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This is the easiest way to make plump, juicy Air Fryer Shrimp – and it cooks in under 10 minutes!
Watch the Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Video!
Table of Contents
Ingredient Tips
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements!
- shrimp – use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. I used extra large (U16-20) for best results – you can use any size shrimp you prefer but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- baking soda – this is my key ingredient to plump, juicy air-fried shrimp. Adding baking soda to the brining solution changes the pH level of the shrimp protein, giving them a snappier and more delicious texture.
- neutral oil – my go-to neutral oils are avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
- seasoning – black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning – this is what I like to use but you can adjust this to your preference. Some other seasoning ideas are red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for more heat), onion powder, and any of your favorite dried herbs!
You already know how much I love air fryer recipes – some of my top recipes on my site are Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Tofu, Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly, and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts!
How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp
1. Prepare the Shrimp
In a bowl, add the water, salt, sugar, and baking soda and mix until completely dissolved. Add the shrimp and let it sit for 10 minutes. Brining the shrimp will help it stay juicy, moisty, and plump. Baking soda is the key ingredient here.
Once it’s been 10 minutes, remove the shrimp from the brine, rinse them with water, and pat completely dry. Rinsing them will ensure there will be no unpleasant after taste from the baking soda. Once rinseed, make sure the shrimp is very dry – this will help the seasoning stick to the shrimp. Mix the shrimp in the seasoning mix until well coated.
2. Air Fry the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400F for 6-8 minutes or until they read 145F, shaking the air fryer basket to toss the shrimp halfway through cooking. I recommend checking the shrimp at 4-5 minutes to make sure they don’t overcook, as air fryers vary in strength.
Serve with an optional squeeze of lemon and enjoy! I like to dip the shrimp in homemade ranch, Spicy Mayo, Raising Cane’s Sauce, or Chick-Fil-A Sauce!
Key Tip
CJ’s Expert Tips + Storage
- Shrimp – Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. I used extra large (U16-20) for best results – you can use any size shrimp you prefer but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Baking Soda is the key ingredient! The key to plump, juicy air-fried shrimp is 10 minutes in the brining solution, which has a key ingredient – baking soda! The baking soda changes the pH level of the shrimp protein, giving them a snappier and more delicious texture. Make sure to rinse the shrimp after brining to avoid any baking soda aftertaste that may linger.
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning. The seasoning mix has neutral oil in it and if the shrimp is not completely dry, the seasoning mix will not stick well to the shrimp.
- Cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp – I used U16-20 and it took me 6 minutes. Make sure to cook the shrimp until 145 degrees – this will ensure they’re cooked all the way through but won’t turn rubbery and overcooked. I recommend checking the shrimp at the 4-5 minutes mark to make sure they don’t overcook. Power and strength of air fryer varies.
- Storage – Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Since the shrimp is not battered, I find it easiest to warm them up quickly in the microwave.
If you tried this Air Fryer Shrimp or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Air Fryer Shrimp (VIDEO)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, extra large U16-20 count, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda, (aluminum free)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the water, salt, sugar, and baking soda and mix until completely dissolved. Add the shrimp and let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, add the neutral oil, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until combined.
- Remove the shrimp from the brine, rinse them with water, and pat completely dry. Mix in the spices until coated.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400F for 6-8 minutes or until they read 145F, shaking the air fryer basket to toss the shrimp halfway through cooking.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Shrimp – Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. I used extra large (U16-20) for best results – you can use any size shrimp you prefer but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – smaller shrimp will cook faster.
-
- Baking Soda is the key ingredient! The key to plump, juicy air-fried shrimp is 10 minutes in the brining solution, which has a key ingredient – baking soda! The baking soda changes the pH level of the shrimp protein, giving them a snappier and more delicious texture. Make sure to rinse the shrimp after brining to avoid any baking soda aftertaste that may linger.
-
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning. The seasoning mix has neutral oil in it and if the shrimp is not completely dry, the seasoning mix will not stick well to the shrimp.
-
- Cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp – I used U16-20 and it took me 6 minutes. Make sure to cook the shrimp until 145 degrees – this will ensure they’re cooked all the way through but won’t turn rubbery and overcooked. I recommend checking the shrimp at the 4-5 minutes mark to make sure they don’t overcook. Power and strength of air fryer varies.
-
- Storage – Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Since the shrimp is not battered, I find it easiest to warm them up quickly in the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I don’t have an air fryer… so could I simply sautee the shrimp or grill them?
Yes, absolutely Noreen! This preparation method can be used for sauteing or grilling as well!