Air Fryer Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, deveined, and shell-on for the best texture and flavor.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the shrimp and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the shrimp.

Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky taste and a beautiful color.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the seasoning.

To ensure your shrimp are evenly cooked and flavorful, make sure to toss them thoroughly in the olive oil and spice mixture. This helps the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper adhere to the shrimp and infuse them with a rich, even flavor. Additionally, when placing the shrimp in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring that each shrimp cooks evenly and achieves that perfect pink and opaque finish.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and cook quickly, making them a good alternative for an air fryer recipe.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for air frying.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor profile that works well with seafood.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a different flavor dimension to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the shrimp.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and a slightly different heat profile, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a container, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid to keep the shrimp fresh.
• For added freshness, you can place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
• Store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
• If you plan to freeze the shrimp, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about an hour. This prevents the shrimp from sticking together.
• Once the shrimp are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bag or container with the date and type of food. Frozen shrimp can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
• Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the shrimp tough.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
• For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in the shrimp. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for 10-12 minutes.
• For microwave reheating, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• To add a bit of zest, reheat the shrimp in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 3-4 minutes. This method helps retain the shrimp's natural moisture and flavor.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for achieving a crispy texture without deep frying.

• Large bowl: Used for mixing the shrimp with olive oil and seasonings to ensure even coating.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the shrimp in the air fryer basket and for shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the cooked shrimp once they are ready to be served.

• Small bowl: Useful for holding your favorite dipping sauce to accompany the shrimp.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper before starting to save time during preparation.

Use pre-cleaned shrimp: Purchase deveined and shell-on shrimp to skip the cleaning step and get straight to seasoning.

Batch cooking: If you have a larger air fryer, cook multiple batches of shrimp at once to save time.

Prep ahead: Mix the shrimp with the seasoning the night before and store in the fridge, so they are ready to cook the next day.

Quick shake: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking without needing to flip each shrimp individually.