended)
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole shrimp (500 g) - Approximately $9.50. Look for fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp with no off-smell.
- [ ] Fresh garlic cloves (4 cloves) - Approximately $0.50. Choose firm bulbs with no mold.
- [ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - Approximately $0.30. Use extra virgin for better flavor.
- [ ] Salt (1 tsp) - Minimal cost; ensure it's fine sea or kosher salt.
- [ ] Black pepper (0.5 tsp) - Minimal cost; freshly ground is best.
- [ ] Lemon (4 wedges) - Approximately $1.50. Choose firm and bright skin lemons.
Total approximate cost: $12.00
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, use fully thawed shrimp before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture. Pat them dry after thawing to remove excess moisture.
Do I need to peel the shrimp before air frying?
No, this recipe uses whole shrimp with shells on, which helps keep them juicy and crispy when cooked in the air fryer.
How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Cooked shrimp turns pinkish-orange and the flesh becomes opaque and firm. The safe internal temperature is 63°C (145°F). Using a food thermometer can help ensure safety.
Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
You can marinate the shrimp up to 1 hour ahead in the garlic oil mixture. However, it’s best to cook just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.