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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!

Air Fryer Shrimp on a plate.

🔎 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

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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

Ingredients for air fryer shrimp in bowls.

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

Peeled raw shrimp in a bowl.
  1. Peel and devein the shrimp. Then, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Shrimp in bowl with seasonings.
  1. Add the shrimp to a large bowl. Then, add the olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and crushed garlic to the bowl.
Seasoned shrimp in bowl.
  1. Thoroughly mix the shrimp. Evenly coat the shrimp in the seasonings.
Seasoned shrimp in air fryer.
  1. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches.
Cooked shrimp in air fryer basket.
  1. Air fry the shrimp. They should be pink and opaque when done.
Air fried shrimp on a plate.
  1. 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

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!

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.

5 from 1 vote

Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 7 minutes
Total: 12 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Easy air fryer shrimp recipe with Old Bay seasoning that's ready in minutes! Juicy, flavorful shrimp made with simple ingredients in your air fryer.

Equipment

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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

Youtube 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.
 
WW Points: 1 point per serving
To see your WW Points in the WW app for this recipe click here! Or, please manually add the ingredients to the recipe builder.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal, Carbohydrates: 1.5g, Protein: 23.4g, Fat: 4.4g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 171mg, Sodium: 211mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Us

Welcome to Healthy Foodie Girl! We’re Shawna and Ella, a mother-daughter team. We create healthy, flavorful recipes featuring high-protein meals, Weight Watchers-friendly recipes, and lighter versions of your favorite dishes.

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5 from 1 vote

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Shawna Clark says:

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