Shrimp in the Air Fryer (Prawns)
Ready in about 17 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook shrimp, or prawns, in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until they turn pink and curl into a loose C.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Method
- 1Pat the shrimp dry and toss with the oil, garlic, salt, paprika, pepper and lemon juice.
- 2Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes.
- 3Spread the shrimp in a single layer.
- 4Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway, until pink and opaque.
- 5Serve straight away with extra lemon.
Tips for the best results
- Plump, juicy shrimp with a garlicky char in under 10 minutes. One of the fastest proteins you can make in the air fryer.
- Do not overcook - shrimp turn rubbery fast.
- Frozen shrimp work; thaw and pat dry first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer shrimp steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the shake halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Shrimp is ready at 63°C / 145°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook shrimp in an air fryer?
Peeled large shrimp take 6-8 minutes at 200°C / 400°F. Shake halfway and stop when they are opaque. Fish and shellfish on the USDA FSIS safe-temperature chart are done at 63°C / 145°F.
What temperature and time for air fryer shrimp?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 6-8 min, shake halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer shrimp is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Shrimp should reach 63°C / 145°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer shrimp serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.