I’ll be honest — cooking shrimp with their shells on used to intimidate me a little. But once I tried air frying them, everything changed. The shells keep the shrimp incredibly juicy, protect that tender meat from drying out, and somehow make the flavor more intense and slightly smoky. The best part? They’re ready in minutes, and the cleanup is minimal — which means I can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish any night of the week.
I love serving these crispy, garlicky shrimp as a quick appetizer or tossing them over a simple salad for dinner. The shells come off easily after cooking, and if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself licking your fingers because they’re seasoned to perfection. It’s that perfect mix of messy and mouthwatering that every great seafood dish should have.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Shrimp (with shell on): The star of the show! Choose large or jumbo shrimp with the shells still intact — they help lock in flavor and moisture while crisping beautifully in the air fryer. Make sure to devein them if necessary, but keep the shell for that irresistible crunch and bold seafood flavor.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle helps the seasoning stick and gives the shrimp that gorgeous golden color as they air fry. It also adds a touch of richness that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Garlic powder: This adds depth and a savory kick without overpowering the shrimp. Garlic and seafood are a match made in heaven, and this brings that flavor without the mess of mincing fresh garlic.
Paprika: A must for that subtle smoky note and beautiful color. You can use sweet paprika or smoked paprika depending on whether you want warmth or a hint of barbecue flavor.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential — they balance everything and enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Lemon wedges: Serve on the side for a bright, zesty finish. A squeeze of lemon right before serving wakes up all the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound large shrimp, shell on (cleaned and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp with Shell
Step 1: Prep the shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure they’re clean and free of excess moisture — this helps them crisp up in the air fryer instead of steaming.
Step 2: Season
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated. The shells will hold on to the seasoning, infusing flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the shrimp start crisping right away for that perfect texture.
Step 4: Cook the shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them — air circulation is key! Cook for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re pink, slightly golden, and the shells are crisp.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Remove the shrimp and let them cool for a minute. Serve with lemon wedges on the side — squeeze some over just before eating for that irresistible finishing touch.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t skip the shell: It keeps the shrimp juicy and helps lock in flavor. Plus, it crisps up beautifully!
- Use jumbo shrimp if possible: They’re easier to handle and stay tender inside.
- Avoid overcrowding: If you’re making a big batch, cook in two rounds for even crispiness.
- Add heat: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne or chili flakes to give the shrimp a spicy edge.
- For extra garlic flavor: Mix a bit of melted butter with minced garlic and brush it over the shrimp right after air frying.
- Serve ideas: Try these over rice, with garlic butter pasta, or as a snack with cocktail sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning so they crisp up nicely.
Do I have to devein shrimp with the shell on?
It’s optional, but I recommend it for the best texture and presentation. You can make a small slit along the back and remove the vein before cooking.
Can I use peeled shrimp instead?
Absolutely — they’ll cook a little faster, so check them at the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Garlic butter, lemon aioli, spicy mayo, or classic cocktail sauce all pair perfectly with these crispy, flavorful shrimp.