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· 4.7 from 54 reviews

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful seafood dish that’s bursting with seasoning, you have to try my Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe. It’s super simple, comes together in under 15 minutes, and that Old Bay seasoning gives the shrimp just the right amount of kick and warmth I adore. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or need an impressive appetizer, this recipe is a total winner that I’m excited for you to try!

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Flavor Boost: Old Bay seasoning adds a zesty, classic seafood flavor without any fuss.
Speedy Cooking: Using the air fryer means shrimp go from raw to perfectly cooked and crispy in under 10 minutes.
Healthy & Light: Olive oil keeps the shrimp moist while adding heart-healthy fats, making this a guilt-free meal.
Easy Cleanup: Minimal ingredients and tools mean less mess, which is always a win in my kitchen.

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay Shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp with Old Bay, quick seafood dinner, healthy air fryer seafood - 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 plays a special role: the shrimp act as the star protein while the seasoning and lemon combine to create that crave-worthy flavor profile. Plus, I’ve got some tips to help you shop smart and pick the best ingredients.

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay Shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp with Old Bay, quick seafood dinner, healthy air fryer seafood - 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: Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time—size matters here, and large ones cook evenly in the air fryer.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick; I always go for extra virgin for its rich flavor.
Old Bay seasoning: This is the magic mix that brings that classic seafood punch, so don’t skimp on it!
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with acidity, balancing the spices and enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness.

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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

I love keeping this recipe flexible because shrimp are perfect for customization. Whether you like a little extra heat or prefer milder flavors, feel free to adjust it so it feels just right for you.

Add a Kick: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika alongside the Old Bay for a smoky, spicy twist.
Herbs Swap: If you don’t have fresh parsley, cilantro or chives can work beautifully too.
Lemon Zest: Grating fresh lemon zest into the marinade lifts the citrus flavor even more if you’re a lemon fan like me.
Garlic Boost: For garlic lovers, a minced clove or garlic powder elevates the aroma and taste considerably.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning over the top. Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice, then give everything a good toss with your hands or a spoon so every shrimp is well-coated with that flavor magic. Letting it rest for about 5 minutes helps the flavors soak in, but if you’re in a rush, you can cook them right away.

Step 2: Arrange and Air Fry

Spread the shrimp in a single layer inside your air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up nicely. Set your air fryer to 360ºF and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. Keep your eye on them; shrimp cook fast and are done when they turn pink and reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. The parsley adds such a lovely freshness and color pop. Serve immediately while they’re perfectly juicy and crisp!

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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 ensures they crisp up instead of steaming.
Fresh Shrimp are Best: If you can, get fresh shrimp and use them the same day for the best texture and flavor.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Shrimp cooks quickly; checking for 145ºF helps avoid rubbery shrimp.
Shake Basket Midway: Give the basket a good shake at the 5-minute mark for even cooking and browning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp, Old Bay Shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp with Old Bay, quick seafood dinner, healthy air fryer seafood - 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 like to top the shrimp with fresh parsley for that vibrant green pop, but sometimes I switch it up with a squeeze of extra lemon or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. It brightens the dish right before serving, making it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic butter noodles, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the juices. On warmer days, I love serving it alongside grilled corn or a tangy coleslaw for a light, summery meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arrange the shrimp on a large platter with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and some crunchy celery sticks. It makes for an easy yet impressive appetizer. I’ve even served these tossed in a butter lettuce cup with avocado slices for a fun, fresh bite that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to two days. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. I usually eat the leftovers cold tossed in a salad or lightly reheated.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable here! I place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. I pop the shrimp back in at 350ºF for 2-3 minutes—this way they stay crispy and don’t get rubbery like microwave reheating can cause. If you haven’t tried reheating shrimp in the air fryer yet, give it a shot; it really preserves that fresh-cooked texture.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer instead of steaming from excess moisture.
Is it necessary to peel and devein shrimp beforehand?

While not mandatory, I highly recommend peeled and deveined shrimp here for convenience and the best eating experience. Leaving shells on may affect seasoning absorption and cooking time.
Can I adjust the cooking temperature or time?

You can tweak it slightly depending on your air fryer model, but I suggest starting at 360ºF for 8-10 minutes and checking for doneness—shrimp cook fast and can turn rubbery if overcooked.
What other seasonings work well with Old Bay?

Adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper can complement Old Bay’s flavor nicely if you want to mix it up. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives also add a fresh note when garnished on top.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe is one of those effortless dishes that feels like a treat every single time. It’s fast, flavorful, and so adaptable to whatever mood you’re in. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something tasty in 15 minutes, give this recipe a go—I promise it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.