Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
Instructions:
- Prep the Shrimp:
- Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them cook more evenly and get a crispy exterior.
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and all the seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley). You can add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a bit of zest. Ensure the shrimp are well-coated in the seasoning mix.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly once placed inside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded for the best results. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and the edges will get slightly crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They make a great addition to pasta, tacos, salads, or as a stand-alone appetizer with a side of dipping sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Air fryer shrimp takes just 6-8 minutes to cook, making it a perfect option for a fast meal or snack. It’s ideal for beginners, as you don’t need any complicated techniques or equipment.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer gives the shrimp a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. No more overcooked, rubbery shrimp!
- Customizable: The seasoning options are endless! You can make garlic butter shrimp, spicy Cajun shrimp, or even a sweet and tangy honey garlic shrimp. Experiment with different flavors to suit your tastes.
- Healthy and Light: This recipe is a great alternative to deep-frying, reducing fat and calories while still delivering deliciously crispy shrimp. You can control the amount of oil used, making it a healthier choice.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcrowd: For best results, make sure the shrimp are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Size Matters: Larger shrimp may need a minute or two more in the air fryer, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with Dips: Pair your shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce like cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1/4 lb of shrimp):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg (depending on how much salt is added)