First Step: PREPARE THE SHRIMP

1. Peel and Devein the Shrimp: Start by peeling the shrimp, leaving the tails on for a more elegant presentation (optional). Use a sharp knife to devein the shrimp, removing the dark vein along the back. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. The drier the shrimp, the crispier they’ll get in the air fryer.
2. Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This will help the Cajun seasoning adhere better while also giving the shrimp a base of flavor.

Second Step: MAKE THE CAJUN SEASONING

1. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Coat the Shrimp: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mixture over the seasoned shrimp. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the seasoning, ensuring each shrimp is well covered with the flavorful spice blend.

Third Step: AIR FRY THE SHRIMP

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
2. Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or brush it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. The shrimp should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
4. Check for Crispiness: If you like your shrimp extra crispy, you can add an additional 1-2 minutes to the cooking time, but keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Fourth Step: SERVE AND GARNISH

1. Garnish the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Serve with Lemon: Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for added acidity and brightness. Lemon wedges on the side also make for a lovely presentation.
3. Optional Hot Sauce: For those who like extra heat, serve the shrimp with a side of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.