Sometimes, dinner needs to come together fast without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. This air fryer shrimp recipe hits that sweet spot—lightly coated in cornstarch for a crisp exterior, it’s an easy way to elevate shrimp from ordinary to something you might just crave again and again.
I remember the first time I tried this method, I was a little distracted—half-listening to a podcast and juggling dinner plans—and I wasn’t sure the cornstarch would really give the shrimp that crispy texture I wanted. But as soon as I took the first bite, that crunch was unmistakable. The shrimp were juicy inside, with a spicy, smoky hint from the paprika that made me pause mid-chew just to appreciate it. I’m not one to fuss over perfect timing, so I probably left some shrimp in the air fryer a bit longer than I should have, but honestly, the texture was still spot on.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and fuss-free: ready in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crisp without the grease: air frying keeps it lighter than traditional frying, though it’s not exactly a diet food.
- Flavorful but flexible: smoky paprika and garlic powder add depth without overwhelming the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated batter or messy cleanup.
If you’re new to air frying shrimp, don’t worry about the equipment—most air fryers have a basket just right for this. Just remember, overcrowding the basket can make the shrimp less crispy, so I usually do two batches to keep them perfectly crunchy. Serving with lemon wedges adds a bright note, but I sometimes skip it if I’m running late and just want to dig in.
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Air Fryer Shrimp with Cornstarch
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crispy and delicious air fryer shrimp coated with cornstarch for a light, crunchy texture. Perfect as a quick appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until all shrimp are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
Drizzle the olive oil over the coated shrimp and toss again to evenly distribute the oil.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Kitchen Notes
I find a standard air fryer basket works perfectly here, no fancy attachments needed. For serving, these shrimp pair well with a simple green salad or alongside steamed rice for a quick meal. Sometimes, I experiment by swapping smoked paprika for chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if I’m feeling adventurous, but I haven’t tested all these variations thoroughly. A drizzle of hot sauce or a quick dip in garlic mayo also complements the crispy texture nicely.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but be sure to thaw and pat dry thoroughly before coating to get the best crisp.
Will the shrimp stay crispy if I make them ahead? They’re best served immediately, but reheating in the air fryer for a few minutes helps regain some crunch.
Is cornstarch necessary? It’s key to getting that light crunch. Flour or breadcrumbs won’t give quite the same texture.
If you’re looking for a quick, crunchy shrimp fix that’s straightforward and satisfying, give this a try—you might find it becomes your go-to snack or dinner idea.