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Air fryer shrimp seasoned with garlic and paprika served on a plate with fresh lemon wedges
Heba Mohmed

Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Shrimp

Learn how to make the best Air Fryer Shrimp in under 10 minutes! Juicy, tender, perfectly seasoned with garlic and paprika, and ideal for tacos, salads, or quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 fresh lemon cut into wedges, for serving
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Paper Towels
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the shrimp completely dry. Removing excess moisture ensures a nice sear instead of steaming.
  2. Season: Place the dried shrimp in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat & Load: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
  4. Air Fry: Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. The shrimp are ready when they turn opaque pink and form a gentle "C" shape.
  5. Serve & Season: Transfer to a plate, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Watch the Shape: Shrimp are done when they form a loose "C" shape. If they curl into a tight "O", they are overcooked and might become rubbery.
  • Use Raw Shrimp: Always start with raw (fresh or completely thawed) shrimp for the best texture and juicy results.
  • Single Layer: Do not stack shrimp on top of each other so the air circulates evenly and gets them perfectly cooked.