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Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp

Crispy-edged Cajun-spiced shrimp cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil. A trendy, healthier take on fried shrimp that's ready in minutes with none of the deep-fry mess.

20 minEasyServes 4220 cal/serving

CajunAppetizerAir FryerStandardWhole30PaleoGluten-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon wedges (for serving)
  • 1/2 cup remoulade sauce or cocktail sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Pat 1.5 lbs peeled and deveined large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined dry with paper towels.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  4. 4

    Toss large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined with 2 tbsp olive oil and then coat generously with the spice mixture.

  5. 5

    Arrange large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.

  6. 6

    Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined are pink and cooked through.

  7. 7

    Serve hot with 1 lemon wedges (for serving) and 1/2 cup remoulade sauce or cocktail sauce (for dipping) for dipping.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp?

For Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp, the air fryer is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 10 minutes, in step 6. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The frying oil is held at 400 F (about 205 C) in step 6. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

Why pat it dry first in Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp?

Step 2 reads: "Pat 1.5 lbs peeled and deveined large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined dry with paper towels." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 2 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning in Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp?

The entry for Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp calls for 2 tsp Cajun seasoning. In its place: Two parts paprika to one part each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano and cayenne, with salt.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of shrimp in Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp?

Yes; most shrimp sold as fresh were frozen once already. Thaw them under cold running water for about ten minutes and pat them very dry so they sear instead of steaming. As written, the entry for Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp uses 1.5 lbs large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, peeled and deveined.

How hot is Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp?

Moderately. The heat in Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp comes from 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp contain shellfish?

Yes: 1.5 lbs large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, peeled and deveined. The full allergen list for this entry is shellfish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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