The first time I attempted a shrimp boil, I made a giant mess of my kitchen—one pot overflowing with water, another pan for sausage, and corn scattered everywhere. Then I discovered the air fryer shortcut that changed everything. These Air Fryer Shrimp Boil Packets combine shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in foil packets that cook together in just 20 minutes. The result is a Cajun-inspired dinner that’s flavorful, portion-controlled, and requires almost no cleanup. I’ve tested this method countless times, and now I can confidently say it’s the easiest way to enjoy a shrimp boil without the chaos.
Why This Air Fryer Shrimp Boil Recipe Works
This method works because the sealed foil packets lock in steam and flavor, so the shrimp stay juicy, the potatoes cook through, and the sausage and corn soak up buttery seasoning. The air fryer’s circulating heat mimics a traditional boil but without gallons of water, giving you bold flavor and tender results in less than half the time.
Air Fryer Shrimp Boil Packets
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Heavy-duty foil
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 ears corn, cut into 4 pieces each
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes.
Microwave or parboil potatoes for 3–4 minutes if large.
In a large bowl, toss potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp with melted butter, Old Bay, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Divide mixture evenly among 4 large pieces of heavy-duty foil. Fold into sealed packets.
Place packets in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Carefully open packets (watch out for steam), garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, and serve hot.
Notes
- Air fryer models vary; check packets early and adjust time as needed.
- Shrimp should be opaque and firm but not rubbery.
- For extra Cajun kick, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer, not the microwave.
Nutrition
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Shrimp Boil Packets bring the joy of a traditional shrimp boil without the hassle. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage sealed in buttery Cajun flavor all with zero cleanup.
