Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
You can use tail-on or tail-off depending on preference. - 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Chopped parsley for garnish
For a Garlic Butter Version
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Mix until evenly coated.
Tip: Patting the shrimp dry ensures they get crispy in the air fryer.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Shrimp should be pink, opaque, and slightly crispy on the edges.
Tip: Don’t overcook—shrimp cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if left too long.
Step 4: Optional Garlic Butter Finish
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Toss the cooked shrimp in the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
Serve immediately while hot.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve air fryer shrimp with lemon wedges, over rice, in tacos, salads, or pasta.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra parsley or paprika for presentation.
