14+ Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes for Crispy, Fast Meals

I still remember the weeknights when dinner felt like a race against bedtime. A bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer became my secret weapon more than once, rescued by an air fryer and a few pantry staples. That is how I ended up testing and refining 14+ Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes for Crispy, Fast Meals — each one born from the same tiny goal: something quick, perfectly crisp, and easy enough to pull together between work, homework, and whatever else the evening hands you.

 

1. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe gives you crunchy panko, savory Parmesan, and toasted garlic in under 20 minutes. It is a weeknight favorite when you want something a little special but not complicated. Kids and adults tend to agree on this one, and it pairs well with a simple salad or over pasta.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg beaten
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
3. Mix panko, Parmesan, and minced garlic in a shallow bowl.
4. Dip each shrimp in beaten egg then press into the panko mixture.
5. Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 4 minutes, flip, then cook 4 more minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the panko for a gentle heat.

2. Cajun-Spiced Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

When you want bold flavor with minimal effort, Cajun shrimp delivers. It is smoky, spicy, and ready in minutes for tacos, po boys, or a rice bowl. I reach for this rub when I need something that will wake up steamed vegetables or plain rice.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 lime cut into wedges

How to Make It:

1. Combine spices in a bowl to make the Cajun rub.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil and the spice mix until evenly coated.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
4. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket and cook 4 minutes, flip, then cook 3 to 4 minutes until opaque and slightly charred at the edges.
5. Squeeze lime over shrimp and serve with remoulade or over rice.

Swap This With That: Swap cayenne for chili powder for milder heat, or add more cayenne for a spicier finish.

3. Panko-Crusted Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright lemon and fragrant cracked pepper keep this one lively and light while the panko gives the satisfying crunch you want from the air fryer. It is a simple, elegant choice for casual dinner company or a fast weeknight.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 egg beaten
• 2 tbsp chopped dill or parsley

How to Make It:

1. Mix panko, lemon zest, lemon pepper, and salt in a shallow dish.
2. Dip shrimp in beaten egg then coat with the panko mixture.
3. Brush or spray shrimp lightly with melted butter.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook shrimp 4 minutes on one side, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Garnish with herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Meal Prep Tip: Coat the shrimp in panko and store on a tray in the fridge for up to 4 hours before air frying to save time.

4. Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dip

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a fun, tropical take that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. The coconut gives a toasty sweet crunch while a fresh mango dip keeps everything bright and summery. It is perfect for casual weekend lunches or a special appetizer.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 eggs beaten
• 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 mango peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Make the mango dip by mixing diced mango, lime juice, honey, and cilantro. Chill.
2. Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mix of shredded coconut and panko.
3. Coat shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then press into coconut panko mixture.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and arrange shrimp in a single layer. Cook 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes until golden.
5. Serve with mango dip.

Best Pairings: Coconut rice, crunchy slaw, and a cold citrusy drink go well with this dish.

5. Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet heat is a reliably crowd pleasing combo, and this glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. It is a quick topping for bowls, tacos, or served as finger food at a casual gathering.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp chopped scallions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Whisk honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to make the glaze.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, then coat lightly in half the glaze.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook shrimp 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Toss cooked shrimp in remaining glaze, sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds, and serve.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook shrimp in batches for even caramelization.

6. Lime Chipotle Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Why You’ll Love It:

These tacos are smoky, tangy, and ready in under 20 minutes. They are ideal for a casual weeknight where everyone can build their own and add their favorite toppings.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1/4 cup crema or sour cream

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with oil, chipotle powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and lime juice.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
3. Place shrimp in basket and cook 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes until done.
4. Warm tortillas, then assemble tacos with cabbage, shrimp, avocado, and crema.
5. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Serving Idea: Serve these at a casual taco night with a variety of salsas and pickled onions.

7. Tempura Style Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

A light tempura batter gives a delicate crisp without heavy frying. It is surprisingly quick in an air fryer and perfect with a simple soy dipping sauce.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup ice cold sparkling water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil for brushing
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated ginger

How to Make It:

1. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add cold sparkling water to make a slightly lumpy batter.
2. Heat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
3. Dip shrimp into the batter, shake off excess, and place in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush with oil.
4. Cook 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes until the batter is set and lightly golden.
5. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger for dipping.

Swap This With That: Use cold club soda instead of sparkling water for a similar light batter if you do not have sparkling water.

8. Asian Sesame Ginger Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a fast, flavor forward option with ginger, sesame, and soy that tastes like takeout but cooks in less time and with less oil. It is great over noodles or in a grain bowl.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped scallions

How to Make It:

1. Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar.
2. Toss shrimp in half the marinade for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and place shrimp in a single layer. Cook 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Toss cooked shrimp with remaining marinade, sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions, and serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Marinate shrimp up to 30 minutes ahead. Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

9. Buffalo Style Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Buffalo shrimp is tangy, spicy, and perfect for snacking or as a game night appetizer. It is a lighter way to get that classic buffalo flavor without deep frying.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Celery sticks and carrot sticks for serving
• 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing

How to Make It:

1. Mix hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and garlic powder to make buffalo sauce.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil and place in the air fryer at 400 degrees F. Cook 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Toss cooked shrimp in buffalo sauce until evenly coated and serve with celery and blue cheese dressing.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not add the sauce before air frying. Coat shrimp after they are cooked to keep the crisp texture.

10. Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp Skewers

Why You’ll Love It:

Skewers are an easy, elegant way to serve shrimp. The garlic butter and herbs make them taste restaurant worthy while still being fast enough for a busy night.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 6 wooden skewers soaked in water

How to Make It:

1. Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread shrimp onto soaked skewers, about 4 to 5 shrimp per skewer.
3. Brush shrimp with garlic butter and preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
4. Place skewers in the basket and cook 3 minutes, flip, then 3 more minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve with extra garlic butter for dipping.

Best Pairings: Grilled corn, a green salad, and crusty bread complement these skewers well.

11. Coconut Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:

This bowl balances citrus brightness, creamy coconut rice, and crisp shrimp for a satisfying, quick meal. It is wholesome enough for lunches and special enough for dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 ripe mango sliced
• 1 avocado sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Cook rice with coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt according to package instructions.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, and salt.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook shrimp 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Assemble bowls with coconut rice, shrimp, mango, avocado, and cilantro.

Meal Prep Tip: Make the coconut rice ahead and reheat gently. Cooked shrimp stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

12. Mediterranean Air Fryer Shrimp with Feta

Why You’ll Love It:

Bright tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta make this shrimp vibrant and satisfying. It is easy to assemble and pairs well with pita or couscous for a light dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 cups cooked couscous for serving

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook shrimp 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Mix cooked couscous with cherry tomatoes and olives.
4. Top couscous with shrimp and sprinkle with feta and parsley.

Flavor Boost: Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

13. Spicy Honey Lime Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet honey and zesty lime with a touch of heat make this shrimp addictive and quick. It is great on skewers, over rice, or tossed into a salad for a fast flavor upgrade.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Whisk honey, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil and half the glaze for 5 minutes.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook shrimp 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Toss cooked shrimp in remaining glaze and garnish with cilantro.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen shrimp thawed in cold water to save money without sacrificing quality.

14. Pesto Crusted Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Pesto adds herbaceous, nutty flavor and forms a crisp, fragrant crust in the air fryer. It is a fast way to make shrimp feel gourmet for a midweek dinner.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan for sprinkling

How to Make It:

1. Toss panko with olive oil and salt.
2. Spread a thin layer of pesto over each shrimp, then press panko onto the pesto to form a crust.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes until crust is golden.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

Personal Note: I like to use leftover pesto from pasta night so nothing goes to waste and dinner feels effortless.

15. Lemon Dill Air Fryer Shrimp Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

Light, bright, and chilled, this shrimp salad is great for packed lunches or a refreshing dinner. Dill and lemon keep the flavors simple and clean, which makes it versatile with greens or bread.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 small cucumber sliced
• 4 radishes thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or light mayo for dressing

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook shrimp 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes until opaque.
3. Let shrimp cool slightly, then toss with dill.
4. Assemble salad greens, cucumber, radish, and top with shrimp and a dollop of dressing.

Serving Idea: Serve this salad with crusty bread or in wraps for a portable lunch.

16. Teriyaki Glazed Air Fryer Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Sticky teriyaki glaze caramelizes quickly and creates a satisfying glossy finish. This is the kind of fast flavor that makes rice bowls feel special on a busy night.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp chopped scallions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Toss shrimp with half the sauce and marinate 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook shrimp 4 minutes, flip, then 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Toss shrimp with remaining sauce, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, and serve.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a little tang that brightens the glaze.

FAQ

Conclusion

If you keep a bag of shrimp on hand and an air fryer on the counter, weeknight dinners suddenly feel easier and more interesting. These 14 recipes cover everything from crisp breaded shrimp to saucy, spicy, and herbaceous variations so you can reach for a recipe that fits your mood and the time you have. Try one idea this week, tweak the seasoning to match your pantry, and enjoy the small victory of a fast, crispy meal that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. Cooking should feel encouraging, so treat these recipes as starting points and have fun experimenting.