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Juicy air fryer BBQ shrimp coated in a sweet and smoky barbecue glaze served with lemon wedges
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Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp - Fast, Flavorful, and Juicy

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite; sweeter sauces caramelize best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust if your BBQ sauce is salty)
  • 1/8–1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the sauce caramelize fast and prevents sticking.
  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Moisture makes the sauce slide off, so get them as dry as you can.
  • Make the BBQ coating. In a large bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, cayenne (if using), and lemon juice.
  • Toss the shrimp in the sauce until every piece is evenly coated. If the sauce looks too thick, add 1 teaspoon water to loosen it.
  • Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid piling them up. If needed, cook in two batches for best browning.
  • Air fry for 4 minutes, then quickly open the basket and flip or shake. Brush or spoon any sauce left in the bowl over the shrimp.
  • Cook 2–3 more minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque with lightly caramelized edges. They should curl into loose “C” shapes, not tight “O”s.
  • Rest for 1 minute in the basket to let the glaze set. Garnish with parsley or green onion and serve with lemon wedges.