A quick, healthy, and flavorful recipe for perfectly cooked shrimp in under 10 minutes! With no breading or flour, this dish is light, versatile, and easy enough for beginners—perfect for busy days or a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
1 lb shrimp – Peeled and deveined.
2 teaspoons olive oil – Helps coat the shrimp for even seasoning.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor.
¼ teaspoon paprika – For a mild smoky kick.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs for an earthy touch.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – For subtle heat.
Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp:
Peel and devein the shrimp. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Make the Seasoning Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Season the Shrimp:
Brush the shrimp on both sides with the seasoning mixture.
Cook in the Air Fryer:
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. No need to flip halfway through.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite sides or incorporate them into other dishes.
Prep and Cook Times:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
Tacos:
Wrap shrimp in warm corn tortillas.
Add cilantro, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy lime sauce.
For a spicier kick, season shrimp with chili powder and cumin.
For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Bowls:
Layer shrimp over quinoa or rice.
Add sautéed or roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus.
Top with fresh lemon juice or your favorite dressing.
Salads:
Toss air-fried shrimp on a fresh salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Pair with a vinaigrette or creamy dressing for a protein-packed meal.
Main Dish:
Serve with roasted broccoli, green beans, or butternut squash.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
Tostadas:
Spread refried beans on a tostada shell.
Layer with guacamole, salsa, and shrimp for a flavorful crunch.
Shrimp Sandwich:
Sandwich shrimp between slices of toasted bread.
Add butter lettuce, tomato slices, and tartar sauce for a refreshing meal.
Tips for Recipe Success
Choose Fresh or Frozen Shrimp:
Use fresh shrimp if available, or thaw frozen shrimp by running them under cold water for a few minutes.
Pat Dry Thoroughly:
Removing excess water helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents sogginess.
Single-Layer Cooking:
Always arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
No Need to Flip:
Air fryers circulate hot air, so flipping the shrimp isn’t necessary.
Customize the Seasoning:
Experiment with other spice blends, such as Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or Old Bay.
Don’t Overcook:
Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. Stick to the recommended cooking time for tender results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy: No breading or frying means fewer calories and less oil.
Versatile: Works as a main dish, in tacos, salads, bowls, and more.
Minimal Cleanup: All the cooking happens in one appliance.
Variations
Spicy Cajun Shrimp:
Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Garlic Lemon Shrimp:
Replace paprika with lemon zest and sprinkle fresh parsley over cooked shrimp.
Asian-Inspired Shrimp:
Substitute olive oil with sesame oil and season with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~120 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fat: 5g
This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is a college-student-approved, effortless dish that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Serve it up any way you like, and enjoy its versatility and bold flavors!