Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) - Salt to taste - 1 lemon, zest and juice - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Measuring spices well is key. Use measuring spoons for accurate amounts. This helps the shrimp taste great. For the shrimp, make sure they are peeled and deveined. To do this, hold the shrimp in one hand. Use the other hand to cut along the back. Remove the shell and dark vein. Rinse under cold water and pat dry. You can add your favorite herbs or spices. Fresh dill or cilantro can work well. If you want to change the shrimp, try using scallops or fish instead. Adjust the cooking time as they may vary. To start, gather your ingredients. You need shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, and a few spices. In a large bowl, add the shrimp. Then, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning. Next, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. After that, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget ½ teaspoon of black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want heat. Mix it all well. Now, zest the lemon. You need the zest and the juice. Add both to the shrimp mixture. Toss everything until the shrimp are well-coated with the spices and oil. This step is key to flavor. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. While it heats, prepare to cook the shrimp. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches. Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when they are done. After cooking, check the shrimp for doneness. They should be firm and have a nice color. Once you confirm they are ready, remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. For serving, place the shrimp on a platter. Adding lemon wedges on the side is a great idea. You can also serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or rice for a full meal. Enjoy your delightful Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp! To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the time closely. Shrimp cook fast, usually in 6-8 minutes. They turn pink and opaque when done. Check them halfway through cooking. If you see them starting to curl too much, they are close to done. The optimal air fryer temperature for shrimp is 400°F (200°C). Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and stay juicy. You can play with different seasonings to switch it up. Try adding lemon pepper or Cajun spice for a twist. You can also add fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for extra flavor. For dipping sauces, a tangy cocktail sauce pairs well. You can also try a creamy garlic sauce or a zesty aioli. These dips will enhance your shrimp experience. To present your Old Bay shrimp, serve them on a nice platter. Add lemon wedges around the shrimp for a pop of color. This makes it easy for guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. You can also make a refreshing cucumber salad as a side. This adds a crunchy contrast to the shrimp. Serve everything with a side of rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the beautiful colors and flavors on your plate! {{image_2}} You can enjoy Old Bay shrimp in different ways. Baking is one option. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be pink and cooked through. This method gives a nice, even cook and keeps the shrimp juicy. Grilling is another fun way to cook shrimp. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy grilling. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and get nice grill marks. This method adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with Old Bay seasoning. You can mix up the seafood if you want. Try using scallops or fish instead of shrimp. Both options work well with Old Bay seasoning. Just adjust cooking times as needed. If you want a vegetarian twist, use cauliflower or mushrooms. These can soak up the flavor from the Old Bay seasoning. Toss them in the same mix and cook them in the air fryer until tender. Pairing options for Old Bay shrimp are endless. Serve them with a side of rice or pasta. A fresh cucumber salad also complements the dish well. You can squeeze some lemon on top for added zing. Get creative by adding Old Bay shrimp to tacos or salads. They can add a burst of flavor to any meal. Use them as a topping for nachos for a fun snack. The options are limitless! To store leftover shrimp, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Cooked shrimp lasts for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. If shrimp smells off or feels slimy, throw it away. To reheat shrimp, use the air fryer or a skillet. Heat at a low temperature. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Avoid the microwave; it can make shrimp rubbery. If you need to use the microwave, heat in short bursts. You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to three months. Place shrimp in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, place shrimp in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, run shrimp under cold water. Never thaw at room temperature. For large shrimp, cook them for 6-8 minutes. This time lets them turn pink and opaque. If you use smaller shrimp, reduce the time to 4-6 minutes. Always check for doneness to ensure they are cooked through. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. However, it’s best to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for quick thawing. Pat them dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better. I love serving these shrimp with a few tasty sides. Here are some great options: - A refreshing cucumber salad - Steamed rice or quinoa - Garlic bread for dipping - Roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition These pairings enhance the meal and make it more satisfying. Enjoy your delicious feast! You now have everything you need to make delicious Old Bay shrimp. We covered ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods. Air frying shrimp gives you a tasty dish with less fuss. Remember to marinate with Old Bay and spices for great flavor. Try other cooking methods or variations for fun twists. Don't forget to check storage tips to enjoy leftovers. With these steps and tips, you'll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Spice up your dinner with this mouthwatering Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp recipe! In just 20 minutes, you'll have delicious, seasoned shrimp that are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. With minimal ingredients and easy instructions, this dish is sure to impress. Discover how to make perfectly cooked shrimp with a kick of flavor! Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Salt to taste

1 lemon, zest and juice

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Zest the lemon and add the zest along with the lemon juice to the shrimp mixture.

Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices and oil.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to do this in batches.

Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are pink and opaque.

Once done, remove the shrimp and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Old Bay shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. You can also complement the dish with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!