Lose the fat and keep the flavor with this delicious Air-Fryer Shrimp recipe!
Next to chicken fingers, shrimp is probably my favorite late-night appetizer from Applebee’s, especially when it’s fried. In college, my friends and I would venture to the restaurant chain for its late-night two-for-one apps special. We’d gorge ourselves on fried goodies and lemonade without a second thought. But I’m not in college anymore, and I try to watch my grease intake these days. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I love this air-fryer shrimp recipe. It’s quick, pretty healthy, and, most importantly, delish!
The seasoning blend used in the recipe adds a burst of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the shrimp. One of the star ingredients is the paprika; its subtly sweet and smoky flavor profile complements the garlic powder and dried parsley perfectly. Plus, with only two tablespoons of olive oil, this recipe won’t make things too greasy.
Are Air-Fryer Shrimp Healthy?
Compared to its deep-fried counterpart, this shrimp recipe is absolutely healthy! It uses minimal oil (which reduces the overall fat content and calorie count), but a small amount of olive oil is good for you, as it contains heart-healthy fats that help lower “bad” cholesterol. Shrimp are naturally low in calories and high in protein. You’ll even find some essential nutrients in these little guys. Shrimp are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. And if you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, this shrimp recipe fits perfectly due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content.
Proper Spacing: The Key To Perfect Air-Fried Shrimp
Unlike traditional frying methods, an air fryer relies on the circulation of hot air to cook food evenly and create a crispy texture. Air fryer baskets are often deep, so it’s tempting to just stuff them to the brim, but if the shrimp are too crowded, the air cannot circulate properly. This leads to uneven cooking and soggy results. Nobody wants that! That’s why proper spacing is kind of a big deal.
Always, always, always place the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If you have a large batch of shrimp, cook them in batches to maintain proper spacing. By giving the shrimp enough room to cook, they come out perfectly crispy and tender every time. That’s a guarantee.
How to Make Ahead and Store
You can store leftover air-fryer shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You don’t want to mess with seafood, so toss the shrimp if they’ve been in your fridge any longer than that. Alternatively, you can place the shrimp in a zip-top bag and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
This air-fryer shrimp is flavorful yet neutral enough to go with practically anything! For a light meal, pair them with a fresh Beet Salad and a side of our Air-Fryer Asparagus. They’d also make a great addition to Tasty Tofu Tacos, Angel Hair Pasta, or Cilantro-Lime Rice. Finally, add them to the appetizer menu at your next get-together and serve alongside some Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower or Air-Fryer Cheese Curds!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 32 jumbo shrimps peeled and deveined (approximately 1 1/4 pounds)
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, and kosher salt.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve the air-fried shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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