Air fryer Old Bay shrimp is one of those recipes I keep simple because the seasoning already does most of the work. The shrimp come out juicy with that classic savory Old Bay flavor, and the whole batch cooks quickly enough for a weeknight dinner or easy appetizer.
You only need shrimp, olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve them over rice, add a vegetable on the side, or use them in a salad when you want to turn the shrimp into a complete meal.
Old Bay can vary in how salty or spicy it tastes depending on how much you use, so the easiest adjustment is at the seasoning stage. Once the shrimp are in the air fryer, the main thing is simply getting them out while they are still juicy.
Quick Success Tips
- Pat the shrimp dry. The seasoning sticks better and the shrimp cook more evenly.
- Thaw frozen shrimp first. This recipe is written for thawed shrimp.
- Keep them in a single layer. Cook in batches rather than crowding the basket.
- Use the tested 360°F temperature. The shrimp cook quickly without needing very high heat.
- Start checking near the end. Shrimp can go from juicy to rubbery quickly.
- Remove them as soon as they are done. Do not leave cooked shrimp sitting in the hot basket.
- Adjust the Old Bay to your taste. Use a little less when you prefer a milder or less salty batch.
Why This Recipe Works
Old Bay brings most of the flavor, so this recipe does not need a long ingredient list.
Olive oil helps the seasoning coat the shrimp, while lemon juice adds just enough brightness to balance the savory seafood seasoning. Fresh parsley goes on after cooking for a simple finish.
The shrimp cook in a single layer at 360°F, which makes it easy to watch the texture and remove them before they become tough.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It uses only a handful of ingredients.
- The shrimp cook in minutes.
- There is no breading.
- Old Bay gives the shrimp plenty of flavor without making a separate sauce.
- It works as an appetizer or dinner protein.
- You can serve it with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or salad.
- Leftovers can be used cold in salads or bowls.
Ingredients you'll need to make old bay shrimp.
**Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.**
Large shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work.
Olive oil: Helps the Old Bay seasoning coat the shrimp evenly.
Old Bay seasoning: This is the main flavor in the recipe. It gives the shrimp the classic savory seafood flavor this page is built around.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness without changing the Old Bay identity.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkle it over the shrimp after cooking for a fresh finish.
Seasoning Tip (Read Before Cooking)
Old Bay seasoning can vary in salt and spice level. If you're sensitive to salt or heat, start with ½ to ¾ of the recommended amount, then adjust to taste after cooking.
Many readers enjoy serving these shrimp over rice or salad to balance the seasoning.
Tools used to make the recipe.
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- Air fryer: This is the brand I use for almost all the recipes you find on this site.
- Large bowl: I love this set because it came with an airtight lid, and they look very cute too.
How to make old bay shrimp in an air fryer
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Add the shrimp to a large bowl with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 360°F for 8-10 minutes, tossing or turning halfway through, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Remove the shrimp from the basket as soon as they are done.
Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!
How Long to Cook Old Bay Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Old Bay shrimp usually takes 8-10 minutes at 360°F.
Shrimp size and air fryer models can make the exact timing vary slightly, so start checking near the end instead of automatically adding more time.
Larger or colossal shrimp may need closer to 10 minutes, while smaller shrimp can finish sooner.
For more detailed timing by shrimp size, use the Air Fryer Shrimp Time and Temperature Guide.
How to Know When the Shrimp Are Done
The shrimp are ready when they turn opaque and curl.
You can also check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. Shrimp are cooked through at 145°F.
Shrimp continue to tighten when they stay in the hot basket, so transfer them to a plate as soon as they are done.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp before making this recipe.
For an easy overnight method, move the shrimp to the refrigerator and let them thaw there.
When you need them faster, keep the shrimp sealed and place them in cold water until thawed.
Drain and pat them dry before adding the olive oil, Old Bay, and lemon juice.
How to Keep Old Bay Shrimp From Turning Rubbery
Shrimp usually turns rubbery because it cooks too long.
Start checking near the end of the cook time and remove the shrimp when they are opaque and curled rather than waiting for them to become very firm.
When this keeps happening, the Why Is My Shrimp Rubbery? guide explains what causes it, and Stop Overcooking Shrimp walks through the cooking cues in more detail.
Helpful Tips
- Pat thawed shrimp dry before seasoning.
- Toss well so the Old Bay reaches every shrimp.
- Arrange the shrimp in one layer.
- Cook in batches when your air fryer basket is small.
- Toss or turn halfway through cooking.
- Check the thickest shrimp when testing for doneness.
- Pull the shrimp before they curl into very tight circles.
- Serve right away for the best texture.
What to Serve With Old Bay Shrimp
Old Bay shrimp works well as both an appetizer and an easy dinner protein.
Rice: Serve it over Instant Pot Brown Rice for a simple dinner.
Potatoes: Pair it with Air Fryer Baby Potatoes when you want something more filling.
Vegetables: Add Air Fryer Broccolini or Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans for an easy vegetable side.
Salad: Turn the shrimp into a complete meal with Old Bay Shrimp Salad. The salad uses warm Old Bay shrimp with greens, tomatoes, corn, cucumber, avocado, and honey lemon Dijon dressing.
Appetizer: Serve the shrimp warm with lemon wedges and toothpicks for a simple seafood appetizer.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Old Bay shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
You can also freeze cooked shrimp for up to 3 months, although the texture is best when the shrimp are fresh or refrigerated.
To reheat, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer and heat for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through.
Keep reheating short. Shrimp can become tough quickly when cooked a second time.
FAQs
Yes. Thaw the shrimp first and pat them dry so the olive oil and Old Bay seasoning coat them evenly.
This recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning for 2 pounds of shrimp. Use a little less when you prefer a milder or less salty batch, then add more after cooking if needed.
The shrimp are done when they turn opaque, curl, and reach 145°F in the thickest part. Remove them from the air fryer as soon as they are cooked through.
Start checking near the end of the cook time and remove the shrimp as soon as they are opaque and curled. Cooking them longer than necessary can make them tough.
Yes. This recipe does not use breading. The shrimp are coated with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice before air frying.
Serve Old Bay shrimp with rice, potatoes, vegetables, salad, or lemon wedges. You can also use them in Old Bay Shrimp Salad when you want a complete meal.
More Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes You'll Love
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp
- Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Air Fryer Shrimp With Shells
- Jumbo Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
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These shrimp cook up fast and pair beautifully with rice, salads, or veggies for a complete meal without the fuss.
Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe
These air fryer Old Bay shrimp are juicy, boldly seasoned, and easy to make with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Serve them as an appetizer or pair them with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or salad for an easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon old bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 360°F for 8–10 minutes, tossing or turning halfway through, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer immediately. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning.
- Thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
- Keep the shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- Cook in batches when needed.
- Old Bay seasoning can be salty, so use a little less when you prefer a milder batch.
- Shrimp are done when they are opaque, curled, and reach 145°F in the thickest part.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes, just until warmed through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 8 oz.Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 479mgSodium: 940mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 52g
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used. When the recipe list salt to taste the amount of salt is not calculated, only the sodium in the other ingredients is calculated.
"Post Updated September 2026"
