Are you looking for a tasty, healthy meal that’s quick and easy to make? This Weight Watchers air fryer shrimp recipe is not only delicious but also low in Smartpoints (it is literally only 1 WW point) which makes it ideal for anyone following the Weight Watchers program.
So, whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or for your guests, this easy and healthy shrimp recipe will be a crowd-pleaser!
Contents
How to make Air Fryer Shrimp
With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can easily prepare a batch of perfectly seasoned, crispy shrimp in no time. The air fryer recipe gives the shrimp a delightful crunch without the need for excess oil, keeping it light and healthy.
Ingredients:
1 pound of large, uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of lemon zest
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 tsp of black pepper
1/4 tsp of kosher salt
Cooking spray
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. Make sure that the mixture is smooth and evenly blended to ensure that all the flavors are combined together.
Next, add the raw shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
Make sure that each shrimp is evenly covered with the marinade or mixture for the best flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it reaches the desired temperature before cooking. While the air fryer is heating, coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the shrimp from sticking. This also makes for an easier cleanup after your cooking time.
Once preheated, carefully add the shrimp mixture to the basket. Make sure to spread the shrimp in a single layer to make sure that your shrimp will be cooked evenly all at the same time while air frying.
Air fry the shrimp until they are just done, which should take about 7 to 9 minutes. Halfway through cooking, after about 4 minutes, pause to shake the basket gently. This helps ensure that the shrimp cook evenly on all sides and do not stick together.
Continue cooking until the shrimp are browned and cooked through.
For serving, measure out about 4 oz of the cooked shrimp per serving.
Enjoy the shrimp hot and fresh from the air fryer.
More notes and tips for the best air fry shrimp
- Use fresh shrimp if available, but if you choose frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture that can affect cooking.
- Select medium to large shrimp for this recipe. They are easier to handle and ensure a juicy and tender texture when cooked.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs to suit your taste. Paprika or cayenne pepper can definitely add an extra kick of flavor.
- Pair your air-fried shrimp with light dipping sauces such as a lemon herb yogurt sauce, cocktail sauce, or a homemade low-fat tartar sauce.
- If you have more time on your hands, you can let the shrimp marinate in the seasoning mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, consider placing a perforated parchment paper liner or baking sheet in the air fryer basket before adding the shrimp.
- Experiment with lime juice or orange zest instead of lemon for a different citrusy flavor profile.
- Garnish the cooked shrimp with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for a fresh finish.
What to serve with air fried shrimp
This air-fried shrimp can easily become a main dish and eaten on its own. But if you want it served with other dishes, then I have some recommendations for you:
- Steamed vegetables
- Cauliflower rice
- Egg rolls
- Your fave dipping sauce
- Green salad
- Air fried brussels sprouts
- and more!
How to store leftover shrimp
Allow the shrimp to cool down to room temperature before storing. Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, they tend to lose some of their texture and flavor upon reheating so I do not recommend it.
When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some of their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Cooking shrimp has never been this easy (or healthy)! If you are looking for a quick dinner during busy weeknights, then I have here an easy shrimp recipe that you can do within 15 minutes!Â
Ingredients
- 1 pound of large, uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp of lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- 1/4 tsp of kosher salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large or medium bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. Make sure that the mixture is smooth and evenly blended to ensure that all the flavors are combined together.
- Next, add the raw shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
- Make sure that each shrimp is evenly covered with the marinade or mixture for the best flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it reaches the desired temperature before cooking. While the air fryer is heating, coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the shrimp from sticking. This also makes for an easier cleanup after your cooking time.
- Once preheated, carefully add the shrimp mixture to the basket. Make sure to spread the shrimp in a single layer to make sure that your shrimp will be cooked evenly all at the same time while air frying.
- Air fry the shrimp until they are just done, which should take about 7 to 9 minutes. Halfway through cooking, after about 4 minutes, pause to shake the basket gently. This helps ensure that the shrimp cook evenly on all sides and do not stick together.
- Continue cooking until the shrimp are browned and cooked through.
- For serving, measure out about 4 oz of the cooked shrimp per serving.
- Enjoy the shrimp hot and fresh from the air fryer.
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.