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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference) - Lemon wedges, for serving Gather these items before you start cooking. The large shrimp will be the star of this dish. Make sure they are fresh and cleaned. Olive oil adds richness and helps the seasoning stick. Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp that bold flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika brings warmth and color. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. Finally, cayenne pepper lets you control the heat. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish. - In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir the mix well. This blend gives the shrimp a zesty kick. - Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp gently in the marinade until each piece is well coated. For the best flavor, let the shrimp sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step takes about 5 minutes and helps the shrimp get crispy. - Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid crowding the shrimp. If needed, cook in batches. This ensures they cook evenly. - Air fry the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket to help with crispiness. The shrimp should turn golden brown. They should reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) when done. Watch closely to avoid overcooking. Marinating shrimp adds depth to the dish. I recommend letting the shrimp sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you have more time, marinate for up to an hour for an even richer taste. Preheating your air fryer is key. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the shrimp cook evenly and get that nice crunch. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Lay the shrimp in a single layer to let the hot air circulate. If you have too many shrimp, cook in batches. Presentation matters! Serve the shrimp on a vibrant platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for color. Arrange the lemon wedges around the shrimp. This adds a nice touch and enhances the dish's appeal. Enjoy your flavorful creation! {{image_4}} You can easily change the heat of your crispy Cajun shrimp. If you want a milder dish, skip the cayenne pepper. Instead, use a pinch of paprika for flavor. For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper. You can also try adding hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick. Cajun seasoning is great, but don't feel limited to that. Try using Old Bay seasoning for a seafood twist. You can also mix in some Italian herbs for a different flavor. Experiment with taco seasoning for a fun, zesty take. Each blend gives your shrimp a unique taste. Air-frying shrimp with vegetables can enhance your meal. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the same marinade. Place them alongside the shrimp in the air fryer. This method cooks everything at once, making it a colorful and tasty dish. To keep your crispy Cajun shrimp fresh, store them in an airtight container. First, let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Then, place them in the container and refrigerate. They will stay good for up to two days. Avoid stacking them too high to keep them from getting soggy. To reheat your shrimp, use the air fryer again for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method helps to keep them crispy. If you use a microwave, the shrimp may become chewy and lose their crunch. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. I recommend placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. After thawing, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting a crispy finish. Then, follow the same marinating and cooking steps as fresh shrimp. Some great Cajun seasoning brands are Tony Chachere's, Zatarain's, or Slap Ya Mama. Each brand has its own unique flavor. I suggest tasting a bit of each to find your favorite. You can also make your own blend. Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme for a fresh taste. Adjust the heat level to fit your taste. Look for a few signs to tell if shrimp are done. First, they should turn from gray to pink. Second, they will curl into a C shape. If they form an O shape, they may be overcooked. Lastly, check the internal temperature. It should reach 120°F (49°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. In this blog post, we covered how to make tasty air-fried Cajun shrimp. We discussed the key ingredients, the steps to prepare and cook them, and tips for the best flavor. Don't forget to marinate your shrimp for full taste and avoid overcrowding your air fryer for crispiness. Feel free to adjust the spice levels and add veggies for more variety. By following these tips, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crispy Cajun Shrimp Air Fryer

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Crispy Cajun Shrimp Air Fryer! This easy and quick recipe features perfectly seasoned shrimp that is both crispy and juicy, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious meal in under 25 minutes. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your seafood game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a spacious bowl, mix together the olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a fragrant marinade that will envelop the shrimp.

    Introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade by tossing gently. For the best flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

        Carefully lay the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Take care not to overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

          Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crispness. The shrimp should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) when fully cooked.

            When cooked to perfection, promptly remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Serve hot, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Plate the shrimp on a vibrant platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, and serve the lemon wedges artistically arranged on the side for an appealing look.