Air Fryer Shrimp Salad: Quick & Easy in 20 Minutes!

January 1, 2026

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Air fryer shrimp salad. That’s right, we’re taking the classic comfort of shrimp salad and giving it a crispy, flavourful upgrade with the magic of the air fryer. This air fryer shrimp salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s a reminder of those summer days spent with my grandmother, shucking shrimp on the back porch. While she always boiled hers, I think she’d be amazed by the texture and taste the air fryer brings to this old favorite.

It all started when I was craving a lighter lunch option but wanted something packed with protein. I experimented with air frying the shrimp, and the result was unbelievably good—tender on the inside, perfectly crisp on the outside. Now, this recipe is on constant rotation! Welcome back to gotastyrecipes.com.

Why You Will Love This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

This air fryer shrimp salad recipe is a game changer for several reasons. It’s quick, easy, and brings a delightful crunch to the classic creamy salad we all adore. The air fryer cooks the shrimp perfectly in minutes, leaving them juicy and tender, but with a slightly crispy exterior that elevates the whole dish.

No more standing over a hot stove or worrying about overcooked, rubbery shrimp. Plus, it's a much healthier option than frying! The added bonus? My kids, who are normally hesitant about seafood, can’t get enough of it. I love the simplicity of recipes like this, and that’s why I share them so freely on gotastyrecipes.com.

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

For the Air Fried Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Shrimp Salad:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves or croissants for serving

How to Make This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
Air Fry the Shrimp: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cool the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool completely. Once cooled, roughly chop the shrimp into bite sized pieces.
Make the Salad: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add the chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste your salad and adjust any seasonings to your liking.
Combine: Add the chopped air fried shrimp to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Gently fold until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important, don't skip it!
Serve: Serve the air fryer shrimp salad on lettuce leaves, in croissants, or with crackers. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

This versatile air fryer shrimp salad can be served in many ways. For a light lunch, serve it on crisp lettuce leaves or scooped into avocado halves. You can also fill croissants or slider buns for a more substantial meal. Try it with crackers or toasted baguette slices as an appetizer. Another great option is to serve it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers. A sprinkle of fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon adds a final touch of brightness. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete and satisfying meal. For another easy salad, try our Air Fryer Cod Salad!

How to Store This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Proper storage will ensure your air fryer shrimp salad stays fresh and delicious. Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2-3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and become watery upon thawing. If you need to make it ahead, prepare the shrimp and the dressing separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Tips to Make This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out celery and red onion for other crunchy vegetables like bell pepper or cucumber. If you're not a fan of Dijon mustard, try a milder yellow mustard.
Success Tips: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the shrimp. Cook them in batches if necessary. This will ensure they get nice and crispy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the shrimp is a common mistake. Keep a close eye on them in the air fryer and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Pro Tips for Best Results: For the best flavor, use high-quality mayonnaise. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together. Speaking of great taste, have you seen my recipe for Air Fryer Shrimp Salad?

Helpful Notes for This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

For the shrimp, I prefer using large or jumbo shrimp, as they hold their shape well in the air fryer. Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before tossing them with the oil and spices to ensure they get crispy. The air fryer’s temperature may vary slightly depending on the model, so adjust the cooking time as needed. I use a standard 6 quart air fryer for this recipe. This Air Fryer Turkey Salad is another crowd pleaser.

Variation of This air fryer shrimp salad Recipe

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick.
Avocado Addition: Fold in diced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
Herbaceous Version: Mix in chopped fresh dill, tarragon, or chives for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook shrimp salad in an air fryer?

You don’t directly cook shrimp salad IN an air fryer, but you can air fry the shrimp to add a crispy texture before adding it to your salad ingredients. Air frying the shrimp provides a delightful alternative to boiling.

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

Air fryer shrimp salad, like any seafood salad, is best consumed within 1-2 days if properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage, ensuring optimal taste and safety.

What are some good variations for air fryer shrimp salad?

Consider adding ingredients like avocado for creaminess, crisp bacon bits for smoky flavor, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness to your air fryer shrimp salad. Experimenting with different herbs and spices offers further customization and flavor enhancement.

Conclusion

Ready to elevate your shrimp salad game? Give this air fryer shrimp salad recipe a try and experience the delicious crunch and convenience of air frying—we think you'll agree it's a winner! Your family and friends will love this fun twist on a classic recipe. Don't forget to share your creations with us, and let us know what you think! I always love seeing your takes on our air fryer shrimp salad.