These air fryer shrimp are plump, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. This healthy, quick dish is ready in about 6–8 minutes and is incredibly easy to prepare. Serve them on salads, tacos, rice bowls, or enjoy them on their own—air frying makes the process fast and foolproof.

Air Fryer Shrimp

Cooking time in the air fryer varies slightly depending on whether the shrimp are thawed or frozen. Thawed shrimp cook faster—around 5–6 minutes—while frozen shrimp usually take about 8 minutes. Either way, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp in under 10 minutes.

Look for shrimp that turn plump and pink. If you prefer to be precise, the internal temperature should reach at least 120°F.

Cooking Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Start by cleaning the shrimp: remove shells and devein if needed, then pat dry.
Whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and your seasonings in a small bowl.
Brush or toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture to coat evenly.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack—avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
Cook at 375°F for about 5–6 minutes for thawed shrimp, and about 8 minutes for frozen shrimp. Serve immediately.

Seasonings and Flavor

The version below is a favorite because it balances bright lemon, a touch of honey, and classic spices for a versatile shrimp that complements many dishes. It’s great for tacos, salads, pasta, or served over rice.

Feel free to customize: increase or decrease seasonings to suit your taste. You can add chili powder, taco seasoning, cumin, or a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice for a brighter finish.

A tablespoon of melted butter stirred into the seasoning mix adds richness and takes the flavor up a notch if you like a more indulgent finish.

Air Fryer Recommendations

Many air fryers perform similarly, so you don’t need a specific model to get great results. I use an Instant Brand air fryer and find it reliable for quick meals. Any well-reviewed air fryer with consistent temperature control will work fine for this recipe.

Save This Recipe

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it—leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo on Instagram at @TheAlexDaynes. Seeing your versions always makes my day!

Yield: 3-4 servings

Best Air Fryer Shrimp

These air fryer shrimp are plump, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. This healthy dish comes together in about 6 minutes and is very simple to make.

Prep Time
2 minutes

Cook Time
6 minutes

Total Time
6 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 lemon, juiced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Clean the shrimp by removing shells and veins. Rinse briefly and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Brush or toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture so they’re evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a rack—avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes for thawed shrimp, or about 8 minutes for frozen, until pink and opaque. No need to flip. Serve immediately.

Notes

*Fresh or thawed shrimp cook faster than frozen; frozen shrimp will take a minute or two longer. Look for shrimp to be pink and firm. If desired, check that the internal temperature reaches 120°F.