This post may contain affiliate links and we will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. Thank you for supporting us!
This easy air fryer shrimp recipe with Old Bay seasoning is my go-to when I want a mouthwatering dinner on the table in minutes. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been cooking shrimp this way all along! We added just the right amount of seasoning to give the shrimp that classic, bold flavor, and the air fryer works its magic in no time. So grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Be sure to try our air fryer shrimp tacos and air fryer salmon next!

Table of Contents
- 🔎 Quick Look: Old Bay Air Fryer Shrimp
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- Substitutions & Variations
- How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp
- How Long to Cook Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Expert Tips
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
- Storage Instructions
- Air Fryer Shrimp FAQs
- More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try!
- Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
🔎 Quick Look: Old Bay Air Fryer Shrimp
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: ~12 minutes
- 🍽 Calories: ~147 kcal per serving
- 👥 Servings: 4 servings
- 🥣 Key Ingredients: Shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, olive oil
- 📖 Dietary Information: High-protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb
- 👩🍳 Cook Method: Air Fryer
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy
Summarize & Save This Content On
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ready in Minutes: The air fryer cooks the shrimp fast, so you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Perfectly Tender Every Time: Air frying gives you tender, juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
- Bold, Classic Flavor: Old Bay seasoning gives this shrimp incredible flavor.
- Healthy: This recipe uses minimal oil compared to traditional frying, so you get all the flavor without the extra fat.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, and every bite is packed with flavor.
Key Ingredients

- Shrimp: You’ll need one pound of peeled and deveined raw large shrimp. For more recipes with shrimp, try our shrimp salad with Greek yogurt, shrimp stack with mango and avocado, and cucumber shrimp salad next!
- Olive Oil: You only need two teaspoons of olive oil. It helps coat the shrimp and ensures the seasonings stick.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Season the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning for flavor. For more recipes with Old Bay seasoning, be sure to try our salmon burgers with canned salmon, canned tuna burgers, and healthy clam chowder next!
- Garlic: Crushed garlic cloves add another layer of flavor to the shrimp.
Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Extra Large Shrimp: If you have extra large shrimp, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Small Shrimp: If you don’t have large shrimp, you can use small shrimp, but the cooking time will be slightly less.
- Smoked Paprika: For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Garlic Powder: We prefer the flavor fresh garlic adds. However, if you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
- Add Spice: For a kick of heat add a pinch of chili powder or chipotle chili powder.
How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp

- Peel and devein the shrimp. Then, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

- Add the shrimp to a large bowl. Then, add the olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and crushed garlic to the bowl.

- Thoroughly mix the shrimp. Evenly coat the shrimp in the seasonings.

- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches.

- Air fry the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque when done.

- Once done, serve the shrimp and garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
How Long to Cook Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Cook large shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 6-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. For extra large shrimp, cook them for 7-8 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through.
Expert Tips
- Cook Shrimp in Batches: You may need to cook the shrimp in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
- Single Layer in the Air Fryer: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Shake Halfway: Shake the air fryer basket halfway for even cooking.
- Pat Dry: After rinsing the shrimp with cold water, pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are completely dry before seasoning them so the seasonings stick.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the shrimp after air frying them while they’re warm.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
- Sauce: You can dip these shrimp in sauces such as our Greek yogurt tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.
- Tacos: Make shrimp tacos and add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, healthy guacamole with Greek yogurt, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Use your favorite tortillas or lettuce wraps. Or, try our air fryer shrimp tacos recipe!
- Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed, air-fried, or roasted vegetables, such as crispy air fryer green beans, air fryer frozen broccoli, or garlic parmesan air fryer asparagus.
- Bowl: Serve this shrimp in a bowl with cooked rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a combination.
- Pasta: Make a pasta dish with this air-fried shrimp and your favorite pasta. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce such as cottage cheese Alfredo or healthy homemade pesto.
- Salad: Add some of this air-fried shrimp to salads.
- Sandwich: Make a sandwich with this air-fried shrimp and healthy tartar sauce, or your sauce of choice.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving again.
Air Fryer Shrimp FAQs
Is Air Fryer Shrimp Healthy?
Yes, air fryer shrimp is a healthier alternative to deep-frying shrimp. This recipe uses a few simple ingredients and only two teaspoons of olive oil. Also, we did not add additional salt to this recipe, since Old Bay seasoning already contains salt. In addition, this recipe is lightened up and gluten-free since there isn’t any breading.
Can I Freeze Air Fryer Shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze air-fried shrimp for 1-2 months in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer.
Can I Air Fry Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using raw frozen shrimp that’s peeled and deveined, thaw it completely first, either overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat it dry, season it, and air fry it, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time. If using frozen cooked shrimp, follow the same thaw, dry, and season steps, but it will only need about 3-4 minutes in the air fryer since it’s already cooked.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try!
Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Carrot Chips
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Salmon
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp. Then, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the shrimp, olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and crushed garlic to a large bowl.
- Thoroughly mix to coat the shrimp in the seasonings.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air large shrimp at 400°F for 6-7 minutes or 7-8 minutes for extra large shrimp, or until fully cooked. The shrimp should be pink and opaque when done. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through so the shrimp cooks evenly.
- Once done, serve the shrimp and garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
Video

Notes
- Cook Shrimp in Batches: You may need to cook the shrimp in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer basket, don’t overcrowd.
- Shake Halfway: Shake the air fryer basket halfway for even cooking.
- Pat Dry: After rinsing the shrimp with cold water, pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are completely dry before seasoning them so the seasonings stick.
- Extra Large Shrimp: If you have extra large shrimp, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Small Shrimp: If you don’t have large shrimp, you can use small shrimp, but the cooking time will be slightly less.
- Storage: Store leftover air fried shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving again.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.





















Fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, these Air Fryer Shrimp make dinner simple and delicious!