I’m going to be real. Just looking at this recipe makes me hungry. This deliciously seasoned shrimp is perfectly cooked in the air fryer and when paired with the creamy, spicy comeback sauce, it makes for the perfect easy lunch or dinner. It’s so simple to whip together, but it’s delicious enough to serve as an appetizer at a party.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
For the shrimp:
Garlic powder – Not as strong as fresh garlic, but sweeter, garlic powder adds a nice, garlicky flavor to the shrimp without being overpowering.Paprika – Made from ground peppers, paprika adds a dash of peppery flavor to the shrimp. Depending on what paprika you use, the flavor can be mildly sweet, smoky, or have a little heat.Olive oil – Olive oil helps keep the shrimp moist in the air fryer, and also adds a bit of peppery, olive flavor.
For the comeback sauce:
Mayo – Mayonnaise is a simple base for the sauce that makes it creamy without overpowering the other ingredients.Ketchup – Adds a little sweetness and also helps give the sauce its color.Hot sauce – Here comes the heat! We used Texas Pete in our comeback sauce, but you can use your favorite, depending on how spicy you like your hot sauce.Horseradish – Spicy and peppery, horseradish doesn’t burn your mouth but is a sensation that opens up the sinuses. Garlic powder & black pepper – Easy seasoning that adds just a little pop of flavor without taking away from the others.
How To Make It
Chef’s Tips
Your shrimp may cook differently based on your air fryer and the size of the shrimp. My shrimp were size 15-17 and took 7 minutes.I like to preheat the air fryer because the shrimp immediately start cooking at high heat when they hit the basket. If your air fryer heats up quickly, you may not need to preheat.If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook your shrimp on the stove in a skillet. Heat a little oil in a large skillet until it’s shimmering. Add the shrimp and cook it about 1-2 minutes on one side until it’s pink and no longer opaque. Flip with a pair of tongs and cook the other side.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
Creamy Shrimp SaladShrimp CevicheBacon Wrapped ShrimpGarlic Butter ShrimpTuscan Shrimp (Whole30, Paleo)Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp (Gluten Free)Cajun ShrimpBlackened Shrimp with Remoulade Sauce
