Air Fryer Shrimp Salad: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

December 22, 2025

By:

Air fryer shrimp salad? Yes, you read that right! This isn’t your grandma’s shrimp salad. This is a light, flavorful, and surprisingly easy take on a classic, made even better with the magic of the air fryer. It's a culinary adventure that will change your opinion of this comfort food. And who doesn't like a tasty and quick alternative? The concept of air fryer shrimp salad may seem unconventional, but trust me, it delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.

Why You Will Love This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

This air fryer shrimp salad recipe is a total game changer! First, the air fryer gives the shrimp a perfectly crisp, slightly smoky flavor that elevates it far beyond simply boiling. It’s unbelievably quick, ready in minutes, making hectic weeknight dinners a breeze. Plus, the flavors are bright and fresh, thanks to a creamy lemon dill dressing. It's comforting, yet not heavy, making it the ideal lunch or light dinner. I remember experimenting with different cooking methods, trying to get that perfect texture and taste for the shrimp. The air fryer hit the sweet spot. This recipe is special because it’s a modern twist on a classic, perfect for those craving comfort food without the extra calories or fuss.

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Here’s what you'll need to create this amazing air fryer shrimp salad, broken down for easy prepping:

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Let’s get cooking. Here’s how to create this delectable air fryer shrimp salad:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, or they'll become rubbery!

While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Once the shrimp is cooked, let it cool slightly. Then, chop it into bite sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, celery, red onion, and parsley.
Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and gently stir until everything is well combined.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. This enhances the deliciousness!

How to Serve This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this air fryer shrimp salad.

Serve it on croissants or Hawaiian rolls for satisfying sandwiches. Pile it high on a bed of crisp lettuce for a light and refreshing salad. Try stuffing it into a ripe avocado half for an elegant appetizer. Garnish with extra fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. It also pairs perfectly with crackers or cucumber slices for a quick and easy snack. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh Lemon Salad. The vibrant acidity of the lemon salad perfectly complements the richness of the shrimp salad.

How to Store This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture of your air fryer shrimp salad.

Refrigerate the shrimp salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing. When reheating, it's best to enjoy it cold straight from the refrigerator to preserve the creamy texture. Ensure your container is airtight to prevent any off flavors from other foods in your fridge. Keeping the salad properly chilled also prevents bacterial growth, keeping it safe to eat.

Tips to Make This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Here are a few tricks to elevate your air fryer shrimp salad game.

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the olive oil and seasonings for 30 minutes before air frying. If you don't have fresh dill, dried dill can be used (use about 1 teaspoon). Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent a rubbery texture. If you want to add a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing will do the trick. You can also mix in some chopped hard boiled eggs for added protein and richness. Remember to pat the shrimp dry before air frying to achieve optimal crispness.

Helpful Notes for This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

A few extra notes can help you personalize this dish.

Shrimp size matters – large or jumbo shrimp work best as they hold up well in the air fryer, but smaller shrimp can work too, just reduce the cooking time. Mayonnaise substitutions such as Greek yogurt are an option for a lighter version, though this will alter the flavor profile. Be sure to use fresh, high quality shrimp for the best taste. If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. Air fryers can vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed based on your specific model.

Variation of This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Time to get creative with your air fryer shrimp salad!

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. In the summer, grill the shrimp on skewers and then chop and toss in the dressing. To make it a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and load up on extra veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers. For a more substantial salad, add cooked quinoa or farro. Consider swapping out the red onion for scallions or chives for a milder flavor. Craving a little kick? Some horseradish would be lovely. For a heartier meal, consider adding this delicious topping to a Skillet Tuna Salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook shrimp salad in an air fryer?

While you don’t directly cook the salad in the air fryer, you use the air fryer to perfectly cook the shrimp, which creates deliciousness in the salad. Air frying shrimp gives it a crispy texture and deepens the flavor.

What is the best way to cook shrimp in an air fryer?

The best way to cook shrimp in an air fryer is to ensure that it is dry, lightly oiled, and seasoned well before placing it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through, until pink and cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 120°F.

What ingredients are typically in an air fryer shrimp salad?

An air fryer shrimp salad usually includes air-fried shrimp, mayonnaise, celery, onion, lemon juice, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and dill. Some variations might include avocado, tomatoes, or a touch of hot sauce for added flavor.

How long does air fryer shrimp salad last in the refrigerator?

Air fryer shrimp salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure the shrimp is properly cooled before refrigeration to maximize shelf life.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a fresh, flavorful, and easy air fryer shrimp salad that's perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. It’s a modern twist on a classic that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make it your own. I hope you love it as much as I do! Please give this air fryer shrimp salad recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below.