There’s something about a shrimp boil that feels like a celebration—whether it’s a backyard summer party or a cozy weeknight dinner.
This air fryer shrimp boil brings that classic Southern flavor with the ease of an air fryer.
No giant pot of boiling water needed, no mess—just bold spices, buttery garlic, juicy shrimp, and veggies roasted to perfection.
Why I Love This Recipe
Ready in under 20 minutes
Full of smoky, buttery, garlicky flavor
Air fryer keeps everything crisp, not soggy
Shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes—all in one basket
Feels like a summer feast without the cleanup
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Jumbo shrimp – Tender, juicy, and quick-cooking
Andouille sausage – Smoky and spicy for bold flavor
Corn on the cob – Sweet and roasts beautifully
New potatoes – Creamy and hold their shape
Garlic butter sauce – Infused with Old Bay and cayenne for kick
Old Bay seasoning – Essential for that coastal boil vibe
Lemon wedges – A bright finish to balance all the richness
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat shrimp dry before seasoning so they crisp up well
Preheat the air fryer for best results
Shake the basket midway to ensure even cooking
Don’t overcrowd—keep ingredients in a single layer
Add more cayenne if you like it spicy—or skip for a milder version
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Boil
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer
Lightly grease the air fryer basket and preheat it to 370°F.
Step 2: Season the Ingredients
Pat dry the shrimp and place them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine corn rounds, quartered potatoes, and sausage slices.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt the butter, then stir in minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Toss and Coat
Drizzle about a quarter of the butter mixture over the shrimp and toss.
Pour the remaining butter mixture over the corn-potato-sausage mix and toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Cook the Veggies First
Place the potato mixture into the air fryer basket in an even layer.
Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp on top of the partially cooked veggies and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque and slightly crisp.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer everything to a serving plate and squeeze lemon wedges on top for extra zing.
What to Serve It With
Crusty garlic bread or cornbread
A fresh green salad
Coleslaw or creamy cucumber salad
A cold beer or iced tea to complete the summer vibe
Variations / Substitutions
Use kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage instead of andouille
Add bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies
Swap in sweet potatoes for a twist
Try cajun seasoning in place of Old Bay
Add a dash of hot sauce for more heat
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for best texture
Avoid microwaving shrimp too long—they can get rubbery
Not recommended for freezing, as textures can change
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning.
Do I need to peel the shrimp before cooking?
It’s optional—tails on or off works fine, based on your preference.
Can I cook everything at once?
It’s better to cook the veggies first since they take longer than shrimp.
What’s a good substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
Try a mix of paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Can I make this without potatoes?
Yes! Just add more corn or another quick-cooking veggie like bell peppers.
How spicy is this?
Mild to medium heat—you can reduce or skip the cayenne for a kid-friendly version.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
This air fryer shrimp boil is one of those meals that feels like a treat but comes together in a flash.
With garlicky butter, crispy potatoes, juicy shrimp, and zesty lemon, it’s a full meal in every bite—perfect for weeknights or your next gathering.
Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a repeat favorite in my kitchen!
