This air fryer old bay shrimp recipe is for you if you’re looking for a crisp, juicy shrimp with just a hint of spicy! Air-frying the shrimp seals in natural juices keeps the meat beautifully tender.
Combining delicately salty shrimp with a hint of spicy paprika, zesty lemon, and fresh parsley, this air fryer old bay shrimp recipe is a real treat.
Quick and simple to make, these shrimp are gorgeous appetizers for game night or fabulously served with rice for a healthy and delicious dinner.
Air frying is, without a doubt, the best way to cook shrimp! Passing the hot air around the shrimp means that the outsides go crisp while sealing the juices into the meat for a tender, almost buttery, mouthful.
You'll never go back to the stovetop once you discover how simple it is to prepare (and clean up!) air fryer shrimp old bay.
Air frying is the best way to make the most of your shrimp and achieve a flavor and texture that’s not possible any other way.
Ingredients you’ll need to make old bay shrimp.
**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions at the end of this post**
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If you use frozen shrimp, be sure to defrost before cooking either by moving the shrimp to the refrigerator for 24 hours or by sealing the amount you want to use in a ZipTop bag and submerging them in cold water for around 30 minutes and changing the water many times as it needed.
Olive oil. Not only is it delicious, but olive oil is also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s also high in a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which can help prevent inflammation and is also resistant to high heat - making it an excellent choice for cooking.
Old bay seasoning. If you don’t have old bay seasoning, you can substitute this for paprika and celery salt. Chili and garlic are also excellent additions to this old bay shrimp recipe.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice. To get the juice, chop the lemon in half and then press through a tea strainer to remove the seeds. Alternatively, you can buy bottled lemon juice.
Fresh chopped parsley. Adds a clean, earthy dimension to the shrimp. You could also try cilantro, chives, or basil.
Tools used to make the recipe.
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- Air fryer: This is the brand I use for almost all the recipes you find on this site.
- Large bowl: I love this set because it came with an airtight lid, and they look very cute too.
How to make old bay shrimp in an air fryer
Seasoning the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, old bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
Ready to air fry: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook the shrimp to 360ºF for 8-10 minutes.
Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer basket and plate and sprinkle with parsley. Serve and Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Shrimp are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.
How long does it take to cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Cooking raw shrimp in air fryer usually takes 8-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of the shrimp.
You can check that the shrimp has reached the correct temperature by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F or by checking that the flesh has turned from translucent to opaque at the thickest part.
What to serve with old bay air fryer shrimp
Enjoy these spicy old bay shrimp served alongside your favorite appetizers like cauliflower tots, air fryer turkey wings, and buffalo cauliflower as part of an impressive spread for game night or on a bed of brown rice for a healthy and delicious entree. They taste amazing with instant pot loaded mashed cauliflower.
How to store leftover old bay shrimp
It’s safe to store shrimp cooked in air fryer in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or in the freezer for 3-6 months. Always refrigerate or freeze your shrimp within 2 hours of cooking.
If you’re storing it in the fridge, simply seal your leftovers in an airtight container. For freezing, it’s best to lay the shrimp out on a baking tray to freeze them before transferring them to a freezer bag - this prevents them from clumping together.
How to reheat cooked shrimp
To reheat air fryer old bay shrimp, heat the fryer to 300°F and then lay the shrimp out in a single layer. Heat for around 2 minutes on each side, or until they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F .(you can check this using an instant meat thermometer). If heating from frozen, allow more time.
In the oven, preheat to 300°F and wrap your shrimp in a loose foil. Then heat for about 15 minutes, or until they have reached 145°F.
FAQ’s
How do you peel a shrimp?
Begin by pulling off the head and legs (if they are attached), then grab the shell at the head and pull to remove it.
You may notice a black or dark blue vein running down the back of the shrimp. You don’t have to remove this. However, you can do so by cutting a line down the back of the shrimp with a paring knife and then pulling it out with your fingers.
How much old bay seasoning for shrimp?
This old bay spicy shrimp recipe calls for 1 ½ tablespoon of old bay seasoning for 2 pounds of shrimp, giving them a gently spicy kick! However, you can add more or less according to your preference.
How to season shrimp?
When cooking shrimp, season it by mixing all of your flavorings in a bowl, adding the shrimp, and toss them together.
Old bay is a delicious seasoning for shrimp, as is cajun seasoning, Chinese five spices, or simple garlic and lemon with a dash of pepper.
Can you air fry shrimp without breading?
Using the air fryer means that the outside of the shrimp will go lovely and crisp without needing breading. Try these spicy buffalo shrimp or these shrimp with garlic and lemon butter if you’re looking for recipe inspiration!
When is shrimp done?
You can tell when shrimp is done either by using a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 145°F or by checking the color of the flesh at the thickest part. Once it’s turned from translucent to opaque, you know it’s safe to serve.
More air Fryer Shrimp Recipes you’ll love
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Shrimp and sausage kabobs
- Air Fryer Shrimp With Shell
- Steak and shrimp kabobs
- Buffalo Shrimp Air Fryer
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Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
This air fryer old bay shrimp recipe is for you if you’re looking for a crisp, juicy shrimp with just a hint of spicy! Air-frying the shrimp seals in the natural juices, keeping the meat beautifully tender.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon old bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Tools
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, old bay seasoning, and lemon juice.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook to 360ºF for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer basket and plate and sprinkle with parsley. Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or until warm through.
- Shrimp are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Serving Size: 8 oz.
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 304Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 479mgSodium: 940mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 52g
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used. When the recipe list salt to taste the amount of salt is not calculated, only the sodium in the other ingredients is calculated.
