There is something amazing about our Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail Recipe, and if you haven’t tried it, this will soon become one of your favorite air fryer shrimp recipes!

Plate of perfectly cooked Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail served with tangy cocktail sauce, a quick and easy appetizer for gatherings or parties.
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Enjoy a quick and easy appetizer with this Air Fried Shrimp Cocktail recipe. Perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy texture, served with a tangy cocktail sauce. A healthy, delicious, and hassle-free dish for any gathering or party!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER OLD BAY SHRIMP, AIR FRYER BAKED SHRIMP SCAMPI, AIR FRYER CRISPY SHRIMP, and GARLIC PARMESAN AIR-FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE.

Easy Air Fried Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

This Easy Air Fried Shrimp Cocktail recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious appetizer with minimal effort.

The shrimp are air fried to perfection, giving them a crispy texture while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Served with a zesty cocktail sauce, this dish is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a light snack.

It’s ready in just minutes, making it a quick and hassle-free option. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply craving something tasty, this air fryer shrimp cocktail is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients on table for Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail.
  • Shrimp: Tender and juicy shrimp are the star of this dish, air fried to perfection for a crispy texture.
  • Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the shrimp get golden and crispy in the air fryer.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory flavor to enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
  • Paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and color to the shrimp for extra flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a refreshing citrus note.
  • Cocktail Sauce: A tangy, zesty dip that complements the crispy shrimp perfectly.

How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail

Arranging seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket - Shrimp placed in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Step One: In a large bowl, add the shrimp, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the shrimp into the air fryer basket or in the air fryer tray.

Step Two: Set the temperature to 400 degrees F (air fryer setting) and set cook time for 5-7 minutes. Shake the basket a couple of times, during the cooking process.

Shrimp dipped into tangy cocktail sauce - Shrimp being dipped into a bowl of cocktail sauce, ready to eat.

Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Tips

  • Use big shrimp: Use big or jumbo shrimp for better texture and presentation, they hold up well in the air fryer.
  • Pat dry shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are patted dry before seasoning for a crispy, golden texture when air fried.
  • Even cooking: Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd for best results.
  • Flip halfway: For perfectly cooked shrimp flip them halfway through cooking to get even crisping on both sides.
  • Watch cooking time: Shrimp cook fast so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery so aim for 6-8 minutes cooking time.
  • Serve fresh: Air fryer shrimp are best served fresh but if you need to reheat them use the air fryer for a few minutes to keep crispy.
Air fried shrimp arranged on a serving platter - Crispy, golden-brown shrimp served on a platter alongside a bowl of cocktail sauce.

Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just thaw them and pat dry before seasoning and air frying.

How long do I cook shrimp in the air fryer? 6-8 minutes at 400°F. Flip halfway through.

How do I season shrimp for shrimp cocktail? Olive oil, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon is good. You can also add paprika or garlic powder.

Can I make ahead of time? While best to serve fresh from the air fryer, you can cook ahead of time and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up.

What to dip in? Classic cocktail sauce (ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce) or garlic aioli or remoulade.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail

Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
3 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Enjoy a quick and easy appetizer with this Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail recipe. Perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy texture, served with a tangy cocktail sauce. A healthy, delicious, and hassle-free dish for any gathering or party!

Ingredients 

Shrimp:

  • 1 pound shrimp, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the shrimp, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the shrimp into the air fryer basket or in the air fryer tray.
  • Set the temperature to 400 degrees F (air fryer setting) for 5-7 minutes, halfway during the cooking process, shake the shrimp.
  • Plate, serve and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 23gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 1273mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 1mg

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