Air Fryer Shrimp is about to become your weeknight dinner hero! With a punchy marinade of dill, paprika, and fresh lemon zest, these juicy, jumbo shrimp are cooked to perfection in minutes—no mess, no fuss, just pure crispy-tender flavor. If you’re obsessed with meals that feel indulgent yet couldn’t be simpler, this shrimp recipe is going straight into your favorites folder.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: From marinade to plate, Air Fryer Shrimp takes less than 15 minutes—perfect when you’re craving something fabulous in a flash.
- Big Flavor, Simple Steps: A handful of spices, bright lemon, and fresh dill give you restaurant-worthy results without any complicated techniques.
- Healthy & Light: With barely any oil and a quick cook time, this is a protein-packed dinner you’ll feel great about eating (and serving seconds!).
- Versatile for Meals & Occasions: Enjoy Air Fryer Shrimp as a main, tossed on salads, tucked into tacos, or passed around as an irresistible appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe proves that you don’t need a mile-long list to create a seriously delicious dish. Every ingredient here has a job—building bold flavor, juicy texture, and zesty color that lets those sweet jumbo shrimp shine.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Just enough to coat and keep the shrimp juicy and prevent sticking in the air fryer.
- Dill weed: Fresh and bright, dill gives an herby lift that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Paprika or smoked paprika: For a pop of color and a gentle smokiness—use smoked for a bolder BBQ vibe!
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without the risk of burning fresh garlic as it cooks fast.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and accentuating the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Baking soda (optional): A touch helps keep the shrimp snappy and tender when cooked—don’t worry, it’s flavorless!
- Lemon (zested and cut into wedges): Zest mingles with the marinade for brightness; wedges for a fresh finish.
- Raw extra jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound), peeled and deveined: Bigger shrimp hold up best to air frying and stay incredibly juicy.
- Chopped fresh dill (optional): Sprinkle for garnish and that extra herbaceous sparkle.
Variations
One of the best things about Air Fryer Shrimp is just how easy it is to tweak for your cravings, your pantry, or the occasion. Try one of these fun swaps or customize to fit your taste—there are endless ways to make it your own!
- Cajun-Style Shrimp: Swap the dill and paprika for your favorite Cajun spice blend for a bold, spicy kick.
- Lemon-Pepper Shrimp: Double up on lemon zest and add extra cracked black pepper for a citrusy, peppery punch.
- Panko-Crusted Shrimp: Coat the shrimp with a light layer of panko after marinating for a crispier bite.
- Garlic Butter: Toss the cooked shrimp in a quick, melted garlic butter for an extra layer of richness.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your olive oil, dill weed, paprika, garlic powder, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. Add in the baking soda if you want shrimp with that extra “snap,” plus all of your fragrant lemon zest. Make sure everything is evenly combined—you should smell that zesty, herby, garlicky goodness already!
Step 2: Prep and Marinate the Shrimp
Pat your raw shrimp dry with paper towels; this helps them brown beautifully. Toss them right into the bowl with your marinade and use clean hands or tongs to coat each shrimp well—they should be glossy and speckled with herbs and spice. If you have a few extra minutes, let them sit in the marinade for 5 minutes to really soak up the flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving them a little breathing room (it’s worth doing two batches if needed). Air fry for just 5–6 minutes—they’ll curl, turn pink, and those edges will deepen in color. Don’t overcook! Pull them out as soon as they’re opaque and lightly golden at the tips.
Step 4: Serve with Lemon & Fresh Dill
Transfer your sizzling Air Fryer Shrimp to a platter and top with a sprinkle of fresh dill if you like. Serve with the reserved lemon wedges on the side for an extra spritz of brightness just before eating. Enjoy piping hot as a main dish, appetizer, or however you desire!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Shrimp
- Size Matters: Always use extra jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) for this recipe—their larger size stays juicy, and there’s less risk of overcooking.
- Don’t Skip the Pat-Down: Drying your shrimp before marinating guarantees the marinade clings and helps achieve that delightfully caramelized exterior.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Avoid crowding the basket—shrimp need space for the air to circulate for ultra-crispy edges and even cooking.
- Marinade Magic: Even 5 minutes in the zesty marinade makes a huge difference. If you’re prepping ahead, marinade for up to 30 minutes max for maximum flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A shower of chopped fresh dill delivers a herby spark, while a quick squeeze of lemon over the hot shrimp brightens every bite. For a pretty pop of color, try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or thinly sliced scallions, too.
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Shrimp plays well with almost everything. Serve over fluffy white rice, buttery couscous, or a vibrant Mediterranean salad. For something even lighter, tuck shrimp into lettuce wraps, or pair with grilled vegetables for a quick, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
This recipe shines on a party platter—thread shrimp onto skewers for easy grabbing, toss onto tortillas for zesty shrimp tacos, or layer atop creamy polenta for a dinner-party-worthy presentation. Don’t forget a fun dipping sauce or a drizzle of garlicky aioli on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Shrimp (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, ready for cold salads or a quick reheat.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked shrimp cool fully, then spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab just what you need for shrimp on demand.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Air Fryer Shrimp is with a quick blast in the air fryer at 350°F for just 2–3 minutes. You can also enjoy them cold on salads, or chop them up for a protein boost in wraps or omelets.
FAQs
-
Can I use smaller shrimp for Air Fryer Shrimp?
It’s best to stick with extra jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) because smaller shrimp cook extremely quickly and can become tough or rubbery. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time to just 3–4 minutes and keep a close eye on them.
-
Should I leave the tails on or off for Air Fryer Shrimp?
If serving as an appetizer or finger food, leave the tails on for easy grabbing. For shrimp you plan to use in pastas, salads, or tacos, it’s easiest to remove the tails before marinating and cooking.
-
What does baking soda do in this shrimp recipe?
Baking soda is optional but helps the shrimp stay extra plump and snappy—especially helpful if you’re using very fresh or never-frozen shrimp. It doesn’t change the flavor, just the texture!
-
Can I marinate the shrimp in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes in the fridge. Any longer and the lemon juice may start to “cook” the shrimp, so don’t leave them too long for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet fallen in love with your air fryer, Air Fryer Shrimp just might be the recipe that seals the deal! Bright, herby, and impossibly quick, this dish is perfect for busy nights or carefree gatherings with friends. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just find yourself cooking a double batch next time!
Print
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy perfectly cooked Air Fryer Shrimp with a flavorful marinade that includes dill, paprika, and garlic. These shrimp are juicy inside and crispy outside, making them a delightful appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges
Shrimp:
- 2 pounds raw extra jumbo shrimp (16-20), peeled and deveined
- Chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, dill weed, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, baking soda, and lemon zest. Whisk together.
- Prep the shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp, then coat them thoroughly in the marinade.
- Air fry the shrimp: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket with space between each. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes until pink, curled, and slightly browned.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are extra jumbo for optimal results.
- Leave tails on for appetizers, remove for dishes with utensils.
- Visit our shop for Mediterranean ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
