Blackened Air Fryer Shrimp

By Raelynn

Hi there, food lover! 👋

Ready to dive into a dish that’s bursting with smoky spices, a gentle char, and a juicy, tender bite? Blackened Air Fryer Shrimp is the perfect combination of quick cooking and bold flavor. 🍤✨ This recipe has deep roots in Southern coastal cuisine, particularly influenced by Cajun and Creole traditions where “blackening” spices transform simple seafood into a vibrant meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you’ll only need a handful of pantry spices, a drizzle of oil, and of course, fresh shrimp. The air fryer works its magic by delivering a perfect crisp on the outside while locking in that succulent juiciness inside. No heavy batter, no deep-frying, just light and healthy cooking with plenty of character.

This recipe shines as an appetizer, a protein topping for salads, tacos, or bowls, or even as a main course with rice and veggies. It’s weeknight-friendly (done in under 20 minutes!) yet flavorful enough to impress guests. So, let’s honor the soulful Southern tradition while making it easy for today’s kitchens. Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking this smoky delight together! 🥘🔥

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Directions:

  1. Prep the shrimp 🦐
    Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so make sure they’re nice and dry.
  2. Season generously 🌶️
    In a large bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil and toss until well coated. Mix all the spices together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the shrimp. Toss again until every piece is coated with that bold blackened seasoning.
  3. Preheat the air fryer ⚡
    Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly.
  4. Cook to perfection 🔥
    Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly crisp on the edges.
  5. Serve with flair 🍋
    Transfer shrimp to a serving platter, squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 5 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 8 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 13 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~180 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Hashtags:

#BlackenedShrimp #AirFryerRecipes #SeafoodLovers #CajunCooking #QuickDinner #HealthySeafood #WeeknightMeals #FlavorfulEats

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️

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