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· 4.6 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful seafood dish that doesn’t require babysitting at the stove, this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I love how fast and fuss-free it is—just a few ingredients come together to give you shrimp that are perfectly seasoned, tender, and with a hint of zesty lemon brightness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back to this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe for busy weeknights or a last-minute snack.

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Why This Recipe Works

Speedy and Simple: The air fryer cooks the shrimp in just 8 to 10 minutes, no constant attention needed.
Bold Flavor: Old Bay seasoning and fresh lemon juice create that nostalgic, classic seafood taste that never gets old.
Healthy and Light: A tiny splash of olive oil keeps things moist without adding heaviness.
Versatile: Perfect as a quick snack, main dish, or even a salad topper—super adaptable for your meal plans.

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, easy seafood recipes, quick shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp snack, flavorful seafood dishes - 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

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe has a specific role in making the final dish both delicious and balanced. From the seasoning punch to the fresh brightness, these simple items come together harmoniously. When shopping, I recommend picking the freshest shrimp possible—it truly makes a difference!

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, easy seafood recipes, quick shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp snack, flavorful seafood dishes - 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

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Using large shrimp helps ensure they don’t dry out and have that nice “meaty” bite we all love.
Olive oil: Just enough to coat the shrimp and help the seasoning stick, plus it keeps things juicy during air frying.
Old Bay seasoning: The star of the show! It’s that magical blend of spices that brings the signature seafood flavor.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick and balances the savory notes beautifully.
Fresh chopped parsley: A sprinkle of green freshness on top adds color and a gentle herbaceous lift.

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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 recipe is a great canvas for your own flavor ideas—I’ve played with it plenty, so don’t hesitate to experiment! Whether you like it hotter or fresher, making it your own is part of the fun.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika for a smoky heat that wakes up the shrimp.
Garlic Lovers: Toss in a minced garlic clove with the shrimp marinade for extra aroma and depth.
Herb Swap: If parsley isn’t your thing, dill or cilantro can add an interesting twist.
Butter Finish: For a richer bite, melt a little butter over the cooked shrimp just before serving.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. I’ve found that mixing everything thoroughly ensures each shrimp gets that perfect seasoning coating. Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the flavor like magic!

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Next, arrange your shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I like to avoid crowding them to make sure they cook evenly and get that slight crisp on the outside. Set your air fryer to 360ºF and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through if you want to be extra sure they’re evenly cooked. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and reach an internal temperature of 145ºF—no need to overcook or they get rubbery!

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

When the shrimp come out of the fryer, plate them and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley all over. The green pop not only looks great but also adds a fresh finish to the flavors. Serve immediately and dive right in—these are best enjoyed warm and fresh!

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking shrimp in a single layer is key to even crispiness; overcrowding leads to steaming, not frying.
Use Fresh Shrimp When Possible: While frozen works, fresh shrimp yields the best texture and flavor in this quick recipe.
Check Temperature Early: Every air fryer is a bit different, so start checking your shrimp at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Add Lemon Juice Last Minute: Marinate briefly but add fresh lemon juice right before air frying to keep its brightness vibrant.

How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, easy seafood recipes, quick shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp snack, flavorful seafood dishes - 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 always top my shrimp with freshly chopped parsley because it adds a subtle herbaceous note and beautiful color contrast. Sometimes, I throw a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze whatever extra zing they want. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also bring some warmth and color for added flair.

Side Dishes

Personally, I love pairing these Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp with a crisp, refreshing salad or buttery garlic bread to soak up any leftover juices. For heartier meals, steamed rice or cauliflower rice and roasted veggies complement the shrimp perfectly, balancing the spices and keeping the meal light.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I like serving these shrimp skewered with grilled lemon slices as finger food—always a hit! Another fun idea is tossing them over buttery grits or creamy polenta for a Southern-inspired feast. Whenever I want something special, wrapping the shrimp in lettuce cups with a drizzle of aioli turns this simple recipe into a fancy appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay fresh and delicious for 1 to 2 days. If you plan to enjoy them a bit later, avoid piling the shrimp on top of each other to keep their texture intact.

Freezing

Freezing these shrimp works well too! Just lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep happily for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the shrimp back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 360ºF. It helps them stay succulent and crisp without turning soggy like a microwave would. Just watch closely so they don’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly here. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before mixing with the seasoning and oil—excess moisture can cause them to steam rather than crisp in the air fryer.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?

They should be pink and opaque with a slight curl. For best accuracy, use a meat thermometer to check they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.
Can I double the recipe?

You can absolutely double it, just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking results.
Is Old Bay seasoning essential?

Old Bay adds that signature savory-spicy flavor that makes this recipe special, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.

Final Thoughts

I often come back to this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe when I need a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a treat without much effort. Its balance of bright citrus, bold seasoning, and perfectly cooked shrimp keeps me coming back. Give this recipe a whirl—you’ll love how easy it is to impress your family or friends with just a handful of ingredients and your trusty air fryer.