Air Fryer Shrimp

Ingredients

• 454 g (1 lb)raw jumbo shrimp
• 10 ml (2 tsp)olive oil
• Heaped 10 ml (2 tsp)Old Bay seasoning
• To tastekosher salt and ground black pepper
• Optional, for servingremoulade sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Clean the shrimp

   Remove and discard the shells and veins. Rinse the shrimp gently under cool water, then pat them dry with kitchen paper.

2. 2

   Season the shrimp

   Put the shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle over the olive oil. Toss to coat, add the Old Bay seasoning, salt and pepper, then toss again.

3. 3

   Fill the basket

   Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

4. 4

   Air fry until cooked

   Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 5–7 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. There is no need to flip or turn them.

5. 5

   Serve straight away

   Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh herbs and fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and seafood sauce, such as remoulade.

What is Old Bay air fryer shrimp?

This is a quick American-style seafood dish: peeled shrimp are coated in oil and Old Bay seasoning, then cooked in an air fryer. Old Bay is a familiar seasoning for seafood, giving the shrimp a savoury, gently spiced flavour.

The short cooking time and single-layer arrangement help the shrimp cook quickly without needing to turn them. Serve them simply with lemon, or add a dipping sauce.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 101 calories, 16g protein, 2g carbs, 3g fat.

The shrimp provide most of the protein, while the olive oil contributes most of the fat; the seasoning contributes little of the dish’s carbohydrate. For a more rounded plate, serve a portion with vegetables and a suitable source of carbohydrate, such as rice.

Choosing and preparing the shrimp

Jumbo shrimp: Larger shrimp are easy to arrange and take a little longer to cook than smaller ones. If yours are a different size, start checking them early.

Drying: Pat the rinsed shrimp dry before seasoning so the oil and spice coat them rather than being diluted by surface water.

Seasoning and coating

Oil first: Toss the shrimp with olive oil before adding the seasoning, so it has a chance to cling to the surface.

Old Bay: The recipe uses a heaped measure for a bold seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste, bearing in mind that seasoning blends can already be salty.

Getting the timing right

Check early: Air fry at 200°C for 5–7 minutes, checking from the five-minute mark. The exact time depends on the shrimp size and your air fryer.

Doneness: Look for shrimp that are opaque and cooked through. Avoid leaving them in longer than needed, as shrimp can become firm and dry.

Why a single layer matters

Even spacing: Arrange the shrimp in one layer rather than piling them up. This lets hot air circulate around them for more even cooking.

Cook in batches: If the basket is too crowded, cook the shrimp in more than one batch. The method does not call for turning them.

Serving ideas

Bright finish: Fresh lemon juice and lemon wedges add a sharp contrast to the seasoned shrimp. Fresh herbs are an optional finishing touch mentioned in the method.

On the side: Remoulade or another seafood sauce makes an easy dip. The shrimp can also be served as part of a meal with vegetables, rice or a salad.

Recipe notes & tips

• Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry after rinsing.
• Preheat the air fryer if your model’s instructions recommend it.
• Keep the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
• Check jumbo shrimp at five minutes, then continue cooking if needed.
• Serve as soon as the shrimp are cooked through.

Variations

• Change the seasoning: Use a favourite spice blend in place of Old Bay.
• Use cooking spray: Coat the shrimp lightly with non-stick spray instead of olive oil.
• Try neutral oil: Use a neutral-flavoured oil if you do not have olive oil.
• Add lemon: Serve with lemon wedges or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Offer a dip: Serve with remoulade or another seafood sauce.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Wet shrimp: Excess water can dilute the coating; pat them dry before seasoning.
• Crowded basket: Overlapping shrimp may cook unevenly; use a single layer or cook in batches.
• Overcooking: Shrimp can turn firm and dry; check them from five minutes.
• Skipping the oil: Without the oil, the seasoning may not coat as evenly; toss the shrimp in oil first.
• Relying only on the timer: Air fryers and shrimp sizes vary; check for opaque, cooked-through flesh.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover shrimp in a covered container and use within 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or a pan until hot, taking care not to overcook them.

Frequently asked questions