Air Fryer Argentinian Red Shrimp Recipe (2024)

Argentinian red shrimp have grown in popularity over the past few years. If you've ever wondered if they taste good, the answer is yes (especially when making air-fried recipes)!

Naturally sweet, tender, and full of flavor, these delicious shrimp are slightly sweeter than regular shrimp (some may even think they taste like lobster!) They are super versatile and work as a base protein in many recipes.

If you like this recipe be sure to try some of these other delicious air-fried seafood recipes like halibut, air fryer crab cakes, Ritz cracker crab cakes, mahi mahi, or salmon!

Or give these pan-seared garlic butter shrimp a try! They are so good!

Why You'll Love These Red Argentinian Shrimp

Here are the top 4 reasons you need to make this Argentine shrimp recipe:

1. The best recipe for dietary restrictions: This healthy recipe is naturally gluten-free, and dairy-free, and is the best shrimp recipe for seafood lovers and pescatarians.
2. Easy & quick. This Argentinian red shrimp recipe is the best easy recipe for how to cook shrimp in the air fryer.
3. Great in tacos! This type of shrimp holds up well in tacos. Serve with no mayo red cabbage coleslaw!
4. Simple! Made with just two simple ingredients and goes with rice or any side dish.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

Argentine red shrimp are generally found frozen, deveined, and without the shell or tails and in many stores including Trader Joe's, Aldi, Whole Foods, and Sam's Club.

They are not to be confused with Royal Reds shrimp or prawns which are different, larger shrimp.

Do Argentine Red Shrimp Taste Different?

Compared to other varieties of shrimp, they have a sweet flavor and a meaty texture. They are also known for their vibrant color.

What Spice Goes Well With Shrimp?

For seasoning, I recommend Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning (just like on our roasted corn.)

Chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, black pepper, and sea salt will also be tasty.

Old Bay seasoning is another delicious seasoning option.

How to Make This Argentine Red Shrimp Recipe

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

Step 1

Defrost shrimp and pat dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Start with 1 teaspoon of seasoning and add more if desired.

Step 2

Place shrimp in the basket and air fry at 400F. Let the shrimp cook for 6-8 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp.

How to Cook Shrimp on a Grill Pan or Grill

Follow the recipe card through step one for preparing the shrimp. Heat a grill pan or heat a grill to medium-high heat.

Cook grilled shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until no longer translucent.

Serving, Freezing, Make Ahead, Storage, & Reheating

How to Serve

Cooked shrimp are delicious to serve hot or allow them to cool to top a salad. They are a great source of protein for so many recipes!

Some of my favorite ways to eat red shrimp are in shrimp tacos, salads, bowls, or wraps.

Their meaty texture makes them a great addition to fettuccine alfredo or other pasta dishes.

Can You Cook Argentine Red Shrimp From Frozen?

Generally, these shrimp come frozen. You can cook them straight from frozen by adding in a few more minutes.

If cooking straight from frozen, reserve seasoning for after cooking and use a bit of olive oil to adhere to the seasoning.

Make Ahead

Shrimp may be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before use. Generally, they will taste better when served cold after cooking ahead.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat by air frying for 1 minute at 350F.

Expert Tips

• Keto and low-carb: Chili powder, lime juice, and salt are a perfect replacement for Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning if you are following keto or Whole30.
• Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to make the recipe spicy.
• Cooking time: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp. Smaller ones may cook in 6 minutes while larger, jumbo-sized shrimp may take 8 minutes.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for even more fresh flavor.
• For a decadent and savory finish, top with some melted butter, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.

Recipe FAQs

5 from 28 votes

• ▢ 1 pound Argentine Red Shrimp
• ▢ chili lime seasoning Trader Joe's brand
• ▢ garlic powder optional

• Defrost shrimp and pat dry.

  1 pound Argentine Red Shrimp

• Sprinkle with seasonings.

  chili lime seasoning, garlic powder

• Air Fry at 400F for 6-8 minutes. Serve immediately for hot shrimp or cool for cold shrimp.

Make this recipe ahead up through preparation for up to 1 day in advance. Shrimp may be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Generally, when cooking ahead, the best results are when they are served cold.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Reheat in the air fryer for 1 minute at 350F.