How to Cook Shrimp in the Air Fryer: Simple and Delicious
If you're a seafood lover looking for an easy way to cook delicious shrimp, this Trader Joe's Argentinian shrimp recipe has got you covered! This air-fried shrimp is so easy and versatile and only requires a few simple ingredients from your pantry. In just 20 minutes, you'll enjoy a plate of juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp served over your favorite Trader Joe's pasta, all dressed in a Green Goddess sauce.
Hungry for more seafood? Try my other air-fried recipes, like Pesto Crusted Salmon and Persian Salmon Sheet Pan Meal.
Why I Like This Recipe
The shrimp is easy to make and does not have any breading like panko or cornmeal.
The wild shrimp is versatile! You can serve it in tacos, on salads, on rice, or with pasta.
It is super quick to throw together. The whole thing is ready in 20 minutes, making this simple recipe a perfect dinner for busy weeknights.
It only requires a few ingredients.
It’s really healthy and light!
This easy air fryer dish is great for meal prep or to have leftovers the next day.
What is Argentinian Shrimp
Red Argentinian shrimp is a type of wild-caught shrimp that is known for its slightly sweet flavor and tender taste. It is typically larger than regular shrimp, making it a hearty and easy recipe for seafood lovers. Argentinian shrimp is also packed with flavor, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes.
One of the reasons why I love cooking with Argentinian shrimp is its versatility. You can serve it in tacos, on salads, over rice, or even with pasta like in this recipe. It adds a delicious and savory element to any meal.
Other Ways to Serve the Shrimp
Over rice. Try my Fluffy Rice recipe.
With quinoa. Try my Fluffy Quinoa side dish.
Over a salad. Check out my healthy Quick Trader Joe's Year-Round Salad recipe.
With my Pesto Cauliflower Gnocchi.
How to Tell if the Shrimp Are Cooked
First, look at the color of the shrimp. Raw shrimp are translucent or grayish, but they turn pink and opaque when properly cooked. This usually takes about 8 minutes at 400F in the air fryer.
You can also check the internal temperature of the shrimp using a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145F to ensure the shrimp are cooked and safe to eat.
It's important to note that cooking time may vary based on the size of the shrimp. Larger shrimp will take longer to cook, while smaller shrimp may cook in around 6 minutes. So, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the shrimp and adjust the cooking time if needed.
How to Cook the Argentinian Red Shrimp
Defrost Trader Joe’s Argentinian red shrimp and pat dry with a paper towel (I like to defrost the shrimp by pouring them into a colander and running some cold water over it. It seems to defrost the shrimp within 10 minutes).
Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika to a bowl. Mix well.
Toss dried shrimp into the bowl & mix to coat.
Place shrimp onto an air fryer basket or baking tray in an even layer.
Air fry at 400F for 8 minutes until the shrimp is pink. Internal temperature should reach 145F.
How to Prep the Trader Joe's Pasta
Bring a large pot to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt into the water for seasoning. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and stir to cook.
Cook it 1 minute shy of the package directions. Drain and add it back into the pot.
Pour the entire contents of the Green Goddess Dressing on the pasta. Mix well to coat.
How to Serve Air-Fried Argentinian Shrimp
Serve the pasta in a bowl. Finish with the air fryer shrimp. You can garnish with parsley or basil on top and finish with a sprinkle of flakey sea salt.
Tips
The best way to thaw your frozen shrimp is by submerging them in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes.
Make sure you pat your shrimp dry before tossing them in the marinade. This will allow them to cook evenly and allow the seasoning to stick to them.
You can marinate these for 24 hours before cooking. Although don't worry if you don’t have time to do that, it will still be perfectly delicious.
Cooking time may vary based on the size of the shrimp. For larger shrimp, it will take 8 minutes. For smaller shrimp, it may be around 6 minutes.
If you’re making this for kiddos, omit the red pepper flakes from the shrimp.
Storage
Place the shrimp in an airtight container to store leftovers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure that you completely cool them before storing them.
As for the Trader Joe's pasta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping it separate from the shrimp is best to maintain their individual flavors and textures.
Reheating
Reheat the air-fried Argentinian shrimp by popping them into the air fryer at 400°F for 1 minute. This will help them regain their crispy texture. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also pop them into the microwave for 60 seconds. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overheating and drying them out.
FAQ
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To cook shrimp in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400F. Cook the shrimp for about 8 minutes or until they turn pink and reach an internal temperature of 145F. This will ensure that the shrimp are fully cooked and deliciously tender.
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To cook shrimp in your air fryer, I recommend cooking them at 400F for 8 minutes. This cooking time is suitable for medium-sized shrimp. If you have larger shrimp, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the shrimp, which should reach 145F, to ensure they're fully cooked.
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You will need Argentinian red shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cooking Trader Joe's Argentinian shrimp in the air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this versatile seafood. With just a few ingredients and a quick cook time, you can have flavorful and succulent shrimp ready in no time. Whether you serve this TJ's recipe with pasta, rice, or in tacos, the possibilities are endless for a delicious, easy dinner.
Trader Joe’s Argentinian Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Argentinian red shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bag of your favorite Trader Joe’s pasta
- 1 Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dressing
Instructions
- Defrost shrimp and pat dry (I like to defrost the shrimp by pouring it into a colander and running some cold water over it. It seems to defrost the shrimp within 10 minutes).
- Into a bowl, add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and paprika. Mix well.
- Toss dried shrimp into the bowl & mix to coat.
- Place shrimp onto an air fryer baking tray in an even layer
- Air fry at 400F for 8 minutes until the shrimp is pink. Internal temperature should reach 145F.
- Bring a large pot to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt into the water for seasoning. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and stir to cook.
- Cook it 1 minute shy of the package directions. Drain and add it back into the pot.
- Pour the entire contents of the Green Goddess Dressing on the pasta. Mix well to coat.
When it comes to using an air fryer, one of the questions that pops up is what type of oil to use, and if cooking spray is a good option.