Easy Seasoned Shrimp

Name: Easy Seasoned Shrimp (Air-Fryer)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp, frozen, peeled and deveined, tail-on; 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1/2 lime, juiced; 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped; Cooked white rice, for serving

This easy air-fryer shrimp recipe combines frozen jumbo shrimp with Old Bay and chili powder, then finishes them in a melted butter sauce with fresh lime juice and cilantro. It's a weeknight dinner ready in minutes with minimal cleanup.

🌍American 🏷️Shrimp 🏷️Seasoned shrimp 🏷️Cilantro lime shrimp 🏷️Seafood Quick dinner

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight meal

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$17–$28

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb jumbo shrimp, frozen, peeled and deveined, tail-on
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 lime, juiced
2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
Cooked white rice, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Thaw the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water.
2
Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry and place them in a mixing bowl. Season with Old Bay seasoning and chili powder.
3
Drizzle with oil and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning and oil.
4
Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on an air fryer tray.
5
Air fry for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean bowl.
7
Pour melted butter over the hot shrimp, squeeze fresh lime juice on top, and sprinkle with finely chopped cilantro.
8
Toss everything together to combine.
9
Serve immediately, optionally over a bed of white rice.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat frozen shrimp dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and promote even browning in the air fryer.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all shrimp cook evenly and develop a slight char.
Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink; overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.
Toss shrimp with the butter sauce immediately after air frying while still hot so they absorb the flavors.

Substitutions

Old Bay seasoning → Cajun seasoning or paprika (adjust heat to taste)
Cilantro → Parsley or green onions (if cilantro aversion)
Butter → Olive oil (for dairy-free option; use same amount)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a little water or serve chilled.

Equipment

air fryer

Common Questions

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes. Thaw fresh shrimp completely, pat dry, and reduce air-fryer time by 1–2 minutes since they cook faster than frozen.

What temperature and time should I use in the air fryer?

Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook seasoned shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink, then toss with the butter-lime-cilantro sauce.