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 30 reviews

If you love quick, flavorful weeknight dinners, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe. It’s simple, fast, and packed with that classic Old Bay seasoning zing that brings shrimp to life with every bite. I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight when I craved something satisfying but didn’t want to spend ages in the kitchen — and let me tell you, it totally became a staple in my rotation. Let’s dive into why this recipe works and how you can make it your own in no time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Speedy Cooking: The air fryer whips up restaurant-quality shrimp in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Flavor Packed: Old Bay seasoning brings that iconic savory and slightly spicy punch that complements shrimp beautifully.
Crisp & Juicy: You get perfectly cooked shrimp with a nice crisp exterior and tender, juicy interior every time.
Minimal Fuss: Just a handful of ingredients and simple steps means you can whip this up without stress or mess.

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay Shrimp recipe, quick seafood dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, easy air fryer shrimp - 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 magic of this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe lies not just in its simplicity but in how each ingredient bumps up the flavor or texture just right. When picking shrimp, I always go for large, peeled and deveined since it cooks evenly and is less work. Trust me, using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled makes a noticeable difference here—it brightens everything up. And yes, don’t skip fresh parsley—it adds a fresh pop that balances the bold seasoning.

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay Shrimp recipe, quick seafood dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, easy air fryer shrimp - 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 ensures they’re juicy with a good bite; peeling and deveining ready to cook saves time.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and prevents the shrimp from drying out in the air fryer.
Old Bay seasoning: The star of the show; it’s a blend of spices perfect for seafood that adds that signature zesty, savory flavor.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness from the oil and seasoning.
Fresh chopped parsley: Provides a fresh herbal touch and a lovely color contrast after cooking.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Whether you like it spicy, garlicky, or even a bit citrusy beyond the lemon juice, there’s room to experiment without losing the core charm. Feel free to toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you crave extra heat.

Spicy twist: Adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix gave my shrimp a lovely kick that my spice-loving friends adored.
Garlic lovers unite: Toss in some finely minced garlic along with olive oil for a garlicky punch that’s irresistible.
Herb mix: Swap parsley for cilantro or basil if you want to switch up the herbaceous note and make it fresh in a completely different way.

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

Step 1: Seasoning the Shrimp Just Right

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on that Old Bay seasoning generously—1 ½ tablespoons is perfect for 2 pounds of shrimp in my experience. Finish by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice; it wakes up all those flavors. Use clean hands or tongs to toss everything gently but thoroughly so every shrimp is nicely coated. This step is key—don’t rush it, as it’s where all the flavor magic begins.

Step 2: Air Frying to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 360ºF. Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the basket so they cook evenly and develop a slight crispness. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to do this in batches. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque—this is when they’re perfectly cooked and juicy. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on the timer!

Step 3: The Fresh Finish

Once out of the air fryer, immediately transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. This final step not only adds a bright color pop but also delivers a lovely fresh flavor contrast to the zesty Old Bay. Serve it up right away while it’s warm and aromatic – you’re in for a treat!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Even Layer Cooking: I always make sure the shrimp aren’t overlapping in the basket; this helps them cook evenly and get that subtle crisp.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t brighten this recipe the way fresh squeezed does—don’t skip it!
Watch the Time: Shrimp go from perfectly cooked to rubbery fast; stick close to the 8-10 minute window and check early if you have smaller shrimp.
Batch Air Frying: If making a double batch, air fry in smaller batches rather than overcrowding to avoid steaming instead of crisping.

How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay Shrimp recipe, quick seafood dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, easy air fryer shrimp - 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 as a simple, fresh garnish here—adds color and just a hint of herbal brightness. Sometimes I add a few lemon wedges on the side for extra zing because who doesn’t want a little more citrus pop? If you like a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or some chili flakes scattered on top works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for these Old Bay shrimp are a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or even a quick garlic butter pasta. If I’m feeling indulgent, pairing it with some buttery corn on the cob really brings that seafood boil vibe home. These shrimp also make a fantastic protein on tacos with creamy slaw for an easy weeknight twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the cooked shrimp around a bowl of spicy cocktail sauce or a zesty remoulade – it makes a stunning appetizer platter. Serving them over a bed of rice cooked with some fresh dill and lemon zest creates a colorful, appealing presentation that guests always comment on. You can even skewer the shrimp for kebabs, tossing them on the grill for a quick finish if you want a smoky twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Leaving the parsley off aides with freshness. When you’re ready, they reheat beautifully in the air fryer or pan—just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

Freezing

If I plan ahead, I freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. This recipe freezes well, and the Old Bay seasoning keeps its punch after thawing—which is a big win if you want a quick snack or meal later.

Reheating

Reheating in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350ºF gives the best results—shrimp stay juicy, and you get that fresh-cooked texture back. Avoid microwaving if you can because it tends to make shrimp rubbery and chewy.

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 to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent them from crisping up nicely.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can cook this recipe in a hot skillet or under a broiler, but be sure to watch the shrimp closely as they cook quickly. You’ve gotta keep them from overcooking!
Is Old Bay seasoning spicy?

Old Bay isn’t super spicy but offers a warm, lightly peppery, and savory blend with hints of celery, paprika, and other spices. If you want more heat, just add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with no translucent parts. To be extra safe, they should reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s that perfect blend of effortless and delicious. Whenever I make it, friends ask for seconds, and I love how it turns a simple ingredient like shrimp into a showstopper with almost zero effort. Give it a try the next time you want dinner fast but crave bold flavor—you’ll thank me later!