Air Fryer Shrimp
Air fryer shrimp are ready in about 7 minutes and stay tender, because the fast, hot air cooks them before they can turn rubbery. A little oil and a simple spice mix are all the shrimp need. This page covers shrimp in the air fryer from raw, frozen and shell-on, with times at 350 and 400 °F, and how to tell when they are done.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 17min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 145°F63 °C
- Per serving
- 140kcal
Why the air fryer works for shrimp
Shrimp go from tender to rubbery in less than a minute, so the quick, even heat of the air fryer is a help. The small chamber is hot after 3 minutes, and the hot air browns the edges while the inside stays juicy. There is no splattering oil, and you can shake the basket to turn all the shrimp at once.
The best guide is the shape. Raw shrimp are straight and gray. As they cook they turn pink, then curl into a loose C when ready. A tight O means they have overshot. With a 21–25 count shrimp, that is usually 7 minutes at 400 °F, which is why it pays to check early.
How to make shrimp in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Dry the shrimp Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. If they are frozen, thaw them first in a bowl of cold water for , then drain and dry, or use the from-frozen method in the FAQ.
- Season Toss the shrimp with the oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper until every piece is coated.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 400 °F for .
- Cook Place the shrimp in a single layer, with some space between them. Cook for , shaking the basket after , until pink and lightly browned on the edges. In a small machine, cook in two batches.
- Check The shrimp are done when the flesh is opaque and pearly and the shrimp form a loose C. An instant-read thermometer should read 145 °F. A tight O means they are overcooked.
- Serve Squeeze lemon over the hot shrimp and serve right away.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Shrimp | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Large raw, peeledShake after 3 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 6–8 min |
| Jumbo, 16–20 count | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Shell-on | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–9 min |
| Frozen, rawSeason after 3 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Lower heat | 350 °F (180 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Dry breadedNot wet batter | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 145 °F (63 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Buy raw shrimp. Raw peeled shrimp, often labeled 21–25 or 16–20 count, give the juiciest result. Precooked shrimp only need to be heated for 2–3 minutes.
- Size matters. Jumbo shrimp need an extra 2 minutes, and small shrimp of 41–50 count about 4–5 minutes. Do not mix sizes in one batch.
- Season at the end for acid. Lemon juice and vinegar firm up the surface. Add them after cooking.
What to serve with shrimp
Serve the shrimp over rice or pasta with garlic butter for a quick scampi, or in tortillas with slaw for tacos. They go well with corn on the cob and asparagus for a summer dinner. Cocktail sauce works if you chill the shrimp first. You can compare timings in the air fryer cooking times chart.
Storing and reheating
Cooked shrimp keep for 2 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer at 300 °F for 2–3 minutes until they reach 165 °F; otherwise eat them cold in a salad or a wrap.
Variations
- Garlic butter scampi: Toss the hot shrimp with 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 cloves minced garlic and parsley (not dairy-free).
- Cajun: Replace the paprika and garlic powder with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- Fajita style: Cook sliced peppers and onions for 8 minutes, then add the shrimp for the last 6 minutes.
- Scallops: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer scallops.
- Lobster Tails: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer lobster tails.
- Coconut Shrimp: For a dedicated recipe, see air fryer coconut shrimp.
If it does not turn out right
- The shrimp are rubbery
- They cooked too long. Large shrimp need 6–8 minutes, and small ones only 4–5. Check at the earliest time and pull them out as soon as they are opaque.
- The seasoning burns
- Use dry spices, not sugary sauces, at the start. Add honey, hot sauce or glaze in the last minute.
- The shrimp are watery and pale
- Extra moisture on the surface steams them. Dry them thoroughly and avoid piling them up.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook shrimp in the air fryer at 400 °F?
6–8 minutes for large raw shrimp, shaken once. At 350 °F they take 8–10 minutes, and at 375 °F about 7–8 minutes.
Can you cook shrimp in the air fryer from frozen?
Yes. Cook frozen raw shrimp at 400 °F for 8–10 minutes. Toss them with oil and seasoning after the first 3 minutes, once the surface has thawed.
Can you cook shrimp with the shell on?
Yes. Shell-on shrimp stay juicier and take about 1 minute longer. They are messy to eat but flavorful. Cut along the back to devein.
What internal temperature should shrimp reach?
The USDA recommends 145 °F, and the flesh turns opaque and pearly. The color change is the easiest sign.
Can you cook breaded shrimp the same way?
Yes, for dry breaded or panko shrimp. Mist them lightly with oil and cook at 400 °F for 8–10 minutes. Wet tempura-style batter does not work in an air fryer.
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