Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Shrimp – Crispy, Garlicky Perfection in 12 Minutes

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Introduction

These Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Shrimp deliver irresistible crunch and bold flavor in just 12 minutes. After testing several techniques, this method creates shrimp that are golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed with garlic, scallions, and chiles for authentic restaurant-style results.

Crispy air fryer salt and pepper shrimp topped with jalapeños, scallions, and peanuts

Perfect Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Shrimp Recipe

What makes this recipe special is the combination of a cornstarch coating for crunch and a quick air fry that avoids the greasiness of deep frying. Aromatic garlic and chili are sautéed separately and tossed in at the end, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant without burning in the fryer.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp (shell-on preferred, deveined)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1–2 red chiles, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (for stir-frying aromatics)
  • Light cooking spray

Ingredient Notes:

  • Keeping the shells on helps lock in moisture and adds extra crisp.
  • You can substitute white pepper for a more traditional flavor.
  • If using peeled shrimp, reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
  3. Lightly spray shrimp with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until shrimp are golden and crisp.
  5. While shrimp are cooking, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic, scallions, and chiles for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Transfer hot shrimp to the skillet, toss with aromatics, and serve immediately.
Crispy air fryer salt and pepper shrimp topped with jalapeños, scallions, and peanuts

Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Shrimp – Crispy, Garlicky Perfection in 12 Minutes

Golden, crunchy shrimp tossed with garlic, scallions, and chiles—ready in just 12 minutes with minimal oil.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Appetizer, main dish
Cuisine Asian-Inspired, Chinese, Vietnamese
Servings 4 People
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Cooking spray

Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp (shell-on preferred, deveined)

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1–2 red chiles, thinly sliced (optional)

1 tbsp neutral oil

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

    Pat shrimp dry and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

      Spray shrimp lightly with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer.

        Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

          Meanwhile, sauté garlic, scallions, and chiles in oil for 1–2 minutes.

            Toss hot shrimp with aromatics and serve immediately.

              Notes

              • Air fryer models vary—adjust cooking times as needed.
              • Shrimp should be opaque and firm when done.
              • For extra heat, add crushed red pepper or Sichuan peppercorn.
              • Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crunch.

              Nutrition

              Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 22gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 600mgVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
              Keyword air fryer, air fryer shrimp, crispy shrimp, easy air fryer recipe, salt and pepper shrimp
              Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

              Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Salt & Pepper Shrimp

              Temperature & Timing Guide

              • Medium shrimp: 8–9 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
              • Large shrimp: 10–12 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
              • Internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C) for juicy, tender shrimp.

              Pro Tips for Best Results

              • Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
              • Keep shrimp shells on for maximum crispiness.
              • Toss with aromatics after air frying to prevent garlic from burning.
              • If shrimp look pale, add 1–2 extra minutes.

              Serving & Storage for Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Shrimp

              Best Pairings

              • Sweet chili sauce or garlic soy dip
              • Fresh lime wedges for brightness
              • A sprinkle of extra cracked pepper just before serving

              Perfect Side Dishes

              • Air Fryer Fried Rice for a complete meal
              • Steamed jasmine rice to balance bold flavors
              • Air Fryer Green Beans with garlic for a light veggie side

              Storage & Reheating

              • Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
              • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness.

              Conclusion

              This air fryer salt & pepper shrimp method guarantees crispy, juicy results every time. With minimal oil and quick cooking, you’ll have restaurant-quality flavor at home in under 15 minutes.

              Author

              • Smiling woman named Sarah Mitchell in a cozy kitchen wearing an apron

                Sarah Mitchell is a Culinary Institute of America-trained pastry chef turned food writer who specializes in easy air fryer desserts. After working in bakeries from NYC to Portland, she discovered her passion for helping home bakers create bakery-quality treats in small kitchens with simple equipment.

                Based in Portland, Oregon, Sarah develops and tests every recipe multiple times in her tiny apartment kitchen, documenting both successes and failures to help readers troubleshoot common baking problems. Her approach combines professional pastry techniques with practical shortcuts, making desserts accessible to bakers at any skill level.

                When she's not creating recipes at odd hours or responding to reader questions, Sarah can be found exploring Portland's dessert scene for inspiration, always accompanied by her rescue cat Mochi who serves as chief taste-test supervisor.

                Sarah learned to bake at age 6 in her grandmother's Ohio bakery, where she developed her philosophy: great desserts don't need to be complicated – they just need to bring joy.

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