Zesty Garlic Shrimp

Featured in Simple seafood recipes you'll love.

A quick air fryer shrimp recipe flavored with garlic and spices. In 10 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy, tasty seafood.
Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:24:25 GMT
Crispy shrimp garnished with parsley and served with a fresh lemon slice in a black bowl. Pin it
Crispy shrimp garnished with parsley and served with a fresh lemon slice in a black bowl. | Tastyhush.com

Air fryer shrimp has become a game-changing cooking method in my kitchen. The results are consistently excellent - perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining succulent inside. Using minimal oil makes this a healthier cooking option that delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

Air Fryer Shrimp Essentials

The air fryer excels at creating evenly cooked, golden brown shrimp in mere minutes. No more dealing with splattering oil or constant monitoring at the stovetop. The enclosed cooking environment ensures consistent results while keeping the kitchen clean and cool.

Ingredients Needed

  • Shrimp: 500g peeled and deveined
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin
  • Garlic: 2 fresh cloves, minced
  • Seasoning Blend:
    • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Garnish: Fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions

Preheat
Set air fryer temperature to 200°C (400°F) to warm up.
Season
Combine olive oil, minced garlic, and spice mixture in a bowl.
Coat
Toss shrimp in the seasoned oil mixture until well coated.
Air Fry
Place shrimp in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Finish
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Golden brown air fried shrimp garnished with parsley and lemon wedges in an air fryer basket Pin it
Golden brown air fried shrimp garnished with parsley and lemon wedges in an air fryer basket | Tastyhush.com

Pro Tips

For enhanced flavor, marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes before cooking. A homemade Greek yogurt-garlic sauce makes an excellent accompaniment. Experiment with smoked paprika for a subtle grilled taste, or add turmeric for beautiful golden color and extra depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this?
Definitely, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry. This ensures they’ll cook evenly.
→ How can I tell when the shrimp are done?
They’re ready when they turn pink and curl into a C shape. Be cautious not to overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery.
→ Should I flip the shrimp while cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway helps them cook evenly and get crispy all around.
→ What’s the best shrimp size to use?
Medium-sized shrimp work great here. They cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
→ How should I serve these shrimp?
They’re awesome with fresh lemon slices and parsley. Pair them with salad, rice, or pasta for a full meal.

Air Fryer Shrimp

These air fryer shrimp are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and flavored with lemon and garlic. Ready in just 10 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Servings (500 grams of shrimp)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
02 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped.
03 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
04 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional).
05 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
06 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
07 500 grams of peeled and deveined shrimp.
08 Chopped fresh parsley (optional).
09 Slices of lemon.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your air fryer to preheat at 200°C (400°F).

Step 02

Combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

Step 03

Toss the shrimp in the bowl, making sure they're all evenly coated in the mixture.

Step 04

Spread the shrimp out in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.

Step 05

Cook the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 06

Serve the shrimp while still hot, garnish with parsley if you'd like, and add lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  1. Make sure there's a little space between the shrimp to get a crispy texture.
  2. Cooking time might differ depending on how big the shrimp are.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Air fryer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g