Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp is a healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free way to enjoy shrimp. The air fryer gives the shrimp a crispy texture without the mess and calories of deep frying. The Old Bay seasoning adds a delicious, slightly spicy, and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp. It’s a simple recipe that takes little prep time but delivers a big punch of flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as a quick appetizer for guests.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 ½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Shrimp:
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
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Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Air Fry the Shrimp:
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Place the Shrimp in the Air Fryer: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the shrimp are not overlapping to allow for even cooking.
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Cook the Shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should be pink, opaque, and lightly crispy on the edges when done.
Serve:
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Garnish and Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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Enjoy!: Serve your Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, on tacos, over pasta, or as part of a salad.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2-4
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
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Citrus Twist: Mix in some lime zest or orange zest for a citrusy flavor boost in the seasoning.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in melted garlic butter after air frying for an even richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold running water before seasoning and cooking. If using frozen shrimp, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Can I use a different seasoning blend?
Yes, if you don’t have Old Bay seasoning or want a different flavor profile, you can use other seasoning blends like Cajun seasoning, garlic herb, or a lemon pepper seasoning.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and they have a slightly crispy texture on the outside. You can also check their internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?
While shrimp are best fresh, you can cook the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp is a delicious, quick, and healthy way to enjoy shrimp with minimal effort. The crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp are full of flavor and can be served in a variety of ways, from tacos to pasta to salads. The air fryer makes cooking shrimp fast and easy, with a perfect crispiness every time. Give this recipe a try for a simple yet satisfying meal or snack!
Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the bold, savory taste of Old Bay seasoning to juicy shrimp with minimal oil. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, tender texture, this recipe is great for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or as a topping for tacos, pasta, or salads. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a healthy and hassle-free way to enjoy shrimp.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 ½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure the shrimp are well coated with the seasoning. -
Air Fry the Shrimp:
Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The shrimp should be pink, opaque, and lightly crispy on the edges. -
Serve:
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, on tacos, over pasta, or as part of a salad.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.Frozen Shrimp: You can use frozen shrimp; just thaw them first and increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
