To make garlic shrimp in an air fryer, pat 1 lb of large peeled shrimp dry, toss it with 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and air fry at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway. Finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs. It is a lean, high-protein dinner that is ready in about 15 minutes.
1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp (21-25 per lb), peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges to serve
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
How Do You Cook Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
Dry the shrimp: Pat the peeled shrimp very dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp brown instead of steaming.
Season: Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the oil, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry: Spread the shrimp in a single layer, split between both baskets if you have a dual basket air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Check doneness: The shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape. A tight O shape means they are overcooked.
Finish and serve: Toss with the lemon juice and fresh herbs and serve right away with lemon wedges.
Dual basket tip: Make it a full dinner. Start roasted vegetables in basket 2 and the shrimp in basket 1 at 400°F, then press Smart Finish (or Sync Finish) so the quick-cooking shrimp start later and both finish together.
Shrimp plus a side: Ninja DZ201 8-Qt DualZoneTwo 4-Qt baskets with Smart Finish, so the shrimp and vegetables are done at the same time.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp? (Estimated)
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe, about 4 oz raw shrimp): about 150 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated), 2 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 23 g protein, and about 420 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for raw shrimp, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and salt. Brands of shrimp vary a lot in sodium, so check the bag. Cut the salt to 1/4 tsp to lower it.
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Cajun: swap the paprika and salt for 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Honey garlic: toss the cooked shrimp with 1 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Chili lime: use lime juice and 1/2 tsp chili powder instead of lemon and paprika
Parmesan herb: sprinkle 2 tbsp grated parmesan over the shrimp for the last 2 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Large raw shrimp take about 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F, shaken halfway. Jumbo shrimp may need 1 to 2 minutes more. They are done when pink, opaque and curled into a loose C.
Can you air fry frozen shrimp?
Yes. Cook frozen raw shrimp at 400°F for about 9 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway, and add the garlic and lemon in the last 3 minutes so the garlic does not burn. Thawed shrimp brown better.
Why does the garlic burn in the air fryer?
Small bits of garlic can scorch at 400°F. Mince it finely and coat it well in the oil, or stir it in for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Is air fryer garlic shrimp healthy?
It is a lean, high-protein dish. We estimate about 150 calories and 23 g of protein per serving using 1 1/2 tbsp of oil for the whole pound. These are estimates and will vary with your shrimp and portions.
What should I serve with air fryer shrimp?
Serve it over rice, quinoa or salad greens, in tacos, or next to air fried vegetables. In a dual basket air fryer, cook the vegetables in the second basket.
How do I cook shrimp in a dual basket air fryer?
Split the shrimp between both baskets in a single layer and use Match Cook or Sync Cook at 400°F. Or cook vegetables in one basket and the shrimp in the other, and use Smart Finish or Sync Finish so both are ready together.
