Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp: A Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful Recipe

Blackened shrimp is a dish known for its bold, spicy flavor and satisfying texture. Traditionally cooked in a cast-iron skillet with lots of butter, it’s delicious but can be a bit heavy. This air fryer version delivers all the amazing flavors of blackened shrimp in a fraction of the time and with significantly less fat. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a tasty appetizer, or even a delicious topping for salads and tacos.

## Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy:** Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier alternative to pan-frying.
* **Flavorful:** The blackened seasoning provides a bold and spicy flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or topping for various dishes.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Air fryers are notoriously easy to clean, making this a hassle-free meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious air fryer blackened shrimp:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference). Medium to large shrimp (31/40 or 26/30 count) work best.
* **Blackened Seasoning:** 2-3 tablespoons (see recipe below or use a store-bought blend).
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Optional:** Lemon wedges, fresh parsley for garnish.

### Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe

If you don’t have blackened seasoning on hand, it’s easy to make your own! This recipe allows you to customize the spice level to your liking.

* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly blackened shrimp in your air fryer:

### 1. Prepare the Shrimp

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing them from steaming in the air fryer.

### 2. Season the Shrimp

* In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and blackened seasoning. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated. The amount of seasoning you use will depend on your preference for spice – start with 2 tablespoons and add more if desired.

### 3. Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended)

* Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes helps ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Some air fryers don’t require preheating, so consult your air fryer’s manual.

### 4. Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket

* Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will cause the shrimp to steam instead of blacken. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.

### 5. Air Fry the Shrimp

* Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the power of your air fryer. The shrimp are done when they are pink, opaque, and slightly firm to the touch.

### 6. Serve and Enjoy

* Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:** This is the most important tip for achieving perfectly blackened shrimp. Overcrowding will cause the shrimp to steam instead of blacken, resulting in a less desirable texture and flavor.
* **Pat the Shrimp Dry:** Removing excess moisture from the shrimp before seasoning is essential for getting a good sear in the air fryer.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Preference:** The amount of blackened seasoning you use will depend on your tolerance for spice. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while they’re cooking and remove them from the air fryer as soon as they’re done.
* **Use an Air Fryer Liner (Optional):** While not necessary, using an air fryer liner can make cleanup even easier.
* **Add a touch of brown sugar to the seasoning:** This will add a hint of sweetness that balances the spice nicely.
* **Experiment with different types of shrimp:** While medium to large shrimp are recommended, you can experiment with different sizes to find your preference.

## Serving Suggestions

Air fryer blackened shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve with cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce, or a creamy avocado dip.
* **As a Main Course:** Serve with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables.
* **In Tacos or Burritos:** Add the shrimp to tacos or burritos with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado, and sour cream.
* **On Salads:** Top a green salad with blackened shrimp for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **In Pasta Dishes:** Add the shrimp to pasta dishes with a creamy sauce or a light tomato-based sauce.
* **With Grits:** A Southern classic! Serve the blackened shrimp over creamy grits for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Shrimp Po’ Boy:** Use it as a filling for a classic New Orleans sandwich.

## Variations

* **Lemon Pepper Blackened Shrimp:** Add 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning to the blackened seasoning blend.
* **Garlic Parmesan Blackened Shrimp:** Toss the cooked shrimp with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.
* **Spicy Mango Blackened Shrimp:** Serve the shrimp with a spicy mango salsa.
* **Coconut Blackened Shrimp:** Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and sprinkle the shrimp with shredded coconut before air frying.
* **Cajun Blackened Shrimp:** Make sure your blackened seasoning has a good amount of cayenne pepper and perhaps a dash of hot sauce.

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover blackened shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. However, reheating in the air fryer is the best way to maintain their crispy texture.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 8-12g
* Carbohydrates: 5-8g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.*

## Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 7 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2-3 tablespoons blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
* Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
* Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

**Homemade Blackened Seasoning:**

* 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* ½ teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and blackened seasoning.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) (optional).
4. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
5. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until pink and opaque.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and easy air fryer blackened shrimp!

## FAQs

**Can I use frozen shrimp?**
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

**Can I use store-bought blackened seasoning?**
Absolutely! Just make sure to check the ingredient list for any allergens.

**How do I know when the shrimp are done?**
The shrimp are done when they are pink, opaque, and slightly firm to the touch.

**Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
The shrimp are best served immediately, but you can prepare the blackened seasoning ahead of time.

**What if I don’t have an air fryer?**
You can pan-fry the shrimp in a skillet with butter or oil over medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

This air fryer blackened shrimp recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Bon appétit!