Sometimes, dinner calls for something quick yet satisfying—something that feels a little indulgent but isn’t a hassle. Air Fryer Shrimp with Shell On fits that bill perfectly. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want bold flavor without spending forever in the kitchen.
I remember the first time I tried cooking shrimp this way. The shrimp sizzled in the air fryer, filling the kitchen with a smoky, garlicky aroma that made me almost impatient. I kept glancing at the timer—maybe a bit too often—wondering if the shrimp would turn out too dry or if I’d overcooked them. But when I finally pulled them out, the shells were crispy and flavorful, locking in the juiciness that shrimp can so often lose. I squeezed on some lemon, and the burst of freshness cut through the spices perfectly. Honestly, I was a bit surprised at how simple it was to get that balance right, even if I’d been half-distracted by my phone buzzing somewhere nearby.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick turnaround—ready in under 20 minutes, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
- The shells crisp up beautifully, adding a satisfying texture and locking in moisture.
- Flavorful seasoning that’s smoky and just a touch spicy, without overwhelming the natural shrimp taste.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy tools beyond the air fryer.
- Because the shrimp cook with their shells on, there’s a little extra work peeling, but that effort pays off in flavor.
If you’re worried about the shells or unsure about cooking times, don’t sweat it. This recipe is forgiving, and the air fryer takes a lot of the guesswork out. Just keep an eye on them the first time you try, and you’ll get a feel for the perfect crispiness.
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Air Fryer Shrimp with Shell On
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly cooked shrimp with the shell on using an air fryer. This method locks in flavor and keeps the shrimp juicy with a crispy exterior.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp with shell on, deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Add the shrimp with shell on to the bowl and toss well to evenly coat all the shrimp with the seasoning mixture.
Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Kitchen Notes: Using the air fryer makes this recipe almost effortless—no need to babysit a pan or deal with messy oil splatters. For serving, I usually grab some crusty bread or a simple salad to balance the spice and crunch of the shrimp. If you want to switch things up, maybe try tossing the shrimp in a bit of garlic butter after cooking, or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright touch. Sometimes I add a pinch of extra cayenne if I’m feeling daring, but it’s easy to dial down for a milder bite too. I haven’t tested it all, but a quick squeeze of lime instead of lemon also works nicely when you want a tangier twist.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them first and pat dry so they crisp up well.
Do I have to keep the shell on? You can peel them before cooking, but the shells help keep the shrimp juicy and add flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat gently in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
Give this Air Fryer Shrimp with Shell On a try next time you want a fast, flavorful dinner. It’s one of those recipes that feels a bit fancy but is really simple—and that makes it perfect for everyday meals.