Calling all shrimp lovers and spice enthusiasts! Ever crave those juicy, flavorful, perfectly seasoned Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp without the mess and hassle of boiling?
Old-Bay Seasoning is made for seafood! There is nothing better. Serve this with melted butter, and you have a KETO and low-carb-friendly dinner, lunch, or snack! And shrimp is also a great Air Fryer Weight Watcher Recipe, which everyone can enjoy!
So today, you can easily make this up with only a few ingredients!
Some of my other favorite Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes are AIR FRYER BAKED SHRIMP SCAMPI, AIR FRYER CRISPY SHRIMP, GARLIC PARMESAN AIR-FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE, and AIR FRYER LEMON PEPPER SHRIMP.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Old Bay Magic great flavor
- Crispy Perfection
- Customization Freedom
- Faster & Easier!
- Easy Cleanup
- Main Dish or Appetizer
- Endless Variations
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Raw Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Fresh or thawed from frozen works perfectly.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Brings a slightly spicy, bold flavor that’s iconic in seafood dishes.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for crisping up the shrimp!
- Lemon Juice: Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavors.
- Garlic (optional): Another way to give more flavor to the shrimp!
- Fresh Herbs (optional for garnish): Chopped parsley or fresh cilantro, makes the shrimp dish look amazing, perfect for company!
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Serving: Serve with homemade tartar sauce, or lemon wedges.
Cooking Shrimp In Air Fryer With Old Bay Seasoning
Here’s a simple guide to creating perfectly seasoned shrimp with a hint of spice and zest. Here is a foolproof recipe for air fryer shrimp with old bay seasoning:
Prep the Shrimp: If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for easier handling. Ensure the shrimp are dry by patting them with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy finish.
Season: Place the shrimp in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and Old Bay seasoning, tossing until the shrimp are evenly coated. The oil helps the seasoning adhere and promotes even cooking in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy texture on the shrimp.
Arrange the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) and set cook time for 6-8 minutes until they are pink, opaque, and slightly crispy. Flipping them halfway through is unnecessary if your air fryer circulates air well.
Serve: Serve the shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch if desired.
Variations Old Bay Air Fryer Shrimp
Steam Shrimp With Old Bay Seasoning: Steam fresh shrimp over a pot of boiling water, generously seasoning them with Old Bay for a classic, flavorful kick. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, usually about 5-7 minutes, then serve hot with a side of melted butter or cocktail sauce for dipping.
Frozen Shrimp In Air Fryer Old Bay: Toss frozen shrimp with a light coating of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, then air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The result is perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp with a slightly crispy exterior, ready to be served with a squeeze of lemon.
Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe Faq’s
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Thawing ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning adhere to the shrimp. You can thaw the shrimp in cold water.
Can I make this recipe without Old Bay seasoning? While Old Bay seasoning gives this dish its characteristic flavor, you can substitute it with paprika, garlic powder, a pinch of cayenne, and some dried herbs if Old Bay is unavailable.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked? The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and the exterior is slightly crispy.
Can I cook the shrimp from frozen if I forget to thaw them? It’s possible to cook shrimp from frozen, but for best results and even seasoning, it’s recommended to thaw them first. Cooking from frozen may require adjusting the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, your favorite dipping sauce, cocktail sauce, or a little melted butter, or choose sides, such as air-fried vegetables, a fresh salad, or for a classic pairing, air-fried potatoes or “chips.”
Can I store and reheat leftover Old Bay Shrimp? While best enjoyed fresh, leftover cooked shrimp can be stored, in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated gently in the air fryer or stovetop over low heat to prevent drying.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP TACOS
- EASY AIR FRYER HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP
- AIR FRYER GARLIC AND LEMON SHRIMP
- EASY AIR FRYER SPICY NEW ORLEANS SHRIMP
- AIR FRYER LEMON PEPPER SHRIMP
- AIR FRYER SHRIMP TACOS
- NINJA FOODI RICE PUDDING
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, adjust to taste
Instructions
- If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for easier handling. Ensure the shrimp are dry by patting them with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy finish.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl. Add the olive oil and Old Bay seasoning, tossing until the shrimp are evenly coated. The oil not only helps the seasoning adhere but also promotes even cooking in the air fryer.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps achieve a crispy texture on the shrimp.
- Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are pink, opaque, and slightly crispy. There’s no need to flip them halfway through if your air fryer circulates air well.
- Serve the shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch if desired.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray, or Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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