Name: Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo (21 to 25-count) shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small lemon, zest and juice, plus additional for serving; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/3 cup Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; Nonstick cooking spray; Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional for serving)

There’s something so satisfying about that golden crunch paired with juicy shrimp — and this Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe nails it every time. It’s quick, flavorful, and healthier than typical fried shrimp without skimping on that delightful crispiness.

A white plate filled with golden-brown breaded shrimp, each shrimp curved with a crunchy textured coating that looks crispy and seasoned. Small green chives are sprinkled evenly on top of the shrimp, adding a fresh pop of color. Around the edges of the plate, small lemon wedges are placed, showing bright yellow with a juicy texture. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and soft look to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe more times than I can count, especially for last-minute dinners or game day snacks. The balance of zesty lemon, herbs, and that perfect crunchy coating makes it something your whole family will devour.

Super Quick to Prepare: You spend more time eating than prepping—this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
Healthy Yet Crispy: Thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crunch with less oil and guilt.
Flavorful Zesty Kick: The lemon zest and juice brighten up the shrimp like nothing else.
Customizable Coating: Whole wheat breadcrumbs with Parmesan offer a rich, crispy texture that’s easy to tweak.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing fresh shrimp and layering simple but punchy seasonings really makes this dish sing. The Italian breadcrumbs add crunch, while Parmesan amps up that savory note. Plus, the lemon juice does double duty marinating and adding zing.

Flat lay of fresh jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp with tails, a small whole lemon next to a small white bowl of lemon juice, lemon zest sprinkled beside it, a small white bowl containing extra virgin olive oil, a second small white bowl holding golden Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, a small white bowl filled with grated Parmesan cheese, a single large whole egg with a clean shell, small white bowls with garlic powder, dried parsley, and dried oregano arranged symmetrically, a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper each in tiny white bowls, fresh sprigs of chopped parsley scattered artfully, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jumbo shrimp: Look for peeled and deveined shrimp, tails on or off—fresh or thawed works best for even cooking.
Extra virgin olive oil: Just a tablespoon to help the seasoning stick and add subtle richness.
Small lemon (zest and juice): This little punch of acidity wakes up the shrimp’s flavor beautifully and tenderizes subtly.
Garlic powder: A subtle kick without the fuss of fresh garlic—perfect for quick seasoning.
Dried parsley and oregano: These herbs bring a Mediterranean brightness that pairs wonderfully with lemon and seafood.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors to life.
Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs: They provide that crave-worthy crunch and a little nutty depth from the whole wheat.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts slightly during cooking, adding salty and savory crisp perfection.
Large egg: Acts as the glue to hold your crunchy coating in place.
Nonstick cooking spray: To help keep the shrimp crispy and prevent sticking in the air fryer basket.
Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional): For a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love this recipe as it is, it’s so easy to tailor. Play around with herbs or spices to fit your mood—or even swap the breadcrumbs to gluten-free if that’s your thing.

Variation: Once, I swapped oregano for smoked paprika and added a dash of cayenne—totally transformed the flavor into a smoky, spicy delight that my family adored.
Dietary tweaks: Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs work beautifully if you want to keep the crunch but avoid gluten.
Make it milder: If you’re serving kids, just reduce garlic powder slightly and skip any added spicy seasonings.
Seasonal flair: Adding chopped fresh basil or cilantro right before serving lends a bright, fresh twist perfect for spring and summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown fried shrimp with a crispy coating and small green chive pieces sprinkled on top. On the right side of the plate, there are three bright yellow lemon slices arranged in a small stack. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. In the bottom right corner, a small white bowl contains more chopped green chives. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness

First, pat your shrimp dry so the marinade sticks better. Toss them with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. I like letting them rest for about 15 minutes at room temperature. If you have time, refrigerate for up to an hour—just not longer or the citrus will start to “cook” your shrimp, turning them mushy.

Step 2: Prep the Crunchy Coating

Mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan in a shallow dish. In another, beat the egg. This setup makes it easy to bread shrimp efficiently without any mess.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Remove shrimp from marinade, letting any excess drip off—you want them damp but not soggy. Dip each shrimp in the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet; this keeps things tidy and helps with easy transfer to the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C), and give the basket a quick spray with nonstick spray. Place shrimp in a single layer—don’t crowd them, or the crispiness will suffer. Spray the tops lightly too. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip them with tongs and air fry another 2 minutes until golden, crisp, and perfectly opaque. Repeat with any remaining shrimp. I usually keep the first batch warm in a low oven while I finish the rest.

Top Tip

After cooking this crispy air fryer shrimp recipe a dozen times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to get that perfect crunch and juicy interior every time.

Dry Shrimp Surface Before Marinating: This ensures the marinade sticks well but prevents sogginess, which kills crispness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Shrimp needs room to crisp, so air circulation isn’t blocked. Cook in batches if needed.
Lightly Spray Before and After Coating: A quick spray of nonstick spray on the basket and shrimp tops helps them crisp up nicely without excess oil.
Watch Cooking Times Closely: Shrimp cooks fast—overcooking makes it rubbery. Flip halfway for even crisping and check for opaque flesh.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

crispy air fryer shrimp - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this shrimp with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for some color and light herbiness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving truly brightens up all those flavors like magic.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic butter quinoa, steamed asparagus, or a crisp mixed green salad. For a casual vibe, I love serving it alongside crispy sweet potato fries or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like arranging these crispy shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges, drizzles of garlic aioli, and a few sprigs of fresh dill. It instantly turns a quick snack into an elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 2 days, though the crispiness can soften a bit. Reheating carefully helps bring back some crunch.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen up to 2 months and reheat surprisingly well in the air fryer.

Reheating

Reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. This revives the crispiness much better than a microwave, which tends to make them rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from sticking properly and make your shrimp less crispy.

What temperature and time should I set on my air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Cook the shrimp for about 4 minutes total, flipping halfway. This timing balances crispness and ensures the shrimp cook through without becoming rubbery.

How do I make sure my shrimp stay crispy after cooking?

Avoid overcrowding the basket so air can circulate freely. Lightly spray the shrimp with nonstick spray before cooking and try to serve immediately. If you need to hold them, a warm oven at 200°F helps keep them crispy for a short time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb mix or crushed gluten-free crackers. The Parmesan and seasonings still provide excellent flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

I always find myself coming back to this Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe because it hits that perfect mix of speed, flavor, and texture. Whether you want a weeknight dinner that feels special or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try—you might just notice your air fryer becoming your best kitchen buddy!