Crispy Old Bay Shrimp

In just minutes, this air fryer shrimp with Old Bay turns ordinary seafood into an amazing treat. The blend of Old Bay and the quick cooking method gives you perfectly done shrimp with balanced flavors that'll wow your family or guests without spending hours cooking.

I came up with this dish during a vacation by the ocean when I needed to whip up something fast for surprise visitors. The shrimp got eaten so fast that I now make twice as much whenever people come over. The Old Bay brings back memories of summer days I spent as a kid near the Chesapeake.

• Peeled and deveined large shrimp 2 pounds: bigger shrimp stay juicier and don't overcook as easily
• Olive oil 1 tablespoon: makes the spices stick and helps everything brown evenly
• Old Bay seasoning 1 1/2 tablespoons: the key ingredient bringing that signature seafood taste with a touch of spice
• Fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon: adds zing and cuts through the seasoning
• Chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon: gives nice color and a fresh finish

Simple Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Technique

Mix everything up:

In a big mixing bowl, toss your raw shrimp with the olive oil, Old Bay, and fresh lemon juice. Mix gently but make sure each piece gets coated evenly. The oil helps everything stick and creates that nice outer texture.

Load your air fryer:

Put the seasoned shrimp into your air fryer basket in one layer. Don't pile them up or they'll steam instead of getting that nice crisp outside. You might need to cook them in batches for the best results.

Cook until just right:

Cook at 360°F for about 8 minutes. You'll know they're done when they turn pink and curl up slightly. If you're using jumbo shrimp, you might need to add another minute or two.

Finish and dish up:

Move the hot shrimp to a plate and throw on the chopped parsley right away. The heat will wake up the parsley's smell and flavor, making everything look and taste better.

The Old Bay seasoning is definitely my favorite thing about this dish. That special mix of paprika, black pepper, salt and secret spices takes me back to times with my grandma who made shrimp dishes like this for family get-togethers. When that smell fills up the kitchen, everyone knows something good is coming.

Getting The Heat Just Right

For the best air fryer shrimp, you need the right heat level. At 360°F, they cook fast enough to stay juicy but still get that slight crunch outside. Too cool and your shrimp turn rubbery, too hot and the spices in the Old Bay will burn before the middle cooks through.

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Saving Extras For Later

Keep any uneaten shrimp in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. They'll stay safe longer, but won't taste as good after that. When it's time to eat them again, pop them in the air fryer at 330°F for just 2 minutes. This gentle warming keeps them from getting tough or chewy.

Ways To Enjoy Your Shrimp

These make a great starter with some cocktail sauce or remoulade, but they really stand out as the main dish. Try them with simple rice and some roasted veggies for a full meal. They're also great on top of salads with light dressing or stuffed into warm tortillas for quick tacos.

Where Old Bay Came From

Old Bay started in Baltimore back in 1939 when a guy named Gustav Brunn mixed up this special blend for seafood and crabs. The yellow and blue can is now famous all over America, especially near the East Coast. While most folks used it for steamed crabs at first, it's great on all kinds of seafood, especially shrimp. Using it with an air fryer gives you that classic taste in a modern way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ When's shrimp fully cooked?

Shrimp is ready when it hits 145°F. You'll notice it changes from see-through to a solid pink and curls into a soft 'C' shape. If it tightens into an 'O,' you've gone too far, and it might taste rubbery.

→ Can frozen shrimp work here?

Yep, frozen shrimp work fine! Just make sure to completely thaw them first, either overnight in the fridge or quickly under cool running water. Pat them dry before tossing in oil and spices for the best results.

→ What sides go well with it?

Pair the shrimp with fluffy rice, roasted veggies, or fresh salad greens. They’re also perfect as starters with a tangy cocktail sauce or garlic aioli. For a seafood feast, serve them with creamy coleslaw and buttered corn.

→ Can I tweak the spice level?

Of course! For a milder taste, cut the Old Bay down to 1 tablespoon. Like it hotter? Add 2 tablespoons or toss in a dash of cayenne. Play with seasoning combos like garlic powder or paprika to suit your taste.

→ Do I have to flip the shrimp while cooking?

You don't have to, but shaking the basket halfway ensures all sides cook evenly. If your air fryer isn't evenly heating, flipping them at the 4-minute mark helps get a consistent crisp.

→ How should I warm up leftovers?

Reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes. This keeps them from overcooking and keeps the texture just right. Or enjoy them cold in wraps or salads for a quick bite.