Crispy 10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp: The Easiest Gluten-Free Recipe (Just 2 Ingredients!)

Prepare to revolutionize your weeknight meals with this incredibly simple and delicious 10-minute Air Fryer Shrimp recipe. If you’re looking for a quick, effortless, and flavorful way to enjoy shrimp, this is it! Requiring only two primary ingredients, this method delivers perfectly cooked, wonderfully crisp, and naturally gluten-free shrimp that rivals deep-fried versions without the excess oil or mess. It’s no wonder air-fried shrimp has become a fan-favorite, offering a healthier yet equally satisfying alternative to traditional cooking methods.

Beyond its speed and simplicity, this recipe offers a fantastic solution for busy individuals or anyone seeking a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find that mastering air fryer shrimp is a breeze. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delightful dish that promises to be a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why Choose Air Frying for Shrimp?

The air fryer has quickly become a beloved kitchen appliance for its ability to transform everyday ingredients into crispy, flavorful masterpieces with significantly less oil. When it comes to shrimp, the benefits are particularly outstanding:

• Unmatched Crispiness: The circulating hot air creates an incredibly crunchy exterior, mimicking the results of deep frying but with just a fraction of the fat.
• Healthier Alternative: By using minimal oil spray, you can enjoy a guilt-free version of your favorite crispy shrimp, reducing calorie and fat intake.
• Rapid Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, making the air fryer an ideal tool for last-minute meals. Our recipe gets it done in a mere 10 minutes!
• Easy Cleanup: Compared to the splattering mess of deep frying, air frying is remarkably clean, especially if you use liners in your basket.
• Consistent Results: The controlled environment of an air fryer ensures even cooking and browning, leading to consistently perfect shrimp every time.

The Magic of Just Two Essential Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach. You truly only need two main components to achieve wonderfully flavorful air fryer shrimp, plus a crucial oil spray for optimal crisping. This simplicity not only saves time but also allows the natural taste of the shrimp and the seasoning to truly shine.

1. Quality Shrimp

For this recipe, we specifically recommend using Jumbo Cooked Shrimp, Tail-On, Peeled, and Deveined. Using pre-cooked shrimp significantly cuts down on the overall preparation and cooking time, as you’re essentially just heating it through and crisping up the coating. However, this recipe is also highly adaptable for raw shrimp, which we’ll discuss further in the cooking instructions.

• Cooked vs. Raw: While this recipe uses cooked shrimp for speed, raw shrimp can also be air-fried with a slight adjustment in cooking time (usually a few minutes longer to ensure it cooks through).
• Size Matters: Jumbo or large shrimp (26-30 count per pound) work best for a satisfying bite and consistent cooking. Smaller shrimp may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
• Preparation: Ensure your shrimp is peeled and deveined for the best experience. Leaving the tails on is optional but often preferred for presentation and ease of handling.

2. Flavorful Fish Fry Mix

The second cornerstone of this recipe is the fish fry mix. This isn’t just a breading; it’s a seasoned coating that imparts incredible flavor and texture. Our top recommendation is Zatarain’s Fish Fry due to its robust seasoning and, importantly, its gluten-free formulation. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.

• Gluten-Free Choice: Zatarain’s Crispy Southern Fish Fry is a fantastic gluten-free option that provides a delightful spicy kick. Their Seasoned Fish Fry is another excellent choice if you prefer a less spicy but equally flavorful profile.
• Flavor Profile: These mixes are pre-seasoned, eliminating the need for multiple spices and ensuring a consistent, delicious taste.
• Alternatives: If a fish fry mix isn’t available or you prefer to make your own, you can create a similar coating using a combination of gluten-free cornmeal or gluten-free bread crumbs, seasoned with staples like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or even classic Old Bay seasoning.

The Essential Companion: Grapeseed Oil Spray

While technically a third element, a good oil spray is indispensable for air frying. It helps achieve that desirable golden crisp without deep-frying. We highly recommend Grapeseed Oil Spray for its high smoke point, which means it can withstand the air fryer’s heat without burning or producing unwanted flavors. Olive oil spray can be used, but be mindful that it has a lower smoke point and may not be as effective for sustained high-heat cooking.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your 10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp

Follow these simple instructions to prepare your crispy, flavorful air-fried shrimp. This recipe focuses on using pre-cooked shrimp for maximum speed and convenience.

1. Defrost the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, place it in a strainer or bowl and run cold water over it. This quickly removes any ice crystals and gently thaws the shrimp, preparing it for coating.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with grapeseed oil spray. This prevents sticking and contributes to the overall crispness.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Pour your chosen fish fry mix (like Zatarain’s) into a shallow bowl. Take each shrimp and coat it thoroughly and evenly with the mix. Ensure a good layer for maximum crisp.
4. Arrange in Basket: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this is crucial for air circulation and crispy results. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Second Oil Spray: Lightly coat the shrimp in the basket with another spray of grapeseed oil. This helps the breading crisp up beautifully.
6. Initial Cook: Cook the shrimp at 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
7. Flip and Spray: Carefully open the air fryer, turn each shrimp over, and give them another light spray of grapeseed oil.
8. Final Cook: Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 360°F (180°C), or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Moisten (Optional): Upon removal, you can give them a final light mist of grapeseed oil spray to help keep the fish fry moist and prevent it from drying out.
10. Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Repeat the process for any remaining shrimp.

Air Frying Shrimp: Time and Temperature Explained

Achieving the perfect texture for air fryer shrimp largely depends on two factors: whether your shrimp is raw or pre-cooked, and the specific heating efficiency of your air fryer model. For this particular recipe, utilizing cooked, jumbo shrimp, we found that 10 minutes at 360°F (180°C) yields a fantastic result, providing a crispy coating and perfectly warmed shrimp.

• Cooked Shrimp (Our Recipe): Since the shrimp is already cooked, the primary goal is to heat it through and achieve a golden, crispy breading. The 10 minutes at 360°F is ideal for this, ensuring the coating crisps without overcooking the delicate shrimp inside.
• Raw Shrimp: If you opt for raw shrimp, you’ll generally need a slightly longer cooking time, usually around 12-15 minutes at 360°F (180°C), or until the shrimp turns opaque and pink, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Always check for doneness.
• Air Fryer Variations: It’s important to remember that not all air fryers heat identically. Some run hotter than others. Treat the recommended cooking times as a guide. You may need to adjust by adding a minute or two to achieve your desired level of crispness and doneness. It’s always best to check the shrimp halfway through and again towards the end.
• Faster Option: If you’re in an even greater rush, you can try cooking the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes. However, we personally prefer the taste and texture achieved with the 360°F for 10 minutes method, as it allows the breading to crisp more evenly without burning.

Essential Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp Every Time

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your air-fried shrimp from good to absolutely perfect.

1. Proper Defrosting

If you’re using frozen shrimp, proper defrosting is the first crucial step. The easiest and quickest method is to place the frozen shrimp in a colander or bowl and run cold water over them for a few minutes. This process effectively loosens any ice and partially thaws the shrimp, making it ready for seasoning and cooking. You don’t need to completely thaw them to room temperature; just enough to remove the ice and separate them. This can be done immediately before you plan to cook.

2. Even Coating and Oil Application

For that signature crispy coating, ensure each shrimp is thoroughly and evenly coated with the fish fry mix. Don’t be shy! After arranging the shrimp in the air fryer basket, a light but even spray of high smoke point oil (like grapeseed) is vital. This oil interacts with the hot air to create the desired golden-brown crispness. Repeat this light spray when you flip the shrimp halfway through cooking.

3. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

One of the most common mistakes in air frying is overcrowding. For shrimp, this is especially important. Placing too many shrimp in the basket at once prevents proper air circulation, leading to steamed rather than crispy results. Cook your shrimp in a single layer, in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space around each piece for the hot air to circulate freely. This ensures every piece gets perfectly golden and crunchy.

4. Using Liners for Easy Cleanup

To make cleanup even easier, you can use liners in your air fryer basket. Both aluminum foil and specially designed parchment paper sheets work well. If you opt for aluminum foil, remember these safety tips:

• Roll Up the Sides: Make sure to roll up the edges of the foil to create a border, preventing the breading from sticking while still allowing air to circulate around the food.
• Weight It Down: Always ensure the foil is weighted down by the food. An unweighted piece of foil can fly up due to the powerful airflow, potentially hitting the heating element and causing a fire hazard.

While I often use the basket as is, a liner can be a great convenience for quick cleanups, especially with breaded items.

Ninja Foodi Compatibility: Yes, You Can!

Absolutely! This versatile recipe seamlessly integrates into your list of Ninja Foodi Recipes. Simply use the Air Crisp function with the air crisp basket, and all the cooking times and instructions outlined in this guide will remain the same. The Ninja Foodi’s air crisp capabilities are excellent for achieving the same wonderfully crispy shrimp.

Flavor Variations & Serving Suggestions

While the two-ingredient approach is fantastic for its simplicity, there are countless ways to customize your air fryer shrimp to suit your taste preferences or meal theme.

Beyond Traditional Fish Fry

Don’t limit yourself to just fish fry mixes. Here are some alternative seasoning ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Toss shrimp with a blend of cornstarch, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt before air frying.
• Garlic Parmesan: Mix bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed) with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried herbs like parsley or oregano.
• Lemon Pepper: A simple mix of lemon pepper seasoning and a dash of paprika for color can create a bright and zesty flavor.
• Cajun/Creole: Use a ready-made Cajun or Creole seasoning blend for a smoky, spicy profile.
• Asian Inspired: Lightly coat with cornstarch, then after air frying, toss with a glaze made from soy sauce (or tamari for GF), honey, garlic, and ginger.

Experiment with different spices and breading agents to discover your favorite combinations!

Perfect Pairings & Dipping Sauces

Crispy air fryer shrimp are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and sauces:

• Classic Cocktail Sauce: Always a winning combination, the tangy and spicy notes complement the shrimp beautifully.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the hot shrimp brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
• Tartar Sauce: The creamy tang of tartar sauce is another traditional favorite for fried seafood.
• Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a creamy, spicy dip.
• Garlic Herb Butter: Melted butter infused with garlic and fresh herbs can be drizzled over the shrimp for a rich flavor boost.

Meal Ideas

Turn your air fryer shrimp into a complete meal:

• Shrimp Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, a creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime.
• Shrimp Salad: Add them to a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Pasta Topping: Toss with a light lemon-garlic pasta.
• Rice Bowls: Create a healthy bowl with rice, sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
• Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside other finger foods for a party.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Shrimp

While air fryer shrimp is undeniably best served immediately, any leftovers can be stored and reheated. Simply place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, your air fryer is once again the best tool to restore its crispiness.

• Air Fryer Reheating: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. This method will bring back much of the original texture.
• Microwave Reheating: If crispness isn’t a priority, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that the shrimp may become a bit softer.

Remember, the fresher out of the air fryer, the better the taste and texture!

This wonderfully light and flavorful air fryer shrimp recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and gluten-free meal solution. Its simplicity and speed make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a hassle-free appetizer when entertaining. Give it a try and discover why this 10-minute wonder will quickly become one of your favorite ways to prepare shrimp!

Be sure to explore other easy shrimp recipes perfect for your air fryer too!

10 Minute Air Fryer Shrimp (Gluten-Free)

Air Fryer Fanatics

Make 10 Minute Air Fryer Shrimp, which is also gluten-free too in minutes!

4.43 from 19 votes

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Prep Time

5
minutes

mins

Cook Time

10
minutes

mins

Total Time

15
minutes

mins

Course
Air Fryer Main Dishes

Cuisine
American

Servings
24

Calories

120
kcal

Ingredients

• 16
  oz
  Bag of Jumbo Cooked Shrimp
  Tail-On, Peeled & Deveined
• 1
  Cup
  Zatarain’s Fish Fry
  More if needed
• Grapeseed Oil Spray

Instructions

• Defrost the shrimp by running it under cold water to remove any ice and lightly defrost it.
• Spray the air fryer basket with grapeseed oil spray.
• Add the fish fry to a bowl and coat each shrimp.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket.
• Coat the shrimp with grapeseed oil spray.
• Cook for 5 minutes at 360°F.
• Carefully turn the shrimp and add a coat of grapeseed oil spray.
• Once turned, cook for an additional 5 minutes at 360°F.
• Remove the shrimp and coat with grapeseed oil spray lightly to moisten the fish fry.
• Repeat steps if necessary for the remaining shrimp. I was able to do 1/2 the bag and then cooked the rest of the bag in a second batch.

Notes

Notes: I used ‘cooked’ frozen shrimp for this, breaded it, and essentially warmed it up/cooked it in the air fryer.

This can be done with raw shrimp too if you prefer, the same method. It can also be cooked faster if you need a faster cooking time at 400°F for 6 minutes. We like the taste and texture of 360°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
g


Calories:
120
kcal


Carbohydrates:
5
g


Protein:
15
g


Fat:
4
g


Saturated Fat:
1
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g


Cholesterol:
128
mg


Sodium:
614
mg

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