Description
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into perfectly cooked shrimp—tender inside with just the right amount of crispy, golden coating. Growing up near the coast, I learned that great shrimp doesn’t need to be complicated or deep-fried to taste amazing.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat lovers)
For Added Crunch (Optional):
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Substitution Suggestions:
- Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko
- Dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
- Oil-free: Use a light spray of cooking spray instead of olive oil
- Frozen shrimp: Completely thaw and pat dry before using
Instructions
Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy exterior. Any excess moisture will create steam instead of the delightful crunch we’re after. Place the dried shrimp in a medium bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp, then add the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Toss everything together with your hands or a spoon until each piece is evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning. If you’re using breadcrumbs, add them now along with the Parmesan, tossing gently to coat.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures consistent cooking and better texture from the first minute. Don’t skip this step—it makes a noticeable difference in the final result.
Place the seasoned shrimp in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. Crowding leads to steaming rather than crisping. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. That’s perfectly fine—the second batch will be ready before the first one even cools down.
Cook the air fryer shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 4-5 minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque throughout, with beautifully golden edges. Listen for that gentle sizzle—it’s the sound of perfection happening. Smaller shrimp may need only 6-7 minutes, while jumbo shrimp could take up to 12 minutes.
Remove the shrimp immediately and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing. The bright citrus cuts through the richness and adds a restaurant-quality finishing touch.
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-180
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5-6g
- Carbohydrates: 3-4g
- Protein: 24-26g