Grab your air fryer basket, toss plump shrimp with olive oil, a shower of Old Bay Shrimp shrim seasoning, a pinch of smoked paprika, minced garlic, and a twist of lemon zest. As the heat hugs each shrimp, you’ll hear that irresistible sizzle and watch them blush a rosy pink. In minutes, crisp edges lock in a succulent center, bursting with zesty, savory goodness. One bite delivers tangy citrus notes mingled with warm spices, making your taste buds dance. Serve them with a cooling yogurt-dill dip or fresh herb garnish and prepare for cheers at your table—seafood bliss in a flash!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Old Bay Shrimp
- Trust me, you’re going to love this quick and easy recipe!
- This one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
- Perfectly seasoned with Old Bay for that iconic flavor.
- Air fryer magic means less mess and faster cooking!
- Great for meal prep or a fun seafood feast with friends!
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Main Course |
Cuisine | American |
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 8 minutes |
Extra Time | 0 minutes |
Total Time | 18 minutes |
Dietary | Seafood |
Serves | 4 |
Best Served | Hot with fresh parsley and lemon wedges! |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make delightful Old Bay Shrimp in your air fryer!

- 1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter – melted for added flavor
- 4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning – classic seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for a savory touch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – fresh for brightness
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
- Lemon wedges – for serving
How to Make Old Bay Shrimp
This delightful Old Bay Shrimp recipe is quick and easy! With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 6–8 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your shrimp cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning
In a bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Make sure every shrimp is covered in that delicious flavor!
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook properly.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Cook the shrimp for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be opaque and slightly crispy when done.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty creation!
Pro Tips for Making Old Bay Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry for a better sear.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to your spice preference.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve this Old Bay Shrimp
- Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a light and crunchy appetizer.
Discover healthy lettuce wrap ideas and nutrition benefits via Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Top tacos with Old Bay shrimp, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
- Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw for a classic combo.
- Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can easily prepare and store Old Bay Shrimp for later enjoyment:
Storing Old Bay Shrimp Leftovers
- Allow shrimp to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freezing Old Bay Shrimp
- Cool shrimp completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Old Bay Shrimp
- Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals.
- Ensure shrimp are heated through but not overcooked.

Old Bay Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter melted for added flavor
- 4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning classic seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a savory touch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh for brightness
Garnish
- to taste fresh parsley for garnish
- as needed lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your shrimp cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Make sure every shrimp is covered in that delicious flavor!
- Step 4: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook properly.
- Step 5: Cook the shrimp for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be opaque and slightly crispy when done.
- Step 6: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty creation!
Notes
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 200 |
Fat | 10g |
Protein | 25g |
Carbs | 2g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this Old Bay Shrimp recipe?
“Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. This will ensure even cooking and the best flavor!
2. What can I serve with Old Bay Shrimp?
Old Bay Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a fresh salad, rice, or even some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. You can also add some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!
3. How can I adjust the spice level of the Old Bay Shrimp?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Old Bay seasoning used in the recipe. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to amp up the heat. Just remember to taste as you go!
4. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and pink. Just make sure to spread them out on a baking sheet for even cooking!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of Old Bay Shrimp! This recipe is not just simple; it’s a joyful experience that brings back memories of sunny days and good company. So fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to this scrumptious dish. You deserve it, and I promise, it’ll be a hit at your next gathering!