This Easy Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp is a fast, flavor-packed dish made with just three simple ingredients. Juicy shrimp are coated in bold Cajun seasoning and rich garlic butter, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick appetizer that feels special without extra effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly quick and convenient, making it ideal for hectic days when you need dinner on the table fast. With only three main ingredients, preparation is simple and cleanup is minimal.

It works beautifully with both frozen and fresh shrimp, so you can use what you already have on hand. There’s no need to thaw frozen shrimp, which saves even more time.

The air fryer locks in flavor while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy. The garlic butter melts into the Cajun spices, creating a rich, slightly spicy coating that pairs well with vegetables, rice, salads, or even on its own with lemon wedges.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb frozen raw extra jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off, no need to thaw)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought; see seasoning note below)
3 tablespoons garlic herb butter (solid, not melted)

Optional for garnish:
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges for serving

If using store-bought Cajun seasoning, start with 1 teaspoon per pound and adjust to taste, as some blends are saltier than homemade versions.

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Place the frozen shrimp directly into the bottom of the air fryer cooking pot. Do not use the air fryer basket insert if possible, as cooking the shrimp directly in the pot allows them to cook in the butter and seasoning.
3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the shrimp.
4. Add the solid garlic herb butter on top of the shrimp.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes.
6. Carefully open the air fryer and stir the shrimp, mixing them well with the melted butter and spices to ensure even coating.
7. Return the shrimp to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes at 400°F, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness earlier. If adding vegetables like broccoli, give the vegetables a 3–5 minute head start before adding the shrimp to prevent overcooking.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 11 minutes
Total time: Approximately 15 minutes

Each serving is a generous portion of shrimp suitable as a main dish when paired with sides, or as an appetizer when serving a crowd.

Variations

For a brighter flavor, swap the garlic herb butter for lemon garlic butter by adding 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to the butter before cooking.

Use Creole seasoning instead of Cajun seasoning for a slightly different spice profile.

Make it spicier by adding 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Add vegetables such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or zucchini. Cook firmer vegetables first for a few minutes before adding the shrimp.

Turn it into a full meal by serving over rice, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery.

You can also reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Leftovers taste great cold on top of salads or served with cocktail sauce as a quick appetizer.

FAQs

Can I cook fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh raw shrimp work perfectly. Reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness around the 8-minute mark total.

Do I need to thaw frozen shrimp first?

No, you can cook the shrimp directly from frozen. The air fryer handles them well without thawing.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly and become rubbery.

Can I use smaller shrimp?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time by 1 to 3 minutes depending on size. Check frequently to prevent overcooking.

What temperature should I air fry shrimp at?

400°F (200°C) works best for achieving a quick cook while keeping the shrimp juicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Shrimp should be in a mostly single layer for even cooking.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a moderate kick depending on the Cajun seasoning used. You can reduce the amount of seasoning for a milder flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the shrimp?

Yes. Add firm vegetables first and cook them for a few minutes before adding the shrimp to ensure everything finishes at the same time.

What can I serve with Cajun shrimp?

It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, salads, zucchini noodles, or even as a topping for grain bowls.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Cook the shrimp, let them cool, and store in airtight containers. They reheat quickly and are perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Conclusion

Easy Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp is a simple yet bold dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With only three main ingredients and a cooking time of about 15 minutes, it’s a reliable go-to recipe for busy evenings or quick meal prep. Whether you use fresh or frozen shrimp, this recipe guarantees juicy, perfectly seasoned results every time.

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