Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer shrimp foil packets are an amazing combination of convenience and flavor. The air fryer cooks the shrimp perfectly, ensuring they stay tender and juicy while also infusing them with the seasoning and vegetables. The best part is the foil packets—these create a “steaming” effect, keeping the shrimp moist and flavorful while making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the customizable ingredients allow you to adjust this recipe to your tastes, whether you prefer more heat, extra garlic, or even a burst of citrus.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp until well-coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare four square sheets of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap around the shrimp and vegetables.
- Divide the seasoned shrimp evenly between the four foil sheets. Place the shrimp in the center of each foil.
- Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes to each foil packet, arranging the vegetables around the shrimp.
- Fold the foil over the shrimp and vegetables, creating a sealed packet. Make sure the edges are tightly closed to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the foil packets in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the vegetables are tender.
- Carefully remove the packets from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before opening.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Foil Packets: Add red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli.
- Butter Option: Instead of olive oil, you can use melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Citrus Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the shrimp before sealing the foil packets for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of minced garlic and a pat of butter to each packet for a garlic butter shrimp variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover shrimp foil packets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them first. If you’re in a hurry, you can run the shrimp under cold water to defrost them quickly.
Can I cook the foil packets in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the foil packets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should be firm but tender. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough, so keep an eye on them.
Can I use other vegetables in the foil packets?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or even corn on the cob. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for any veggies that may need a little longer to cook.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
To prevent overcooking, make sure not to exceed the recommended cooking time, and check the shrimp around the 8-minute mark. Air fryers cook quickly, so keeping an eye on the shrimp is key.
Can I prepare these foil packets in advance?
Yes, you can prep the foil packets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking them. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before air frying.
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other proteins like chicken breast, fish fillets, or even scallops. Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
How do I make the foil packets easier to open?
Let the foil packets cool slightly after removing them from the air fryer. Use tongs or an oven mitt to handle the hot packets, and open them carefully to avoid steam burns.
Can I make these foil packets without foil?
You can use parchment paper as a substitute for foil, but be sure to fold it tightly so no steam escapes.
How many foil packets should I make per person?
Typically, one foil packet is enough for one person, especially if you’re serving it with a side dish. You can always adjust the number of packets based on the number of people you’re serving.
Conclusion
Air fryer shrimp foil packets are a fast, convenient, and delicious meal option that’s full of flavor with minimal cleanup. The shrimp stay juicy and tender, while the vegetables are cooked to perfection. Whether you’re craving a light dinner or a flavorful meal to share, these foil packets are a surefire way to impress. Easy to customize, quick to make, and full of flavor, this dish will become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp Foil Packets
Air fryer shrimp foil packets are a quick, flavorful, and easy way to prepare shrimp with minimal effort and cleanup. These packets are packed with succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a juicy, tender dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp until well-coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare four square sheets of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap around the shrimp and vegetables.
- Divide the seasoned shrimp evenly between the four foil sheets. Place the shrimp in the center of each foil.
- Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes to each foil packet, arranging the vegetables around the shrimp.
- Fold the foil over the shrimp and vegetables, creating a sealed packet. Make sure the edges are tightly closed to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the foil packets in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the vegetables are tender.
- Carefully remove the packets from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before opening.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli.
- For a richer flavor, you can use melted butter instead of olive oil.
- Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the shrimp before sealing the foil packets for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- For garlic butter shrimp, add a tablespoon of minced garlic and a pat of butter to each packet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
