If you love seafood but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Chilli Shrimps are perfect for you.
Cooking shrimp in an air fryer is not only fast but also keeps them juicy and tender while giving them a nice, crispy edge.
This air fryer shrimp recipe combines the bold flavors of garlic and chilli with succulent prawns, making it a fuss-free meal that feels special even on a busy day.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s great as a quick weeknight dinner, a protein-packed snack, or even as a showstopper side for guests.
The crispy shrimp in air fryer style makes it easy to enjoy without messy frying or heavy oils.
Spicy, garlicky, and totally satisfying, it’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to whenever I want something flavorful, fast, and stress-free.
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Why I Love This Recipe?
- Fast prep: 5–10 minutes to season shrimp.
- Quick cooking: Air fryer cooks shrimp in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal.
- Easy clean-up: Minimal pans, and the air fryer basket is simple to wipe down.
What Will I Need?
1 pound (454 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1–2 teaspoons vegetable oil or neutral oil spray
1/4 cup (60 ml) crunchy chili oil or chili crisp
Fresh lime or lemon wedges
Chopped cilantro or green onions
How to Make Air Fryer Chili Crisp Shrimps?
- Start by rinsing the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Drying the shrimp is essential for a crisp finish and helps the seasonings stick better. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until each piece is evenly coated. This ensures every bite is full of flavour.
- Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overcrowding them, as this can cause the shrimp to steam rather than crisp. If necessary, cook in batches to make sure hot air circulates evenly around each shrimp. Proper spacing guarantees a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the shrimp for 8–14 minutes, depending on their size. Shake the basket or gently flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp evenly on all sides. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
- Once cooked, allow the shrimp to rest for a few minutes before adding the chili crisp.
This brief cooling period preserves the crunchy bits in the chili oil and prevents them from becoming soggy. It also makes the shrimp easier to handle when tossing with the sauce. - Transfer the shrimp to a clean mixing bowl and spoon 1/4 cup of crunchy chili oil over them. Gently toss the shrimp so each piece is coated with the spicy, glossy mixture.
Make sure not to overmix — you want the chili crisp to cling lightly while keeping its crunch. - Serve the shrimp immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect texture and heat. They’re delicious on their own, or you can pair them with rice, noodles, salad, or bread for a full meal. A quick squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped herbs makes them even more irresistible.
Nutrition Snapshot
| Nutrient | Approx. per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 228 kcal |
| Protein | 46 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 571 mg |
| Sodium | 1762 mg |
| Potassium | 181 mg |
| Vitamin C | 9.3 mg |
| Calcium | 329 mg |
| Iron | 4.8 mg |
This makes the dish high-protein, low-fat, and satisfying, perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.
Ingredient Swaps & Dairy-Free Options
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but it’s flexible for different tastes and diets.
Protein Alternatives:
- Scallops or firm tofu cubes can be cooked the same way for variety.
- Frozen shrimp works if fully thawed and patted dry.
Heat & Flavour Adjustments:
- Reduce chili crisp for milder heat.
- Add red chili flakes or cayenne for extra kick.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for smoky notes.
Fresh Additions:
- Lime or lemon juice brightens the spicy shrimp.
- Chopped cilantro or green onions enhance flavour and colour.
Side & Sauce Ideas:
- Non-dairy creamy dip: coconut yogurt mixed with lime and garlic.
- Serve over grains, noodles, or in sandwiches for a versatile meal.
Air Fryer Tips and Tricks
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
- Shake or flip the shrimp halfway through cooking for uniform crisping.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding.
- Check shrimp around 8 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Serve immediately after cooking to keep the chili crisp crunchy.
Serving Styles and Meal Ideas
- Over Noodles or Pasta: Toss the chili crisp shrimp with noodles and a drizzle of sesame oil for a quick, vibrant, and flavourful bowl.
- Sandwiches: Layer shrimp on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, cucumber, and cilantro for a spicy, satisfying sandwich.
- Salads: Add shrimp to green salads with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing, protein-packed dish.
- Grain Bowls: Build balanced bowls with quinoa or rice, roasted vegetables, and chili crisp shrimp for an easy, filling meal.
- Appetizers: Serve as a party snack with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or yogurt-lime dressing for a spicy, crunchy treat.
One-Pot or Bowl Ideas
You can turn this spicy shrimp into a full meal in just one bowl. Start with cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles as the base. Add some roasted or lightly cooked vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for colour and crunch. Place the air-fried shrimp on top and let the chili crisp coat everything for a tasty kick.
A little drizzle of sesame oil or squeeze of lime makes the flavours come together. Sprinkle some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions to make it look nice and fresh. This is a quick, easy, and filling meal that works for lunch or dinner.
The Kid-Friendly Version
You can make this shrimp dish milder so kids can enjoy it too. Use less chili oil or skip the crunchy chili bits for softer heat. Serve the shrimp over plain rice, pasta, or in small sandwiches for a fun way to eat. A little squeeze of lemon or lime can add flavour without spice.
Tossing the shrimp with a tiny bit of butter or olive oil keeps them soft and tasty. You can also add mild veggies like peas or sweet corn to make it more colourful and appealing. This way, kids get a healthy, protein-packed meal without too much heat.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Prep in Advance: You can save time by seasoning the raw shrimp up to 24 hours ahead of cooking. Keep them covered in the fridge so the flavours have time to infuse, making the shrimp even more tasty when air-fried. This is especially handy if you’re planning a busy weeknight meal or prepping for a party.
Storage: Once cooked, the shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they maintain their flavour and prevents them from drying out. This makes it easy to enjoy a quick, spicy meal without having to cook from scratch every time.
Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. This helps maintain their crisp exterior and juicy interior. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and soften the chili crisp coating.
Refreshing Stored Shrimp: If the shrimp have been stored for a day or two, toss them lightly with extra chili crisp, a squeeze of lime, or some fresh herbs before serving. This revives the heat, aroma, and crunch, making them taste almost as good as freshly cooked.
Chef Notes and Pro Tips
Shrimp cook quickly, so these tips help get perfect results every time:
- Pat shrimp dry for crisp texture.
- Always air fry in a single layer; overcrowding leads to steaming.
- Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately for best texture; chili crisp crunch is at its peak when fresh.
- Wipe down air fryer basket after cooking to avoid sticky residue from chili oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp may need a minute or two extra in the air fryer.
Q2: How spicy is this dish?
It’s medium heat by default, but you can adjust by adding more or less chili crisp. For kids, use half the chili or skip the crunchy chili bits.
Q3: Can I cook the shrimp in a pan instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Sauté in a non-stick pan with a little oil for 3–5 minutes on medium-high heat, tossing frequently until cooked through.
Q5: What can I serve with these shrimp?
They go well with rice, noodles, salads, grain bowls, or even in sandwiches. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime brighten the flavours.
Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Chilli Shrimps
Course: Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 pound (454 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1–2 tsp vegetable or neutral oil
1/4 cup (60 ml) crunchy chili oil or chili crisp
Lime or lemon wedges
Chopped cilantro or green onions’
Directions
- Start by rinsing the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Drying is important because it helps the shrimp crisp up in the air fryer and makes the seasonings stick better. Once dry, place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently until every shrimp is evenly coated. This simple step ensures each bite is flavorful and well-seasoned.
- Next, place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overlapping or crowded, otherwise they may steam instead of crisp. If your basket is small, cook the shrimp in two batches. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, giving a uniform golden texture. This step is key for achieving perfectly cooked, slightly crispy shrimp.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the shrimp for 8–14 minutes depending on their size. Shake the basket or gently flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking, which can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Once cooked, let the shrimp rest for a few minutes before adding the chili crisp. This brief cooling period helps maintain the crunch of the chili bits and makes tossing easier. It also prevents the spicy oil from breaking down the shrimp’s crispy edges. A few minutes of resting ensures perfect texture and flavour in every bite.
- Transfer the shrimp to a clean bowl and spoon over 1/4 cup of crunchy chili oil or chili crisp. Toss gently so each shrimp is coated evenly without losing the crunch. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavour and texture. Pair with rice, noodles, salad, or bread for a complete meal, and add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish.
Notes
- Medium or large shrimp work best for air frying. Smaller shrimp cook very quickly and can dry out, so keep an eye on them.
- Patting the shrimp dry is the secret to getting that slightly crunchy outside without losing juiciness inside.
- If making a large portion, cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding; this keeps them perfectly crisp instead of soggy.
- A squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro really elevates the taste and freshness of the dish.
