Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

If you love quick, flavorful seafood dishes that practically cook themselves, then you’re in for a real treat with this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe. I promise, it’s one of those go-to recipes that’s ridiculously simple but packs a punch of bold, zesty flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a speedy weeknight dinner or prepping something impressive for friends, this shrimp cooks up perfectly in the air fryer—crispy edges, tender inside, and that unmistakable Old Bay seasoning kick. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get it just right every time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays its part to make this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe a success. The combo of olive oil and lemon juice helps the seasoning stick and keeps the shrimp juicy, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Opt for fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture and taste.
• Olive oil: Helps the Old Bay seasoning adhere to the shrimp and aids in browning without adding heaviness.
• Old Bay seasoning: The star of the show—its unique blend of spices infuses shrimp with that trademark tangy, savory flavor.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and balances the richness of the oil and seasoning.
• Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a fresh herbal touch that makes the finished dish pop visually and flavor-wise.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to play around with the flavors. Personally, I often add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for extra smoky heat—it’s like putting your own stamp on an old favorite.

• Variation: If you prefer your shrimp with a garlic kick, toss in some minced garlic or garlic powder before air frying; it adds a lovely savory depth I absolutely adore.
• Dietary Modification: For a lower sodium version, reduce the Old Bay seasoning slightly and balance with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro.
• Seasonal Change: Swap parsley with fresh cilantro or basil depending on what you have on hand—that little swap freshens things up nicely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

First things first, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning evenly over everything. Using your hands or a spoon, gently toss the shrimp until all are well coated in this flavorful mix. I like to let it sit for about 5 minutes if I have time—this gives the shrimp a little extra oomph of flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Now, spread the shrimp out in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. This step is crucial because overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. If you have a smaller air fryer, consider cooking in batches for best results.

Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp

Set your air fryer to 360ºF and cook the shrimp for about 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, quickly shake the basket or flip the shrimp with tongs to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink, opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 145ºF if you want to be precise.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer basket and plate them up. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top—it adds a fresh, vibrant finish that contrasts beautifully with the seasoning. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing these shrimp with freshly chopped parsley because it adds brightness and a splash of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. I sometimes squeeze a little extra lemon over the top before serving, which really elevates the zing factor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a light summer salad, buttery garlic bread, or fluffy white rice to soak up any leftover juices. My personal favorite? Serving it alongside a crunchy slaw with a tangy vinaigrette—it balances the richness of the shrimp perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, I like threading these Old Bay shrimp onto skewers with chunks of bell peppers and onions for colorful shrimp kabobs. Alternatively, serve them over avocado halves filled with a simple cucumber salsa for a fresh, fuss-free appetizer that feels fancy but is super simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 1 to 2 days for the best flavor and texture. After that, they can start to lose their freshness and get chewy, so sooner is definitely better.

Freezing

If I’m prepping in advance, freezing these shrimp works just fine. I lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, so they don’t stick together. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and keep them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop the shrimp right back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 360ºF. This method keeps the texture from turning rubbery, unlike microwaving, which can overcook them fast. It’s the best way to enjoy that crispy edge all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s so fuss-free yet bursting with flavor. It’s saved me on busy nights and amazed guests when I brought it to potlucks. If you’re on the fence about using your air fryer for seafood, this is a fantastic recipe to start with. Give it a try—you might find it’s exactly what your weeknight dinners were missing!

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