Craving a fast, flavorful dinner? These Air Fryer Shrimp with paprika and garlic are smoky, juicy, and done in under 10 minutes! Great for high-protein meal prep, quick dinners, or low-carb taco night.
This recipe started as a shortcut weeknight dinner and quickly turned into a go-to for everything from meal prep to shrimp tacos. I’ve tested fresh vs frozen, pre-cooked vs raw shrimp in the air fryer—and this version gives the best texture and flavor, every time.
Whether you’re cooking raw shrimp or wondering how long to cook frozen shrimp in air fryer, this one’s got you covered. Each serving is under 200 kcal and packed with 20g of protein.
If you love easy recipes like my Purple Potato Salad or Harissa Sweet Potato, these crispy air fryer shrimp are about to become your new favorite.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Quick Cooking – Shrimp cook in under 6 minutes with no need to thaw.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Prep – A simple paprika-garlic blend brings smoky depth.
- Versatile – Serve with rice, salad, tacos, or dip in sauce.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Raw Shrimp – I use peeled, deveined medium or large shrimp. Jumbo works too—just add 1–2 minutes. Pat dry before seasoning for best crisp.
- Paprika & Garlic Powder – This combo gives smoky depth and that classic shrimp seasoning without overpowering.
- Avocado Oil – A high smoke point oil that helps spices stick and keeps the shrimp juicy.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Frozen Shrimp? Cook straight from frozen! Just season lightly and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp: Swap paprika for lemon zest and fresh herbs.
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add cayenne or Cajun seasoning.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss with grated Parmesan post-cook for extra savory crunch.
- Shrimp Skewers: Thread onto skewers before air frying for party-style presentation.
- Want a Thai twist? Add lime juice and Thai basil. Craving Mexican? Swap paprika for chipotle powder and serve with corn salsa."
For more shrimp variations, check out my Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp or Chicken And Shrimp Alfredo.
🔪How To Make Air Fryer Smoked Paprika Shrimp
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, blend the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper together.
- Step 2: Toss the shrimp in the bowl with the oil and spices until they're thoroughly coated. Allow the shrimp to sit in the marinade for about 10 minutes. Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes.
- Step 3: Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even cooking.
- Step 4: Remove the shrimp once they turn pink and opaque. For shrimp skewers, thread the shrimp onto skewers. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired.
💡 Hint: Cooking frozen shrimp in air fryer? Skip the marinade. Spray lightly with oil and season straight from frozen. Cook for 8–10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway.
🔄 Fresh vs Frozen Shrimp: Frozen works great for convenience—just expect slightly more moisture and a softer texture. Fresh shrimp yields the crispiest edges if you're chasing that golden finish.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Shrimp Size Matters: Medium = 5 min, Jumbo = 6–7 min. Smaller cooks quicker.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in fridge up to 3 days or freeze in a single layer, then bag.
- Preheat for Best Texture: Always heat the basket for a few minutes to ensure a golden crust.
⏱️ Air Fryer Shrimp Timing Guide
| Shrimp Size | Air Fry Time |
|---|---|
| Small (41/50) | 4–5 minutes |
| Medium (31/40) | 5–6 minutes |
| Large (21/30) | 6–7 minutes |
| Jumbo (16/20) | 7–8 minutes |
💡 Shrimp are done when pink, opaque, and curled into a C-shape.
Best Shrimp Dipping Sauces
- Cocktail Sauce. Learn about Cocktail Shrimp here.
- Garlic Aioli.
- Spicy Mayo.
- Sweet Chili Sauce.
- Lemon Butter.
- Cilantro Lime Yogurt Dip.
💭 FAQs
Yes! Raw shrimp in air fryer cooks in just 5–6 minutes at 400°F.
8–10 minutes at 400°F, no thawing required. Flip halfway through.
It’s best to peel and devein before cooking for easy eating and better seasoning coverage.
350°F for 3–4 minutes. Don’t overcook or it’ll go rubbery.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are some great ways to serve your air fried shrimp:
- Mango Arugula Salad – Refreshing and citrusy contrast.
- Shrimp Tacos – Load into tortillas with slaw and avocado.
- Rice Bowl – Serve over jasmine rice with lime crema.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries – For a casual, satisfying combo.
- Avocado Toast – Top crispy shrimp over creamy avocado on toast.
Leftovers? Chop into a spicy shrimp pasta salad or wrap in rice paper rolls for a lunch reboot.
Bonus Dipping Sauce: Mix 2 tablespoon mayo, 1 teaspoon sriracha, and a squeeze of lime for an easy spicy mayo everyone loves.
🍽 More Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Shrimp With Paprika
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- Lemon Wedges for serving (optional)
- Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend the avocado oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper together.
- Toss the shrimp in the bowl with the oil and spices until they're thoroughly coated. Allow the shrimp to sit in the marinade for about 10 minutes.
- Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, giving the basket a shake midway through to promote uniform cooking.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer once they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve the shrimp immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for adding a fresh squeeze of lemon, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish if you like.
Smoky, garlicky, and perfectly crisp—these air fryer shrimp are a flavor-packed delight!