Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp is bold, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make! Juicy shrimp get tossed in zesty Cajun seasoning, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer—tender on the inside with just the right amount of crispiness. Squeeze on some fresh lemon for a bright, citrusy kick, or go all out with a rich Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce (because why not?).
The best part? It’s fast, foolproof, and totally versatile. No air fryer? No problem! You can make this on the stovetop or in the oven, too. And if you’re a shrimp lover, do yourself a favor and check out our Shrimp Nachos!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp
- Shrimp Selection: Fresh shrimp work best for this recipe, offering a better texture and flavor. To prepare, peel the shrimp (leaving tails on for presentation, if desired) and devein them by making a shallow cut along the back and removing the vein. If you’re using shrimp of a different size, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cajun Seasoning: Homemade Cajun seasoning can elevate the dish with more vibrant flavors. If you don’t have store-bought seasoning, you likely have the basic spices to mix your own, including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Optional Garlic Butter Sauce: While the shrimp are fantastic on their own, a simple garlic butter dipping sauce adds richness and makes the dish extra special.
Can You Use Frozen Shrimp in Place of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp (raw or precooked) works well in this recipe. For the best results, thaw the shrimp before cooking by letting them sit in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Once thawed, pat them dry to help the seasoning stick. If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Cajun Shrimp
Cajun shrimp is a versatile dish that can be incorporated into many meals. Here are some ideas:
- Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with Cajun shrimp, coleslaw, and a drizzle of sauce.
- Rice Bowl: Serve over Garlic Parmesan Rice with roasted veggies for a hearty meal.
- Pizza: Add Cajun shrimp as a topping on your crazy crust pizza for a bold twist.
- Quesadillas: Fold the shrimp into a cheesy quesadilla for a quick snack.
- Stir Fry: Toss the shrimp into your favorite veggie stir fry for added protein and spice.
How to Store and Reheat Cajun Shrimp
Leftovers? No problem! Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them with care to avoid overcooking:
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat the shrimp in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Oven: Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F-325°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
This Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp recipe is a breeze to make and packs a big punch of flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in creative dishes, it’s a meal you’ll come back to time and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests!
Airy Fryer Cajun Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
- parsley, chopped for garnish
Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Toss thoroughly to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 375°F for 4 minutes.
- Flip the shrimp over and air fry for an additional 2 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Garnish the cooked shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve alongside the garlic butter dipping sauce.
Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and kosher salt. Stir until well combined. Serve with the Cajun shrimp.
Stovetop Instructions
- Season the shrimp as directed in the main recipe.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are fully cooked.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked.
- Serve with garlic butter dipping sauce.
This recipe was adapted from iamhomesteader.com’s Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp.
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