Air Fryer Seafood Boil

There is nothing better for quick lunch or dinner than a traditional Air Fryer Seafood Boil. Today, I added shrimp, lobster, and corn cooked in a traditional butter sauce.

Nothing is better than a one-basket meal, and clean-up was a breeze. Of course, you really can not go wrong with fresh seafood for dinner; this made for a great and easy Air Fryer Seafood Boil.

While traditionally, you would either bake, grill, or steam this dinner, I used the air fryer, and with no oil, I got everything to cook up to perfection.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Seafood Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER SALMON PATTIES, GARLIC PARMESAN AIR-FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE, AIR FRYER GARLIC LEMON BUTTER SCALLOPS and AIR FRYER LEMON PEPPER SHRIMP.

What Is A Seafood Boil?

It is an excellent combination of every seafood you have on hand; A Seafood Boil can be made with anything from clams, potatoes, crab, kielbasa, etc.

My mother used to make it when we got some seafood from our uncles, and it was never the same. It is sort of like a kitchen-sink sort of meal. Whatever you have, you toss it in.

How Do You Make A Seafood Boil

Today, I had some shrimp, lobster, and corn on hand. So, I thought, why not. You can add anything, as I mentioned before.

The key is to add some butter so that it does not try out, and shake the basket several times during the cooking process. This way, it air fries up to perfection.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Seafood Boil

• Lobster
• Corn
• Shrimp
• Butter
• Salt, Pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning

How To Make A Air Fryer Seafood Boil

Add your seafood boil into the Air Fryer Basket, butter, and seasonings. Set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air the fryer setting and cook time for 8 to 10 minutes. The key is to shake the basket frequently during the cooking process.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Some Pro Tips For Making A Seafood Boil:

• You can use whole lobster tails if you do not want to cut them.
• For best results, this is best served right after it is cooked.
• Any seafood would work in this recipe, from crab, clams, to crab legs. It’s a great meal for anyone.
• I used defrosted, but you can use frozen. The cooking time will not change that much.
• Ensure that you add butter and shake the basket frequently during the cooking process so the food stays moist.
• Serve with melted butter.

Fresh Or Frozen Seafood?

You can use fresh or frozen seafood, and the cooking time will not change much.

You can also keep your lobster tails whole if you do not want to cut them in half. The cooking time will stay the same.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Seafood Boil?

This is a great one-pot (basket) meal that can be served exactly as it is, but you can also serve it with a garden salad, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, or fresh grilled vegetables.

This meal really goes with anything.

Adding Potatoes To Air Fryer Seafood Boil

You can add potatoes to this seafood boil; however, you would need to parboil them, so they cook up simultaneously as the rest of the seafood boil.

Then add them to the seafood boil.

Some Other Great Seafood Boil Ideas:

• New Potatoes
• Clams
• Kielbasa
• Littleneck Clams
• Andouille Sausage

Don’t Forget To Pin-

Pro Tips For Air-Fried Seafood Boil

An air-fried seafood boil offers a healthier and crispy alternative to the traditional method. Here are some pro tips to ensure you get the most out of your air fryer experience:

• Preparation is Key: Ensure all seafood is cleaned, deveined, and shelled where necessary. Pat everything dry to prevent the seafood from steaming rather than frying.
• Season Generously: A seafood boil is known for its flavorful spices. Coat your seafood with a mixture of seasonings like Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper. Don’t be afraid to be generous!
• Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to get that perfect crispy texture. It’s better to cook in batches than to pile everything all at once.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your seafood. This ensures even cooking.
• Rotate & Shake: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or turn the seafood to ensure even frying and prevent sticking.
• Monitor Cooking Times: Different kinds of seafood have varying cooking times. Shrimp, for example, cook faster than crab legs or lobster tails. Be sure to add or remove items based on their needs to prevent over or undercooking.
• Include Veggies: Don’t forget the classic veggies that go with a seafood boil. Corn, potatoes, and sausage can be air fried as well. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: A flavorful garlic butter sauce or a spicy remoulade can elevate the taste. Melt some butter, add minced garlic, lemon juice, and some of the seasonings used on the seafood, and voila!
• Stay Safe: When handling raw seafood, always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces the seafood has touched to prevent cross-contamination.
• Check Doneness: Ensure that thicker cuts or larger seafood pieces are cooked through before serving. Use a food thermometer if you’re unsure.
• Serve Immediately: Seafood, especially when air-fried, is best enjoyed right out of the fryer while it’s hot and crispy.

By following these pro tips, you’ll have a delicious, crispy air-fried seafood boil that will impress you!

FAQ Air-Fried Seafood Boil

• What is an air-fried seafood boil?
  • An air-fried seafood boil is a method of preparing a seafood boil using an air fryer, giving the seafood a crispy exterior without the use of excessive oils, as opposed to the traditional boiling or steaming methods.
• Is air frying healthier than traditional boiling?
  • Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying, reducing the overall fat and calorie content. While boiling doesn’t use oil, air frying provides a different texture and flavor experience with a crispy finish.
• What seafood can I use in an air fryer?
  • Most seafood can be air fried, including shrimp, crab legs, lobster tails, clams, and mussels. However, cooking times will vary based on the type and size of the seafood.
• Can I include other ingredients in my seafood boil?
  • Absolutely! Traditional seafood boil accompaniments like corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausages can also be air fried. Adjust cooking times as needed.
• How long does it take to cook a seafood boil in an air fryer?
  • Cooking times vary depending on the seafood and its size. For instance, shrimp might take 8-10 minutes, while thicker crab legs might require 12-15 minutes.
• Do I need to thaw frozen seafood before air frying?
  • It’s best to thaw frozen seafood before air frying to ensure even cooking. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can air fry from frozen, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
• How do I prevent the seafood from sticking to the air fryer basket?
  • Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper specially designed for air fryers.
• What seasoning should I use for my seafood boil?
  • Common seasonings include Old Bay, lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Feel free to get creative and customize to your taste!
• How do I know when my seafood is done?
  • The seafood should have a crispy golden exterior and should be opaque and flaky inside. Using a food thermometer, fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• How do I clean up after air frying seafood?

• Allow the air fryer to cool, then remove the basket and pan. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but you can also hand wash with warm soapy water. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any grease or food particles.

An air fryer offers a unique and flavorful twist on the classic seafood boil, providing a crispy texture that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!