If you’re craving a seafood treat that’s impossibly juicy, a little spicy, and ready in under 15 minutes, this Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp recipe is here to make your tastebuds dance! These vibrant coral beauties, dusted with chili lime seasoning, are a weeknight game changer—whether you want dinner on the table fast or you’re planning an appetizer that’ll wow your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: You’ll go from frozen shrimp to restaurant-worthy bites in less than 15 minutes—no need to heat up your kitchen!
- Big, Bold Flavor: Chili lime seasoning and a hint of garlic give these shrimp a zesty, crave-worthy punch in every mouthful.
- Juicy, Tender Texture: The air fryer locks in moisture, keeping Argentine Red Shrimp buttery and succulent, never dry.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Enjoy them hot as a main dish or chill them for a no-fuss seafood appetizer—totally crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp recipe keeps things beautifully simple—just a few ingredients, but each one is carefully chosen to let the shrimp’s natural sweetness shine. Here’s how each element adds a little magic to your plate:
- Argentine Red Shrimp (1 pound): These wild-caught shrimp have an incredible lobster-like sweetness and a gorgeous coral color when cooked. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easiest prep.
- Chili lime seasoning (Trader Joe’s or similar): This punchy blend gives a tangy, citrusy kick with just a touch of heat—perfect for complementing the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
- Garlic powder (optional): If you love a little extra savory depth, garlic powder is a quick way to round out the seasoning—totally customizable based on your taste.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp is how easy it is to switch up the flavors or accommodate dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the base method is endlessly flexible!
- Lemon Herb Shrimp: Swap the chili lime seasoning for a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley for a lighter, Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Cajun Style: Love it bold? Toss your shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of smoked paprika for irresistible smoky heat.
- Garlic Butter Finish: After air frying, quickly toss the cooked shrimp in a tablespoon of melted butter and fresh minced garlic. Heavenly!
- Low-Sodium: Use homemade spice blends and skip added salt to make this dish friendly for any dietary restriction without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by making sure your Argentine Red Shrimp are fully thawed (if they were frozen). Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels—this little step helps the seasoning stick and ensures they roast up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season Generously
Place the shrimp in a large bowl and sprinkle liberally with chili lime seasoning. If you’re in a garlicky mood, now’s the time to add that garlic powder. Toss everything gently so every single shrimp is coated with flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for just 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the shrimp halfway through. They’ll go from translucent to plump and pink in a flash—don’t overcook!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
As soon as your Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp are opaque and curling slightly, pull them out. Serve them piping hot or let them cool for the ultimate chilled shrimp cocktail—they’re sublime either way!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give the shrimp space in your air fryer—overlapping leads to uneven cooking and less of that signature roasted “snap.”
- Pat Dry for Best Texture: Extra moisture is the enemy of crispy, flavorful shrimp. Always blot with paper towels before seasoning!
- Check at 6 Minutes: Shrimp cook lightning fast; begin checking for doneness at the 6-minute mark so you don’t lose that sweet, tender bite.
- Use Jumbo Shrimp if Possible: Argentine Red Shrimp are largest and juiciest in their jumbo size—look for U/15 or 16/20 count for the ideal texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a finishing squeeze of fresh lime or lemon—the acid really makes the flavors pop. A scatter of chopped cilantro or parsley adds lively color. For extra flair, sprinkle just a tad more chili lime seasoning over the top before serving!
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp with summery corn salad, crisp green beans, or fluffy coconut rice for a laid-back dinner. If you’re going appetizer-style, set these out with a light dipping sauce—think avocado crema, citrus aioli, or a cool cucumber yogurt dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these shrimp over skewers as party-ready finger food, pile them high on a leafy green platter for a dramatic centerpiece, or tuck into tacos with slaw for a zippy weeknight feast. When chilled, they’re impossibly elegant atop salad greens for brunch or a light lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They’re surprisingly delicious cold, so you can toss them into salads or grain bowls for a super quick meal anytime.
Freezing
If you have more shrimp than you can eat, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months! Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To gently reheat, pop the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for just about a minute. They warm through quickly, so keep an eye on them—overheating can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Argentine Red Shrimp directly in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw the shrimp first so they season and cook evenly. If you’re short on time, rinse them under cold water to defrost quickly, then pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.
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What’s the difference between Argentine Red Shrimp and regular shrimp?
Argentine Red Shrimp are naturally reddish-pink even when raw and are prized for their sweet, buttery flavor and tender, lobster-like texture. They cook just as quickly as regular shrimp, but the taste and color are really something special!
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How do I know when the Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp are done?
Your shrimp are ready when they turn opaque, plump, and lightly curled—in just 6–8 minutes. Overcooking can make them tough, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and check early.
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Can I double the recipe in one batch?
For best results, keep the shrimp in a single layer—even if you need to air fry in batches. Overcrowding means uneven cooking and less flavor-packed sear on each piece.
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you taste how easy and flavorful this Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp is, you’ll want to keep a bag in the freezer at all times! I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, happy bellies, and repeat requests. Dive in, and let your next meal be a celebration of vibrant color and bold, juicy flavor.
Print
Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Argentine
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight your taste buds with these quick and easy Air Fryer Argentine Red Shrimp, seasoned to perfection with chili lime seasoning. A versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Argentine Red Shrimp
- chili lime seasoning (Trader Joe’s brand)
- garlic powder (optional)
Ingredients:
Instructions
- Defrost and Dry: Defrost shrimp and pat dry.
- Season: Sprinkle the shrimp with chili lime seasoning and garlic powder if desired.
- Air Fry: Air Fry at 400F for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve immediately for hot shrimp or chill for cold serving.
Notes
- Prepare ahead up to 1 day in advance.
- Store cooked shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For best results when serving cold, refrigerate before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, air fry for 1 minute at 350F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
