15+ Easy Shrimp Air Fryer Recipes

Made with succulent shrimp coated in a crispy coconut crust, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers who are looking for a lighter option. The air fryer method allows you to achieve the same crispy texture as deep frying but with significantly less oil. The process and marinade used are similar to deep-fried shrimp, but the method of cooking differs significantly.

Instead of frying the shrimp pieces in oil, these are coated with some oil and placed in the air fryer basket. In about 8-10 minutes, they become crispy and golden and are ready to be served. The result is a plate full of juicy shrimp with a crunchy coconut crust that is bursting with tropical flavors.

Lemon garlic shrimp combines the succulent flavors of fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic. This delightful seafood delicacy is a popular choice as an appetizer or main course. The dish starts by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. This marinade infuses the shrimp with a tangy and refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the seafood.

The shrimp are then cooked in a hot skillet until they turn pink and slightly caramelized, creating a delectable crust that adds a delightful texture to each bite. The zesty lemon adds a refreshing and citrusy note, while the garlic brings a rich and savory element to the dish.

Cajun seasoning is a common mixture of spices that has been traditionally used on several seafood options. So, it is not shocking that a cajon-flavored dish would make it to this list. The seasoning adds a little bit of heat and a lot of flavor to the meat.

The Cajun spices include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These infuse the shrimp with a bold and spicy flavor profile. Since the air-frying technique eliminates the need for excessive oil, the spices remain on the shrimp and are not lost, like in the case of deep frying.

Even though teriyaki flavor has been often added to chicken, it also pairs well with shrimp. The sauce is prepared separately and beforehand. In addition to the teriyaki sauce, other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey are added to a saucepan and cooked for a few minutes to allow the flavors to merge together. As you marinate the shrimp in the sauce, allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp and infuse them with a sweet and savory taste.

As the shrimp cooks with the sauce in the air fryer, it turns into a sticky glaze, which further intensifies the flavors. The shrimp remain juicy and tender on the inside, while the air fryer gives them a satisfying crunch on the outside.

This dish originated from the popular Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, known for its crispy coating and spicy mayo sauce. The air fryer version provides a guilt-free way to enjoy this tasty dish without sacrificing flavor.

You start by coating the shrimp in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and a variety of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Next, place the shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook at a high temperature for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through. FInally, toss the cooked shrimp in the bang band sauce and enjoy!

Garlic Parmesan is a common combination when it comes to fried food. Even though traditionally, parmesan is used in baking, they are also a great option for air frying.  Fresh shrimp are coated with a mixture of minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. The shrimp are then air-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior with a tender and juicy interior.

The garlic infuses the shrimp with its distinctive taste, while the parmesan cheese adds a rich and nutty undertone. The combination of these two ingredients enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Buffalo sauce has been traditionally used in the case of chicken wings. The sauce has a tangy flavor that goes well with fried food, in general. Even though buffalo sauce is not traditionally spicy, you can always add a little kick by the addition of more spices.

Begin by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of buffalo sauce, garlic, and spices. Let the shrimp sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Cook the shrimp at a high temperature for about 5-7 minutes. The outer buffalo sauce coating is even thicker and intense in flavor. Serve it with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor combination.

Panko breadcrumbs are a common coating for fried food because they become crispy after frying without retaining much of the oil. Traditional panko coating involves dipping the food in beaten eggs and then rolling them in breadcrumbs to ensure a good coating.

The panko breadcrumbs provide a light and airy texture, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior. Commonly, Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Shrimp is served with a zesty tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Japanese tempura is a popular dish that originated in the 16th century and has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. It consists of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables, resulting in a crispy and light texture. One of the most beloved variations of tempura is shrimp.

Tempura shrimp is made by coating fresh, succulent shrimp in a light and airy batter made from a mixture of flour, water, and sometimes egg. Traditionally, the batter is mixed by hand in a circular motion to create a lumpy texture that will turn crispy when fried. However, with the innovation of air frying, this delectable dish can now be prepared with less oil and a healthier twist.

Beer-battered fried shrimp is prepared with a beef-infused batter that not only adds a unique flavor but also helps to create a crisp and airy texture. The exterior is crispy and slightly salty, providing a satisfying crunch, while the shrimp inside remains juicy. 

The flavors of the shrimp are enhanced by the beer in the batter, adding a subtle hint of bitterness and complexity. The beer also helps to tenderize the shrimp, resulting in a moist and succulent bite.

An air fryer shrimp boil is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of a traditional seafood boil to your kitchen. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and flavorful sausages, all cooked together in the convenience of an air fryer. These ingredients are tossed in a blend of spices such as Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.

Once they are cooked, they are added to a bowl and drenched in a seafood broth. The broth is flavored by the spices used in the marinade so that the flavors are present throughout the dish.

Using an air fryer to cook popcorn shrimp has many benefits. Firstly, it requires minimal oil, making it a healthier option compared to deep frying. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the shrimp becomes crispy and golden brown without the need for excessive oil. This method also reduces the risk of greasiness, making the shrimp lighter and more enjoyable to eat.

Air fryer popcorn shrimp can be served with various dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or spicy mayo, to enhance the flavor.

Shrimp tacos have slowly but surely made their way into everyone's favorite tacos list. The tender shrimp complements the softness of the tortillas to make a beautiful taco experience. Starting with the star of the dish, the shrimp is coated with a delicious mixture of wasabi paste, soy sauce, and garlic. The shrimp is then air-fried. 

To assemble the tacos, warm tortillas are filled with a generous amount of the air-fried shrimp. The tacos are then topped with a refreshing and crunchy slaw made of shredded cabbage, carrots, and radishes. For flavor, a drizzle of spicy mayo is added to the tacos. This creamy and tangy sauce balances out the heat from the wasabi and adds a layer of richness.

We understand that this can be a divisive subject, but the addition of pineapple to dishes is often favored by some due to the sweetness they bring to the dishes. This does, however, provide a tropical touch to the dishes, which is great for summer gatherings.

As the shrimp cook in the air fryer, you can prepare the pineapple and coconut topping. Simply sauté pineapple chunks in a pan until they are caramelized and slightly golden. Then, toss the pineapple with shredded coconut. The shrimp are topped with the mixture, and you can serve them with a glass of pina colada.

To make these skewers, start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even cooking. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

The combination of cilantro and lime gives these shrimp skewers a refreshing and zesty flavor. The cilantro adds a herbaceous note, while the lime juice adds a bright and tangy kick.

Bacon-wrapped shrimp is an appetizer that provides a blend of both flavors and textures. The bacon becomes crispy while the shrimp remains juicy. The ingredients used in the cooking process include garlic, lemon juice, and some of your favorite seasonings.

One thing to consider here is that the shrimp should be carefully wrapped in bacon, securing it with a toothpick to ensure it stays intact during cooking. As it cooks, the bacon becomes salty and smokey, while the shrimp is slightly sweet.