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Air fryer Cajun shrimp with juicy shrimp coated in bold Cajun seasoning, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges, served as an easy spicy high protein seafood dinner.
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Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp - Fast, Flavor-Packed, and Weeknight Easy

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 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (boosts color and smoky flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (reduce if your Cajun blend is salty)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps the shrimp sear fast and cook evenly.
  • Dry the shrimp well. Pat them with paper towels until very dry. This prevents steaming and helps the spices stick.
  • Season. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Coat evenly but don’t overwork them.
  • Load the basket. Arrange shrimp in a single layer with a little space between each. Work in batches if needed for even cooking.
  • Air fry. Cook for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway. Shrimp are done when they curl into a loose “C” and turn opaque with a light char on the edges.
  • Finish and serve. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot with rice, grits, salad, or tortillas.