Air Fryer Shrimp (VIDEO)

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This plump and juicy Air Fryer Shrimp is a perfect easy weeknight meal! The shrimp only take a few minutes to prepare and cook in just 6 minutes!

Prep Time15

Cook Time6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

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!

- 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.