Easy Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp (Detailed Recipe)

This Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp recipe is quick, flavorful, and beginner-friendly. The shrimp come out juicy on the inside with a lightly crisp, spicy coating on the outside—without deep frying or tons of oil. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a protein for bowls, tacos, or salads.

Total Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 7–9 minutes
Total: About 20 minutes

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 pound raw shrimp (medium or large), peeled and deveined
Tails on or off (your choice)

Seasoning Mix

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less for mild, more for spicy)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon sugar or honey (balances the spice)
Fresh lemon or lime wedges for serving
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Raw shrimp work best (not pre-cooked)
Frozen shrimp are fine—just thaw completely and pat dry
Medium or large shrimp cook evenly in the air fryer
Dry shrimp = better seasoning and crispier results

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Preheating helps the shrimp cook evenly and develop a light crust.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

If shrimp are frozen:

Thaw under cold running water
Pat completely dry with paper towels

Dry shrimp are important—too much moisture can make them steam instead of crisp.

3. Season the Shrimp

Place shrimp in a large mixing bowl.

Add:

Olive oil
All spices and seasonings

Toss until every shrimp is evenly coated.
Make sure seasoning gets into all the curves of the shrimp.

4. Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer
Do not overcrowd (cook in batches if needed)

Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.

5. Air Fry

Cook at 400°F for 7–9 minutes
Shake the basket or flip shrimp halfway through (around 4 minutes)

Shrimp cook fast—watch closely near the end.

6. Check for Doneness

Shrimp are done when:

They turn pink
They curl into a loose “C” shape
The inside is opaque (not gray)

Avoid overcooking or shrimp will become rubbery.

7. Finish and Serve

Remove shrimp from the air fryer
Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice on top
Garnish with herbs if desired

Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Ideas

Shrimp Bowls: Rice, veggies, avocado, and sauce
Shrimp Tacos: Tortillas, slaw, and crema
Salads: Over greens with a citrus dressing
Pasta: Toss with garlic butter or Alfredo
Appetizer: Serve with dipping sauce

Flavor Variations

Extra Spicy

Add more cayenne or hot sauce
Sprinkle chili crisp after cooking

Garlic Butter

Toss cooked shrimp with melted butter and minced garlic

Sweet & Spicy

Add 1–2 teaspoons honey to seasoning mix

Cajun Style

Use Cajun seasoning instead of individual spices

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container (up to 2 days)
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
Avoid microwaving if possible (can make shrimp rubbery)

Easy Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp Recipe + Air Fryer Giveaway!