The juiciest shrimp made in the airfryer & coated with spiced, minced garlic and herbs. This Spicy Garlic airfryer shrimp is easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
This Air Fryer Shrimp is so quick and easy to make. I’ve tried cooking shrimp many ways, but I personally find that the making them in the airfryer is the most foolproof. This shrimp recipe is very easily at the top of the list in terms of flavor and ease. The inside is tender and juicy while the outside is deliciously seasoned without any oil. These are especially perfect for meal prep!
What kind of shrimp do I buy?
Sometimes when you buy shrimp that isn’t peeled and deveined, you will notice a thin, black string down its back. That is the shrimp’s digestive tract which is full of grit which is why it is important to remove. I always manage to hurt myself in the process, so I like to buy them peeled and deveined. You pick them up fresh at Whole Foods or ShopRite, or get them packaged at Walmart. This cuts down on the prep time and just saves a lot of unnecessary effort. If you prefer to buy raw whole shrimp, just make sure to peel and devein before making this recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! If that’s what is available to you, then go for it. Just make sure the shrimp is fully thawed before you coat it in all the spices.
How many can I air-fry at once?
This really depends on the size of your airfryer. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked shrimp so don’t put too many in the air fryer basket at once. Spread out the shrimp at least a finger width apart so they can be surrounded by hot air to cook them properly. If you’re making a large batch, it can be a good idea to cook in batches.
Do I flip them?
You can flip the shrimp halfway through to ensure both sides are cooked evenly or give the basket a shake.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! If that’s what is available to you, then go for it. Just make sure the shrimp is fully thawed before you coat it in all the spices.
How many can I air-fry at once?
This really depends on the size of your airfryer. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked shrimp so don’t put too many in the air fryer basket at once. Spread out the shrimp at least a finger width apart so they can be surrounded by hot air to cook them properly. If you’re making a large batch, it can be a good idea to cook in batches.
Do I flip them?
You can flip the shrimp halfway through to ensure both sides are cooked evenly or give the basket a shake.
Meal Prep Ideas with shrimp
My golden rule when it comes to meal prep is to never prep complete meals. It gets boring and it’s hard to stick to that routine. Instead, meal prep just your proteins and carbs. Those are generally the most time-consuming elements of cooking so meal prepping those sets you up for success while giving you the flexibility to improvise. For example, you can make my Cilantro Lime Rice, Air Fryer Shrimp, and Adobo Chicken on Sunday and pick up taco shells from the grocery store. You can now make 5 unique meals out of these 3 ingredients:
- Shrimp Rice Bowls: Pair the Airfryer Shrimp with spicy mayo and slaw for a delicious combo!
- Chicken Burrito Bowl: Use your Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice and Adobo Chicken to make the base and top with your choice of vegetables and make some fresh salsa and guacamole to go with it!
- Adobo Chicken Mini Quesadillas: Throw the Adobo Chicken and some cheese onto tortillas and customize your quesadilla to your preferences!
- Shrimp Tacos: Use the Airfryer Shrimp and taco shells to kickstart taco night! Add in your desired toppings based on what you have in your kitchen!
- Grill the Chicken with Veggies: A quick and tasty meal that is loaded with nutrients. Search your refrigerator for fresh vegetables and grill them with some tasty seasoning and the Adobo Chicken!
How to Airfry Shrimp (spicy garlic!)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 Shrimp 1x
Description
The juiciest shrimp made in the airfryer & coated with spiced, minced garlic and herbs. This Spicy Garlic airfryer shrimp is easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (approx 24)
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the Spices: In a bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper and dried oregano. This quick step will help distribute the spices evenly.
- Marinate Shrimp: To a bowl, add the shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil & lemon juice. Toss to combine. Coat the shrimp with the spice mixture, chopped cilantro and minced garlic. Mix well to combine. Let it sit for 5 minutes while the airfryer preheats.
- Airfry the shrimp: Preheat the airfryer to 380F for 5 minutes. Place the shrimp in a single row in the airfryer basket or rack. Airfry for 4 minutes. Flip each shrimp over and airfare for an additional 3-4 minutes. (total : 7-8 minutes)
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
It was absolutely delicious. I used frozen shrimp and I was worried it wouldn’t turn out as good but this recipe did not disappoint! I made my family try it and it has been a hit I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves shrimp!!
★★★★★
We tried this air fryer shrimp and it was lip smacking and simple .Thank you for introducing us such a simple recipe which will ready in less than 15min
★★★★★
Glad you’re enjoying this! You might also like my chicken marinade recipe.