Name: Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 1/2 Tablespoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 33 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a quick, flavorful, and downright addictive seafood dish, then you’ve hit the jackpot! This Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe is seriously one of my go-to weeknight wins. It’s simple enough for a busy evening but packed with that iconic Old Bay seasoning zing that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the air fryer makes the shrimp perfectly crisp without any fuss—trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked shrimp any other way!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity at Its Best: Just a handful of ingredients, no complicated steps, yet big flavors that shine through.
Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Air Fryer Magic: Achieves a crispy, juicy texture without drowning the shrimp in oil or butter.
Classic Old Bay Flavor: That signature blend of spices adds a mouthwatering punch that you can’t help but love.

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay shrimp recipe, Air fryer seafood, quick shrimp recipes, easy shrimp dinner - A square black air fryer basket filled with roughly 30 cooked shrimp, arranged in an even layer with some overlapping. The shrimp are orange with light browning and sprinkled with small green parsley bits, giving a fresh contrast. The shrimp have a textured, slightly shiny surface from cooking oil and spices, with visible grill marks on a few pieces. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe is in how simple yet purposeful the ingredients are. Each one plays a role in building that perfect balance of flavor and texture. When I’m shopping, I always opt for fresh, large shrimp — it truly makes a difference in both taste and bite.

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay shrimp recipe, Air fryer seafood, quick shrimp recipes, easy shrimp dinner - Flat lay of large peeled and deveined raw shrimp arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant reddish-brown Old Bay seasoning powder, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly squeezed lemon juice showing a pale yellow liquid, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright green freshly chopped parsley, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook quickly and absorb seasoning beautifully while staying juicy.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the shrimp moist without weighing them down.
Old Bay Seasoning: The star of the dish, delivering that classic bold and slightly spicy blend that’s synonymous with seafood.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the spice and richness of the shrimp.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly herbal touch and a pop of color that’s inviting on the plate.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This is one recipe where I love to invite you to make it your own. While the Old Bay seasoning is my favorite, you can easily tweak the spice level or add complementary flavors based on what you enjoy most.

Extra Heat: If you like things spicy, I sometimes toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika with the Old Bay for that extra kick.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add finely minced garlic to the marinade — it creates an irresistible aroma and a savory depth that’s hard to beat.
Citrus Swap: Try swapping lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly different tang that’s super refreshing.
Herb Variations: Fresh cilantro or dill can replace parsley if you’re after a fresher, more vibrant finish.

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

Step 1: Prep and Marinate

I start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. Making sure every shrimp is evenly coated is key here—you can use your hands or a spoon, whichever feels easier. Letting them sit for a few minutes while you prep the air fryer basket helps the flavors really soak in.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. I always make sure they aren’t piled on top of each other—crowding makes them steam instead of crisp. Set your air fryer to 360ºF and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Around the 5-minute mark, I like to shake the basket gently to ensure even cooking. Your shrimp will be perfectly firm and brilliantly seasoned when they reach an internal temp of 145ºF.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy that first bite of crisp, zesty deliciousness that only this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe can deliver.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Shrimp need space to crisp, so give them plenty of room by cooking in batches if needed.
Use Fresh Shrimp When Possible: Fresh shrimp have better flavor and texture, but frozen works great too—just thaw thoroughly and pat dry.
Watch Your Cooking Time: Shrimp cook fast, so start checking around 8 minutes to avoid overcooking and getting rubbery bites.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding parsley (or any fresh herb) right after cooking keeps it bright and flavorful.

How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay shrimp recipe, Air fryer seafood, quick shrimp recipes, easy shrimp dinner - This close-up image shows a pile of cooked shrimp with a light orange-pink color and slightly charred edges, sprinkled with small bright green parsley pieces. The shrimp have a glossy texture, showing they are juicy and well-seasoned with small flakes of spices. In the top right corner, a yellow lemon wedge with a juicy inside is partly visible. The dish is on a white surface with a white marbled texture visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that herbaceous note and color pop. Sometimes, I toss a few lemon wedges on the side because a little extra citrus squeeze amps up the freshness and zing. If I’m feeling fancy, a few red pepper flakes add a nice hint of heat.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with crispy air fryer fries, a fresh mixed green salad, or even a garlicky buttered rice. On warmer days, I serve it over a chilled quinoa salad or alongside grilled corn for a perfect summer combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual get-together, I love serving this shrimp skewered with lemon wedges on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy remoulade. It feels festive and makes it super easy for guests to grab and enjoy. For weeknight dinners, stacking them over buttery pasta makes the meal feel a little extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay great for about 1 to 2 days. To keep them from drying out, I like to tuck in a small damp paper towel on top before sealing—it keeps them juicy.

Freezing

If I’m planning ahead, I freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend here. I pop the shrimp back in at 320ºF for 2–3 minutes and they come out warm and crisp, almost like freshly cooked. Microwave reheating can make shrimp rubbery, so I try to avoid it if I can.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures they crisp up well and don’t release too much water in the air fryer.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn opaque and firm up slightly, usually at an internal temperature of 145ºF. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on them starting at 8 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?

You can double the ingredients, but be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp in batches if needed to maintain that crispy texture.
What can I serve with this shrimp for a full meal?

This shrimp goes perfectly with simple sides like steamed veggies, rice, fresh salads, or even crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe is truly a little slice of seafood heaven that fits into any busy lifestyle. Its combination of simplicity, speedy cooking, and bold flavors makes it one of my favorites to share with friends and family. Whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or a seasoned pro, I promise this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. So grab those shrimp and your air fryer—let’s make mealtime easy and delicious!