Air Fryer Shrimp with Italian Seasoning Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy seafood dish, let me introduce you to my Air Fryer Shrimp with Italian Seasoning Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe brings together the fragrant herbs with perfectly cooked shrimp in just minutes, leaving your kitchen smelling like a little trattoria. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for this one!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients in this Air Fryer Shrimp with Italian Seasoning Recipe work harmoniously to build layers of flavor without any fuss. Plus, they’re pantry staples or easy to find in the grocery store, which means you can whip this up anytime.

• Italian seasoning: A fragrant, herbaceous mix that’s the star of the show here—look for a good blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors; I recommend kosher or sea salt for best taste.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness to the mix.
• Smoked paprika: Just a touch gives a gentle smoky depth without overpowering the shrimp.
• Onion powder: Imparts a savory note that blends perfectly with the garlic.
• Garlic: You can use freshly minced cloves or garlic powder; I usually prefer fresh for that bright, vivid flavor.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and aids in crisping the shrimp—a little goes a long way.
• Medium shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed for easy eating; fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work well.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe flexible so you can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand or your mood. Play with toppings and spice levels—that’s the fun of cooking shrimp this way!

• Spicy Kick: I’ve added a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne when I’m craving heat, and trust me, it wakes up the flavors without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
• Fresh Herbs: Sometimes I throw in chopped fresh parsley or basil after cooking for a bright, fresh finish.
• Citrus Twist: Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving adds a lovely zing and balance to the savory seasoning.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Double up on the garlic for an extra punch; it’s addictive!

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp with Italian Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Season the Shrimp with Love

Start by whisking together the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic in a small bowl. I find mixing the spices first really helps everything to coat the shrimp evenly. Then drizzle your olive oil over the shrimp and toss them with the spice mixture until they’re well coated. This part is crucial—you want every bite to have that lovely flavor punch, but not be overly oily.

Step 2: Arrange Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Place your shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—crowding them is the biggest mistake I used to make. If they overlap, they steam instead of crisping, so take your time to spread them out. If your basket is small, cook the shrimp in batches.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the shrimp for 4 minutes, then pause and shake the basket gently. If they need more time to curl into that perfect “C” shape and turn fully pink, continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments. Shrimp cook fast, and overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye. You’ll find that 4-8 minutes total is usually perfect depending on the size of your shrimp.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Once done, plate your shrimp right away—they’re best enjoyed hot and tender. If you have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them properly so you can enjoy the flavors later.

How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp with Italian Seasoning Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to bring a burst of color and freshness to the dish. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up and refreshes the palate—it’s absolutely my favorite finishing touch.

Side Dishes

You’ll enjoy pairing this shrimp with something light and simple—my go-to sides are garlic butter pasta, a crisp Caesar salad, or even some roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini. Sometimes I serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up all those tasty juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little fancy flare on special occasions, I’ve served this shrimp over creamy risotto or on top of a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Another fun idea is skewering the seasoned shrimp and air frying them as kebabs for easy, stylish appetizers when guests come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to eat them within 2 days. The flavor holds up nicely, though the texture is best when fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked shrimp before, but I recommend freezing them only if you plan to use in soups, stews, or pasta dishes later—because reheated shrimp can lose a bit of their tender texture. To freeze, spread shrimp on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a sealed bag.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to regain some crispness rather than microwaving, which can make them rubbery. They warm through nicely this way, almost like freshly cooked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Air Fryer Shrimp with Italian Seasoning Recipe, I was amazed at how such a simple prep could yield shrimp so full of flavor and perfectly cooked every time. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially on hectic nights when I want something tasty without the fuss. I know you’ll enjoy the ease and deliciousness just as much as I do—so go ahead, give it a shot and see how quickly it becomes your new favorite dinner.

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