3 Easy Shrimp Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
Shrimp is one of the quickest and most versatile seafood ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. It cooks in just a few minutes, absorbs seasonings beautifully, and works well in everything from comforting pasta dishes to fresh salads, rice bowls, tacos, and appetizers. Whether you’re preparing a fast weeknight dinner or planning a special meal for family and friends, shrimp is always a delicious choice.
Jump to RecipeIn this recipe collection, you’ll discover three completely different ways to enjoy shrimp, each offering its own unique flavor and cooking style. From a healthier air fryer recipe loaded with garlic and Parmesan to crispy Bang Bang Shrimp coated in a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce, and finally a rich Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp bursting with bold Southern flavors, there’s something here for every seafood lover.
The best part? Every recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes using simple ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
If you want a healthier alternative to deep-fried seafood without sacrificing flavor, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is the perfect recipe. The shrimp cook until tender and juicy while the Parmesan cheese creates a lightly crispy coating infused with garlic, lemon pepper, and savory goodness.
This recipe is ideal for busy evenings because it requires very little preparation and cleanup. Serve it over pasta, with roasted vegetables, inside tacos, on top of salads, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 15 minutes.
- Uses minimal oil.
- Crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick.
Transfer the shrimp to a medium bowl and add the olive oil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until every shrimp is evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
Cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
Serve immediately with cocktail sauce, garlic butter pasta, fresh salad, or warm rice.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp has become a restaurant favorite thanks to its irresistible combination of crispy fried shrimp and creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich, slightly spicy finish that keeps everyone coming back for more.
It’s an excellent appetizer for parties, game days, family dinners, or even served over rice as a complete meal. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy golden coating.
- Creamy homemade Bang Bang sauce.
- Better than takeout.
- Easy to adjust the spice level.
- Great as an appetizer or main course.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce, to taste
Shrimp Ingredients
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- Canola oil or peanut oil for frying
Instructions
Whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth.
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt before adding the shrimp.
Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C).
Remove each shrimp from the marinade, lightly coat it with cornstarch, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
Fry the shrimp in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden and fully cooked.
Transfer the shrimp to paper towels, then toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
For anyone who enjoys bold, buttery flavors with a little heat, Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp is guaranteed to impress. Rich butter, fresh garlic, Cajun seasoning, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice combine to create an incredibly flavorful sauce that perfectly coats every shrimp.
This one-pan recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of garlic butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich garlic butter sauce.
- Bold Cajun seasoning.
- Ready in under 20 minutes.
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup.
- Perfect with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Heat a light-colored skillet over medium heat.
Add the butter and garlic and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes lightly golden.
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes and cook for another 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
Mix in the oyster sauce and lemon juice before adding the shrimp.
Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they become pink, opaque, and fully cooked.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes while the garlic butter sauce is still warm.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Every Time
Shrimp cook extremely quickly, so keep a close eye on them. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Cooking them longer can result in a rubbery texture.
Always pat shrimp dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps spices adhere better and encourages better browning.
Fresh garlic delivers much richer flavor than pre-minced garlic or garlic powder, especially in butter-based recipes.
Large or jumbo shrimp are usually the best choice because they stay juicy and are less likely to overcook.
Don’t be afraid to season generously. Shrimp have a naturally mild flavor that pairs well with bold spices like Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic, lemon pepper, and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp recipes are delicious served with:
- Garlic butter pasta
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- French fries
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
They’re also excellent inside tacos, sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or grain bowls for easy lunches and dinners.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough.
Cooked shrimp can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Three different ways to cook shrimp that are amazingly good.
Ingredients
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
1 bag frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled and deveined 12 oz.
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmigiana Parmesan cheese
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Bang Bang Sauce
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
Sriracha sauce , to taste
- Fried Shrimp
½ cup buttermilk
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 pound large shrimp , peeled and deveined, tails removed
Canola oil , or peanut oil, for frying
¾ cup cornstarch
- Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp
4 tbsp salted butter
6 cloves of garlic finely chopped
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp oyster sauce
2 tsp lemon juice
Directions
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Pat dry your shrimp with a paper towel and place them in a medium bowl.
- Add the olive oil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, minced garlic, and cheese to the bowl and mix to coat all the shrimp.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook on manual setting, at 360°F for 10 minutes, turning the shrimp over after 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy with a cocktail sauce, over pasta, or in a salad!
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth.
- Fried Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat over medium heat until temperature reaches 375°F on a digital thermometer.
- In a shallow bowl, add the cornstarch. Using tongs, remove 1 shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off, and coat each side in cornstarch.
- Add the shrimp in batches to the oil and fry 1 to 2 minutes per side, until cooked through and light brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Return oil temperature to 375°F and repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Place in a serving bowl and add sauce. Toss to coat. Serve warm. Enjoy!
- Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Place a light colored pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the butter and garlic, cook for 5-8 minutes until is it golden brown. Next, add the Cajun seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the oyster sauce and lemon juice to the pan, then add the shrimp. Sear the shrimp on each side for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp is pink. Flip the shrimp and sear on the other side. Remove the pan from the stove and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Simply thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp provide the best texture because they remain juicy while cooking.
Can Bang Bang Shrimp be made in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Lightly spray the coated shrimp with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
What side dishes pair well with Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Rice, creamy pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and fresh salads are all excellent choices.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–20 minutes (depending on the recipe)
Total Time: 25–35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 servings per recipe
Whether you’re in the mood for a healthier air fryer meal, crispy restaurant-style Bang Bang Shrimp, or bold Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp, these three easy recipes prove just how versatile shrimp can be. Each one delivers incredible flavor with simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, making them perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a delicious homemade seafood meal.
