Shrimp cocktail is a classic party appetizer that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe uses air-fried shrimp for a crispy, flavorful twist on the traditional dish. The shrimp are tossed in a simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cooked in the air fryer until golden brown and cooked through. Once the shrimp are cooked, they are served in shot glasses filled with cocktail sauce and garnished with celery, onion, and parsley.
Shrimp cocktail has been a popular party appetizer since the early 1900s. It is believed to have originated in the United States, and it quickly became a favorite at cocktail parties and other social gatherings. The original recipe for shrimp cocktail was simple: cooked shrimp served with a dipping sauce made from ketchup, mayonnaise, and horseradish. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a wider variety of ingredients, including celery, onion, and parsley. Today, shrimp cocktail is still a popular party appetizer, and it can be found on menus at restaurants and bars all over the world.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 7 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cocktail sauce
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Toss the shrimp with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook the shrimp for 5-7 minutes, or until they're cooked through.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
Fill shot glasses with the cocktail sauce.
Top the cocktail sauce with the shrimp.
Garnish with the celery, onion, and parsley.
Why It Works
Air-frying the shrimp gives them a crispy, flavorful exterior without the need for deep-frying.
The simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper allows the natural flavor of the shrimp to shine through.
The cocktail sauce adds a tangy, flavorful dip to the shrimp.
The celery, onion, and parsley add a fresh, crunchy element to the dish.