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!