Air Fryer Shrimp Caesar Salad

Make a quick and easy main course or light meal with this Air Fryer Shrimp Caesar Salad. Toss crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, add golden croutons, and top with juicy shrimp cooked in the air fryer.

Finish with plenty of shaved parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This salad brings crunch, fresh greens, and a tasty mix that’s perfect for any lunch or dinner. You’ll want to make this again and again.

If you want a meal that leaves you satisfied but not stuffed, or you’re searching for a nutritious salad that can double as a main, this dish is your new go-to. With a little prep, it’s easy to serve fresh – lunch or dinner, solo or for a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for anyone who wants a meal that keeps things light but filling.
• The bold, classic flavors win over picky eaters.
• Each part holds up for easy assembly so it’s perfect for meal prep.

You’ll Also Love: Air Fryer Salmon

Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce: Its sturdy leaves stay crunchy under creamy dressing and juicy shrimp. For the brightest colors and most satisfying crunch, choose whole heads of romaine, wash, and slice to size. If you’re pressed for time, pre-washed bags work too, but always opt for those with full, unwilted leaves.
• Shrimp: Use jumbo or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite spice blend (think Old Bay, paprika, black pepper-garlic blend.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan delivers a salty, nutty taste that ties the whole dish together. For best flavor, buy a wedge and shave it yourself using a vegetable peeler to create broad, thin slices.
• Caesar dressing: The dressing is where everything comes together. Homemade Caesar dressing offers tang and depth you can’t get from a bottle. Pressed for time? Use a high-quality store-bought Caesar that list anchovy or Worcestershire sauce near the top of the ingredient list for real flavor.
• Croutons: A salad needs crunch, and croutons bring it. Homemade croutons are hard to beat for fresh flavor, but store-bought croutons work in a pinch. Check to make sure they’re fresh and avoid those with long ingredient lists or artificial flavors – like New York Bakery Texas Toast Croutons: thick, crunchy with buttery garlic flavor.

Check out the printable recipe card below for the complete recipe and detailed instructions.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Caesar Salad

Prepare the shrimp:

Toss shrimp with olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning in a mixing bowl.

Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lay the shrimp in a single layer, giving each piece space for even cooking – crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.

Cook shrimp for 3 to 5 minutes. Shrimp are done when they’ve turned pink, are opaque, and curl into a gentle ‘C’ shape. Mine were cooked in 3 minutes without flipping them over.

Check doneness by slicing into the thickest shrimp. It should look juicy, not translucent or rubbery. Overcooked shrimp get tough fast, so be watchful during the last minute.

Prepare the salad:

Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Tear or slice into hearty chunks and place in a large bowl.

Toss greens with Caesar dressing until coated but not soggy. Start light, you can always add more.

Shave Parmesan cheese over the greens using a vegetable peeler or grate coarsely for bold, salty ribbons.

Top with warm air-fried shrimp and a generous handful of croutons.

Finish with extra Parmesan, fresh ground black pepper. A few lemon wedges for extra tang are a delicious option.

You’ll Also Love: Salmon Caesar Salad

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp Caesar Salad

• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to get the crispest finish from your air fryer. No one like mushy shrimp.
• Use fresh lettuce, and keep romaine crisp by spinning leaves dry and chilling until assembly. 
• If you’re saving some salad for later, toss just what you’ll serve. This keeps leftovers from going limp.
• Salad should have balance – not too salty, not too bland. Sample as you build for the right mix.

Salad Variations

• Swap out shrimp for air-fried chicken, salmon, or tofu. Grilled steak offers a hearty twist, while chickpeas are perfect for vegetarians.
• Add halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, roasted red peppers, or strips of bell pepper for color and extra nutrients.
• Use roasted chickpeas, gluten-free crackers, or a sprinkle of raw almonds instead of classic croutons.
• Toss in avocado slices or a Jammy egg for extra richness and staying power.
• No fresh shrimp? Use frozen – just thaw in cold water, dry well, and season as usual before air frying.

You’ll Also Love: Air Fryer Bruschetta Cod

To Make Ahead

• Prep Each Part Separately: Store washed, chopped lettuce wrapped in a paper towel in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep croutons at room temp in a zip-top bag. Stash dressing in a jar for quick pouring.
• Cook Shrimp Ahead: Air-fry shrimp and cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat gently in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes or serve chilled.
• Assemble When Ready: Toss greens with dressing and top with shrimp, Parmesan, and croutons right before serving. This keeps everything crisp.
• Leftover Storage: Keep all parts stored separately. Once dressed, salads wilt quickly. Unassembled, the ingredients stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• On-the-Go Lunches: Layer lettuce, toppings, and shrimp in a jar, with dressing at the bottom for a grab-and-go crunch. Tip upside down into a bowl when you’re ready to eat.

Delicious Drink Pairings

• Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Sparkling water with lemon works for non-alcoholic freshness
• Light iced tea – unsweetened, so the salad stands out

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it!
Tag @cookingwithcurls on Instagram & Facebook and leave a ⭐️⭐⭐⭐⭐ review below!

Enjoy!!