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Air Fryer Shrimp: How to Cook in an Air Fryer in 15 Minutes

If you’re in search of a quick and delicious meal, look no further than air fryer shrimp! This versatile dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of succulent shrimp that are perfect as a main dish, a salad topping, or even as a refreshing appetizer. Let’s dive into how to achieve perfectly cooked shrimp using your air fryer.

Why Choose the Air Fryer?

Air fryers have gained immense popularity due to their ability to cook food quickly while still achieving that crispy texture we all crave. They use hot air circulation to promote even cooking and browning, which means you can enjoy fried-like meals with significantly less oil. This makes them an excellent choice for healthier cooking without sacrificing flavour.

Ingredients

For this scrumptious air fryer shrimp recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or tail-off as per preference)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
• Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to ensure that they cook evenly and achieve a lovely texture.

2. Marinate the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavour, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and develop a nice crispiness.

4. Air Fry the Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.

5. Check for Doneness: The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them, as overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Serve them immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. These shrimp pair perfectly with a variety of sides, from rice to salads or even as a filling for tacos.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp

• Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp for the best results. Frozen shrimp is also a convenient choice; just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to experiment with different spices and marinades. Ingredients like cayenne pepper, lime zest, or even a soy sauce-based marinade can add unique flavours.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the shrimp are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will help them cook evenly and prevent steaming.

Conclusion

Air fryer shrimp is a fantastic dish that’s quick to prepare, packed with flavour, and deliciously satisfying. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a culinary delight that impresses both in taste and presentation. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, you’ll find these shrimp are sure to be a hit. So dust off your air fryer and give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!

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