Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe (No Breading!)

Healthy, homemade, and quick, this is the best Air Fryer Shrimp recipe to get dinner on the table fast. It is so easy to marinate plump, juicy shrimp in a zesty honey, garlic, lemon sauce and cook in the air fryer for 7 minutes. If you’re craving a seafood dinner, then this is a must-try.

Season shrimp with lemon and parsley after air frying.

I have a love-love relationship with my air fryer. I mean, how could you not?

This miracle contraption gets dishes on the table so fast!

I have tried my hand at appetizers (Air Fryer Pickles) side dishes (Air Fryer Zucchini) and main dishes (Air Fryer Salmon) – to name a few.

I fell in love with the air fryer salmon so I just had to try out shrimp next. Let me tell you, it was just as good and even easier.

This recipe is so quick to make. The result is a juicy and plump shrimp on the inside and a crispy exterior.

Look no further for a super-fast dinner for weeknights that is also fancy enough to serve guests.

Ingredients

To make this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe you need:

Shrimp. Opt for smaller shrimp, maybe medium-sized, around 20 to 24 count per pound. Be sure to either purchase peeled and deveined or do this yourself. You can leave the tails on or off.
Oil. Avocado oil is perfect for the air fryer since it has a high smoke point. However, olive oil works just as well.
Soy sauce. This salty sauce is the base of the marinade. For a gluten-free meal, substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free kind, Tamari, or even coconut liquid aminos.
Lemon juice. You need about 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for the sauce, plus more for serving. While you can use a bottled type, the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Honey. You just need a little bit for a floral and sweet undertone to the sauce. You can also use pure maple syrup or agave nectar.
Garlic. A couple of cloves of finely minced garlic really gives the sauce a punch. You can sub in garlic powder, but it will affect the taste.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp

The basic steps for making this Air Fryer Shrimp are simple to follow:

Prepare the Shrimp

Do not use frozen shrimp as the added moisture will impact the final result.

First, pat the shrimp dry.

The shrimp needs to be peeled and de-veined. Use your fingers to remove the shell. A fork makes it easy to pull the vein out.

The shrimp are peeled and deveined. — Peel the shrimp.

Shrimp are peeled before boiling. — Peel the shrimp.

Toss in Marinade

Combine the oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until it is well combined.

Add the shrimp to the sauce and slightly toss until everything is covered.

Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 to 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Any longer than this and the acid will break down the proteins in the shrimp and they will get mushy.

A marinade is whisked in a glass bowl. — Whisk the sauce.

Shrimp is tossed with a marinade. — Whisk the sauce.

Cook Shrimp in Air Fryer

Air frying the shrimp results in a tender and juicy inside with a crispy outside. But be sure to preheat the air fryer to 370℉ for at least 3 minutes before adding the shrimp.

Line the shrimp in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, and then flip each one and baste with the remaining marinade from the bowl.

Cook the shrimp until they are no longer translucent and thoroughly cooked through.

Remove them from the air fryer and set on a paper towel.

Shrimp is air fried in a single layer. — Lay in a single layer.

For the best flavor, shrimp is basted halfway through cooking. — Lay in a single layer.

Serve with Sauces

When the shrimp are cooked through, squeeze some extra lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

You can also serve these with:

You can serve shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces.

Meal Prep and Storage

To Prep-Ahead: Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix up the sauce ahead of time if you need.
To Store: Store leftover shrimp in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 days.
To Freeze: It is best to freeze shrimp soon after cooking for the best flavor. Line the leftovers on a tray in a single layer and place it in the freezer for a couple of hours. Then, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag and store it for 12 months.
To Reheat: Warm up shrimp in the air fryer at 325℉ for 5 minutes. You can use the microwave, but they will be mushy.

Air fry shrimp for a quick and healthy dinner.

FAQs

How do you know when air fried shrimp is done?

The shrimp is done when it is no longer translucent. If you’d like, use a thermometer. It is fully cooked at 145℉.

How long do you air fry shrimp?

Depending on the size of the shrimp, it should be cooked for 5 to 10 minutes.

What do you serve air fryer shrimp with?

Air fryer shrimp is perfect for salads, pasta, on rice, in shrimp tacos, or as the main dish with your favorite side.

Is air fryer shrimp healthy?

This protein is full of vitamin C and A, high in calcium and potassium, and low carb when cooked in the air fryer.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Not too big. Find small to medium-sized shrimp that so they cook evenly and get tender.
On or off. You can leave the tail on the shrimp or remove it, whatever you prefer.
Let it rest. Give the shrimp enough time to marinate in the sauce.
Don’t overdo it. If you overcook the shrimp, it will get rubbery. Be sure to remove the shrimp from the air fryer as soon as it’s done.
Change it up. Get creative with the seasonings. Try adding onion powder, paprika, or lemon pepper, or kick up the spice with Cajun seasoning.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp

Round out your meal with any of these healthy and easy sides:

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re looking for other super quick air fryer recipes, try one of these next:

Air Fryer Shrimp

Ingredients