There are those evenings when you walk in the door, tired and distracted by the day’s chaos, and the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s exactly when this air fryer plain shrimp comes to the rescue. I remember once, I was halfway through a Zoom call while tossing shrimp in olive oil, fidgeting because I wasn’t sure if I’d set the temperature right or if I’d overdo it. Somehow, the shrimp came out perfectly tender and juicy, with just the right hint of crispness. The kitchen smelled faintly of olive oil and the sea, and I was grateful for a meal that didn’t demand every ounce of my attention. It’s simple, unseasoned, and somehow exactly what I needed to recharge without fuss.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick to prepare and cook — you can have dinner on the table in about 11 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients and effort, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- The plain shrimp can be a blank canvas for any dish, from salads to pastas or even snacks.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated flavors to juggle, just shrimp done right.
- Could be a little too plain for those who like a punch of seasoning, but perfect if you want control over what you add next.
If you’re feeling a bit wary about air frying shrimp for the first time, don’t be. It’s forgiving, and the shrimp turn out juicy almost every time. Plus, you can rely on a quick reheat in the fryer without drying them out, which I found handy when leftovers happened.
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Air Fryer Plain Shrimp
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and simple recipe for perfectly cooked plain shrimp using an air fryer. This method yields tender, juicy shrimp with minimal effort and no added seasoning, perfect for a healthy snack or to add to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
12 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
Cook the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Check that the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually just use my standard air fryer basket, no fancy equipment needed. When serving, these shrimp are surprisingly versatile — a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce can quickly change the mood. Sometimes I toss them into a simple green salad for a light lunch, or they become the star atop a bed of rice or pasta. I haven’t tested all the spice variations, but a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes could add a nice kick if you’re feeling adventurous. For a creamier twist, a garlic butter drizzle post-cooking works wonders, though that’s not quite the ‘plain’ approach. Leftovers reheat well, but watch the time so they don’t get rubbery.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw them first for even cooking.
Is olive oil necessary? It helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a little moisture, but you could try other oils.
What if they’re not cooked through? Just pop them back in for a minute or two, shaking the basket occasionally.
Can I add seasoning? Sure! But this recipe shines with simplicity, letting the shrimp’s natural flavor stand out.
Ready to make this quick, no-fuss shrimp dish your new weeknight hero? Scroll down, save it for later, and give it a try. It’s surprisingly satisfying.