15-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp
Quick-cooking shrimp seasoned with garlic, Old Bay, and Creole spices, finished with melted butter and fresh lemon juice. The air fryer method delivers tender, perfectly cooked shrimp in under 15 minutes with minimal hands-on time. Ideal as an appetizer, light lunch, or over pasta or rice for a complete meal. This version balances bold seasoning with bright citrus and keeps the process straightforward for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or enough to coat
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoningsmoked paprika plus cayenne1/2 teaspoon paprika plus 1/8 teaspoon cayennespice blend
regional alternative
Full guide → - ¼ teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powderminced fresh garlic2 teaspoons garlic powder equals 6 cloves mincedflavor
stronger garlic presence, add after cooking
Full guide → - 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- 2
Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with oil until coated.
- 3
Add salt, pepper, lemon pepper, Old Bay, Creole or Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder; toss to coat evenly.
- 4
Spread shrimp in a single layer on air fryer trays or cook in batches in basket style.
- 5
Air fry at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes, tossing halfway or swapping trays, until cooked through.
- 6
Transfer shrimp to bowl and toss with melted butter.
- 7
Juice half the lemon and add to bowl along with parsley and red pepper flakes; toss.
- 8
Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.
Tips
Shrimp size affects cooking time; start checking at 8 minutes for smaller 41-50 count, extend to 12 minutes for larger 31-35 count. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so watch carefully.
For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice directly to the oil before tossing for deeper citrus flavor throughout the shrimp, not just at the end.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked shrimp in airtight container up to 3 days. Do not freeze as texture becomes mushy upon thawing.
Prep and season shrimp up to 4 hours ahead; store in refrigerator uncovered on parchment. Cook just before serving for best texture.
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, salad greens, or with crusty bread to soak up butter sauce. Pairs well with white wine or light beer.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the halfway toss or tray swap to avoid uneven cooking and rubbery edges.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
Do not add lemon juice before cooking to avoid acidic curing that changes texture.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
stronger garlic presence, add after cooking
Full guide →regional alternative
Full guide →FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry first. Frozen shrimp release excess moisture, resulting in uneven browning and softer texture. Allow 30 minutes thaw time in refrigerator.
What if my air fryer cooks faster than 10 minutes?
Air fryer wattage varies widely. Start checking at 7-8 minutes. Shrimp are done when pink and opaque throughout. Undercooked shrimp appear translucent or gray.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Cooked shrimp stays fresh 2-3 days refrigerated in airtight container. Reheat gently in 350 degree F air fryer for 3-4 minutes to avoid overcooking further.