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This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe delivers impressive results in under 10 minutes! Made with a flavor-packed spice rub and finished with a sweet and tangy glaze, Air Fryer Shrimp is one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to prepare shrimp!
Looking for more quick and easy dinner recipes? Don't miss 15-Minute Fettuccine, General Tso Shrimp, Chicken and Asparagus Stir Fry and Shrimp Tacos.
Delicious Shrimp in 10 Minutes
You all know that I love quick and easy family dinner recipes, but dinner in under 10 minutes? I am cautiously intrigued. Is it really possible to get a FLAVOR-packed meal on the table in 10 minutes?
ABSOLUTELY!
Not only does this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe come together in under 10 minutes, but it is one of the best tastiest ways to enjoy shrimp. And I have had a lot of delicious shrimp recipes (I am looking at you Grilled Shrimp, Shrimp Stir-Fry, Shrimp Lo Mein, Instant Pot Shrimp Boil--and the list goes on!)
Whether served as an appetizer, an entree, or added to pasta, you are going to fall in love with this Air Fryer Shrimp. Made with a simple dry rub and finished with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze, this shrimp recipe delivers intense flavor fast.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Notes on Ingredients and Equipment
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp is best when air-frying, as smaller shrimp don't need much time at all to cook and can dry out quickly when air-fried. Use fresh or defrosted frozen shrimp that has been shelled and deveined. It is up to you whether or not you leave the tails on the shrimp.
- Seasoning for Shrimp: I use the zest of a lemon combined with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and smoked paprika to season the shrimp before air frying. Feel free to use regular paprika if you don't have smoked paprika on hand. You can also opt to increase or decrease the cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you like things. As written, there is just a touch of spice on the back of your palate.
- Honey Garlic Glaze: This is the magic of this recipe! It takes good air fryer shrimp, and makes GREAT air fryer shrimp. It is made with the juice of a lemon (from the lemon you zested for the seasoning), honey, hot sauce, and minced garlic. Feel free to omit the hot sauce for sensitive palates.
- Oil: Just a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil is all you need to air-fry the shrimp. The oil will help the shrimp from sticking to the air fryer tray or basket and cook beautifully.
- Air Fryer: There are so many brands of air fryers on the market and each is vastly different, but all will work well with this recipe.
How to Air-Fry Shrimp Perfectly
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Season the Shrimp Before Air-Frying
In order to help the seasoning adhere to the shrimp, it is best to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Once the shrimp is dried, add the seasonings and oil to the shrimp and toss to evenly coat.
Don't Overlap Shrimp When Air Frying
Spread the shrimp out into an even layer in the air fryer basket or tray, using caution to not overlap the shrimp, as this will ensure they cook evenly. Work in batches if needed. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Finish Air Fryer Shrimp With Glaze
Tossing the air fried shrimp with a honey garlic glaze makes this dish a stand-out recipe. I recommend preparing the glaze while the shrimp is cooking. Once air-fried, toss the shrimp with the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- As an Appetizer: So much more flavorful than shrimp cocktail and especially delicious served with Bang Bang Sauce.
- As an Entree: Paired with creamy grits and Air Fryer asparagus, Air Fryer shrimp completes an incredible meal.
- As an Addition: Air Fryer shrimp is also delicious served tossed in pasta (like Instant Pot fettuccine alfredo or vegetable primavera) in wraps, as a sandwich topping, or on a tossed Greek salad or Caesar Salad.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Air Fryer Shrimp
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined, peeled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne, optional
- 1 medium lemon, juice and zest
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and then add them to the spice mixture.
- Zest 1 medium lemon over the shrimp (save juice for later). Drizzle 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil over the shrimp and toss to evenly coat the shrimp with the spice mixture, oil, and lemon zest.
- Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the basket or tray of an air fryer, working in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 400℉ (200℃) for 3 minutes, remove the basket or tray, shake or flip the shrimp and air fry another 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a clean bowl or serving platter.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the juice from the lemon, ½ teaspoon hot sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons honey together.
- Drizzle the shrimp with the honey garlic glaze and toss to coat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and minced parsley.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’m so glad I found this recipe. It’s a keeper!
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed!
Now, this is the way to cook shrimp!! Quick & easy & they turn out so good!! These shrimp are loaded with flavor!!
Love hearing you enjoyed, Kristyn 🙂
One of the best air fryer recipes I've tried! It's perfectly cooked and seasoned. Highly recommended!
Love hearing this!!! Thanks for sharing.
Reason #1 million why I love my air fryer! This recipe was so easy. The best part is it's delicious and looks fancy lol!
Thanks Kara! It does feel like such a fancy dish, but couldn't be easier to make!
I cannot believe how yummy this turned out, we were blown away! Loved it.
Love hearing this, Abigail! Thanks for sharing.
This recipe was amazing! The flavors were spot on and my family loved it.
Love hearing this, Audra 🙂
Hello,
Can it be made in a skillet instead of the Air fryer?
Thanks,
Saamia
Hi Saamia! Yes! Toss the shrimp with the seasonings and saute over medium-high heat in a bit of oil in a skillet until opaque and cooked through. It will only take a few minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with the honey lemon glaze and enjoy 🙂