Dive into a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering Blackened Air Fryer Shrimp! In just 18 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the zesty kick of blackening seasoning with the convenience of an air fryer, delivering juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp with a delightful char. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a quick weeknight meal, this shrimp dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to elevate your seafood game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry completely with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and crispy texture. Excess moisture will prevent proper blackening.
- In a large mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. This helps the blackening seasoning adhere to the shrimp.
- Sprinkle blackening seasoning over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated. Gently massage the seasoning into the shrimp for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving the signature blackened exterior.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and proper blackening. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the shrimp for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Check the shrimp for doneness. They should be pink, opaque, and have a slightly charred exterior. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, immediately transfer shrimp to a serving plate to prevent overcooking.
- Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the shrimp just before serving to add brightness and enhance the blackened flavor.
- Serve hot as an appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or as part of a seafood platter.
Tips
- Dry the Shrimp: Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy, blackened exterior you crave.
- Even Coating: When tossing the shrimp with olive oil and blackening seasoning, ensure each piece is evenly coated. This not only enhances flavor but also promotes even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Don’t skip preheating! Setting your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) ensures the shrimp cook quickly and develop that signature char.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so consider cooking in batches if necessary.
- Shake it Up: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your shrimp! They should be pink and opaque, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove them from the air fryer as soon as they reach this point to avoid overcooking.
- Add Freshness: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. This brightens the flavors and complements the blackened seasoning beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy your blackened shrimp as an appetizer, toss them over rice, fill tacos, or include them in a seafood platter for a delightful feast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 180mg
