Name: Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo (21 to 25-count) shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small lemon (zest and juice, plus additional for serving); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/3 cup Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; Nonstick cooking spray; Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Nothing beats that perfect crunch on the outside with juicy shrimp inside. This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe is exactly that—super quick, incredibly flavorful, and delightful every single time. Trust me, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen, especially when you want something fuss-free but impressive.

A white plate full of golden brown breaded shrimp, each shrimp showing a crunchy texture with a light orange-pink color on parts of the shrimp visible under the breadcrumbs; small green chives are sprinkled over the shrimp, adding a touch of color, with lemon wedges placed at the edge of the plate on a white marbled surface in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly smitten with how this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe delivers on taste and texture without any babysitting. It’s a win for anyone who wants shrimp dinner fast but still super satisfying.

Speedy and Convenient: The air fryer cooks shrimp in just minutes with little prep and mess.
Golden, Crispy Perfection: The breadcrumb and Parmesan coating crisps up beautifully without deep frying.
Fresh, Zesty Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten each bite, balancing savory garlic and herbs.
Customizable and Crowd-Friendly: You can easily tweak seasonings or make a big batch for parties or weeknight family meals.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here happens with simple, fresh ingredients that come together for a crispy, zesty coating that locks in shrimp’s natural sweetness. Shopping tip: Look for jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined to save time while keeping that satisfying bite.

Flat lay of fresh jumbo shrimp with translucent shells, a small whole bright yellow lemon, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs with visible herbs, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, one large whole egg with a smooth brown shell, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of dried parsley flakes, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl of kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, and a small white bowl of chopped fresh green parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jumbo shrimp: Large enough to hold a crispy coating and still stay juicy inside.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds just enough richness and helps seasonings stick.
Fresh lemon (zest & juice): Adds brightness and a subtle tang that keeps things light.
Garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano: Classic herbs and spices that layer on rustic, savory notes.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning that enhances natural shrimp flavor.
Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs: Gives a healthier crunch and adds herbaceous complexity.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, melty component that perfectly crisps in the air fryer.
Large egg: Acts as the glue to bind the coating to the shrimp.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps achieve that golden finish without extra oil.
Fresh parsley or chives: Optional garnish for a fresh, colorful pop.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to play with different herbs and spices depending on what I have. Sometimes I swap oregano for smoked paprika for a subtly smoky twist, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Feel free to customize and make this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe truly yours!

Variation: One time I tossed the shrimp with a bit of Cajun seasoning and the results were downright addictive—perfect if you want a little kick.
Dietary Mods: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten sensitivity or swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Serving Size: This recipe scales up easily, so it's great for both solo dinners and family meals.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

A white plate filled with a pile of golden-brown fried shrimp with a crispy breadcrumb coating, some sprinkled with small green herb pieces. On the right side of the plate, there are three lemon slices arranged neatly. In the bottom right corner, a small white bowl contains chopped green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Marinate

First, I pat the shrimp nice and dry—that’s a game changer for getting that crispy coating. Then I toss them gently with olive oil, fresh lemon zest and juice, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Letting them sit for 15 minutes at room temp helps the flavors soak in without turning the shrimp mushy from too much acid.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station

Mix the Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a shallow dish. In another bowl, beat your egg well. Having your baking sheet lined with parchment nearby is key for assembly and easy cleanup.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Pick up each shrimp from the marinade, let the excess drip off, dip it in the egg, let that drip too, then roll it around in the breadcrumb mix. I make sure each shrimp gets a good even coat on both sides—don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly without steaming. Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly, then air fry for 2 minutes. Flip carefully with tongs and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden and opaque. I usually keep cooked shrimp warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.

Top Tip

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few things that make all the difference when you want perfect Air Fryer Shrimp every time.

Dry Shrimp First: Patting shrimp dry before marinating is crucial for crispy crumbs that actually stick.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking in batches ensures shrimp aren’t steaming and get that golden crust.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: It brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the Parmesan crumbs perfectly.
Spray Liberally with Nonstick Spray: Both the basket and shrimp need a light coat to develop that gorgeous crispy finish without drying out.

How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a fresh herbal note and a pop of color. A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving takes the whole dish to the next level—bright, tangy, and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic butter rice, or even a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. When I’m in a hurry, a side of roasted veggies or steamed asparagus rounds it out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to skewer the cooked shrimp and serve with a zesty dipping sauce on the side—guests love the finger-food vibe. Another fun idea: pile them on toasted baguette slices with a bit of garlic aioli for shrimp crostini that disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp hold their flavor well, although the coating loses some crispness over time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully cooked shrimp before by flash freezing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They thaw well overnight in the fridge, but be aware the texture softens a bit, so best to enjoy fresh when possible.

Reheating

To revive leftover air fryer shrimp, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. This heats them through and crisps the coating back up better than the microwave ever could.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this air fryer recipe?

Yes, but I recommend thawing frozen shrimp completely and patting them dry before marinating and cooking. This prevents excess moisture, which can interfere with crisping in the air fryer.

How long does it take to cook shrimp in the air fryer?

Shrimp cooks very quickly in the air fryer—typically about 4 minutes total at 390°F. It’s important to cook them just until opaque and golden to avoid rubbery texture.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake this shrimp in your oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. They won’t be quite as crispy as in the air fryer but still delicious.

Can I make this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Just add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or toss shrimp with hot sauce after cooking for a spicy kick tailored to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe holds a warm spot in my heart for how reliably delicious and quick it is. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a crowd, or just in need of an easy, elegant meal, this recipe won’t let you down. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular in your meal rotation—cheers to crispy, flavorful shrimp done right!