010: AIR FRYER: SHRIMP

🍤 Air Fryer Shrimp — Citrus Fire

Archetype: The Coastal Spark — quick heat, citrus glow, and ocean sweetness; bright flavor with weekday speed.

💡 Why This Works

Air frying shrimp creates the perfect trifecta: juicy centers, crisp edges, and fast flavor. The citrus–chili marinade gives it brightness and bite without heavy breading or oil. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Active: 10 min • Total: 15 min
• Effort: Very low (RPE 3/10): marinate, air-fry, done.
• Gear: Air fryer, mixing bowl, tongs

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Zesty, garlicky, smoky — a “beach grill” energy without a grill. Serve as shrimp tacos, on rice, or tossed in a citrus herb salad.

🥣 What It Is

Jumbo shrimp marinated in chili, garlic, and lime, air-fried to golden perfection in minutes, then brushed with honey–lime glaze for a glowing finish.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined, tails on or off
• Marinade: 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 garlic clove, grated • zest & juice of 1 lime • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • 1/4 tsp chili flakes or cayenne • 1/4 tsp sea salt • black pepper
• Glaze (optional): 1 tsp honey • 1 tsp lime juice • pinch chili flakes
• Finish: chopped cilantro or parsley, extra lime wedges

✍️ Method (15 min total)

1. Marinate: Toss shrimp in marinade. Let rest 5–10 min while the fryer preheats.
2. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 min.
3. Air-fry: Arrange shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 5–7 min, shaking halfway, until pink, opaque, and lightly crisp at edges.
4. Glaze (optional): Brush hot shrimp with honey–lime mixture immediately after cooking.
5. Serve: Garnish with herbs and lime. Serve with rice, avocado, or in tacos.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Do not overcook: Shrimp turn rubbery fast — pull when opaque and curled into a “C,” not a tight “O.”
• Flavor switch: Swap lime for orange and add a sprinkle of chili powder for a “Mayan beach” vibe.
• Meal prep: Marinate shrimp in fridge up to 12 hr or freeze raw-marinated; air-fry straight from thaw.

📜 Lore / Origin

Coastal cooks have always balanced ocean sweetness with spice and acid — this version does it in 10 minutes flat, trading coals for circulating heat and precision.

🌺 Benefits

• Lean protein: quick-digesting, high satiety
• Air-fry efficiency: no pan, no splatter
• Citrus + chili: bright metabolism boost and natural flavor enhancer

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Health & Lightness: 20/20
• Speed: 20/20
• Versatility: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Citrus fire, air-fried perfection.