Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Name: Blackened Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds shrimp (cleaned and deveined); 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter); 5 tablespoons blackened seasoning

Robyn Stone

Updated Jan 29, 2026

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This Blackened shrimp recipe is made of pan-seared shrimp with easy homemade blackened seasoning. Ready in 15 minutes.

Photo of blackened shrimp in a cast iron skillet.

I love quick and easy recipes like this easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe. From start to finish, it is ready and on the table in 15 minutes. I think we all can agree that life is just busy and some days seem even busier than others. Those are the days we all need recipes like this one in our back pocket to pull out for a simple yet scrumptious meal!

How to Make Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

This recipe has three simple ingredients: Shrimp, blackened seasoning, and olive oil. Let me give you a few tips on each.

Shrimp – I love to use wild-caught shrimp that has been cleaned and deveined. If you use frozen shrimp, make sure that it is thawed completely and well drained. Pat it dry with paper towels or allow it to drain in a colander if needed.

Blackened Seasoning – I use my homemade Blackened Seasoning. It is made of paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, cumin, thyme, oregano, garlic, and onion. While you can use store-bought, and I have from time to time, once you make your own, you can customize it to your preferences. It is a game-changer!

Olive oil – You only use a bit of olive oil in this recipe. A little to coat the shrimp with the seasoning and a little in the skillet for cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Photo of shrimp in a glass bowl with blackened seasoning sprinkled on top.

Season the shrimp. Place the shrimp in a large glass or metal bowl. Add the blackened seasoning to the shrimp.

Shrimp in glass bowl coated with blackening seasoning.

Toss to coat. Using a metal spoon, toss the shrimp in the seasoning to coat well.

Heat skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet over medium heat.

Add the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the skillet.

Cooked blackened shrimp in a cast iron skillet.

Cook the shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque throughout, about 2 minutes per side.

Photo of blackened shrimp in a skillet with cilantro.

Variations

Milder: reduce the amount of blackened seasoning you use.
Spicier Kick: increase the amount of black pepper and/or cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix to your preference.

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Air fry at 400°F for 4–6 minutes (shake halfway), or bake on a lined sheet at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once. While the skillet method gives the best crust, this air fryer option works well for hands-off cooking. Avoid overcrowding for even blackening.

What to Serve with Blackened Shrimp?

The possibilities for what to serve with Blackened Shrimp seem limitless. We love blackened shrimp in numerous ways. Here are a few favorites:

over grits
with fettuccine alfredo
in shrimp tacos
with white rice or brown rice
or on top of a salad

Storage Tips

To make ahead. You can easily prep this recipe ahead of time and then quickly cook it when ready to serve. Simply season the shrimp, toss to coat, and then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight or up to 12 hours.

To store leftovers. Blackened shrimp is best served when freshly cooked. However, you can store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve cold or gently reheat and serve.

To freeze. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is blackened shrimp?

Blackened shrimp is raw shrimp coated in a bold homemade blackened seasoning blend (like paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices), then seared in a hot skillet until the spices form a dark, flavorful crust. It’s a quick Cajun-inspired technique that adds smoky, spicy flavor without actual burning—the “blackened” refers to the dark color from high-heat searing.

Is blackened shrimp spicy?

Yes, it has a moderate kick from the cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning. Since I use a homemade blend, it’s easy to adjust—reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder flavor, or add extra for more heat. Customize it to make it to your preference.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp completely, drain any excess water, and pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning. This prevents steaming in the pan and helps achieve that perfect blackened crust. Fresh or thawed wild-caught shrimp work best.

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 or 21–25 count per pound) are ideal—they cook evenly in about 2 minutes per side and give nice, substantial bites. Smaller shrimp cook faster (1–1.5 minutes per side), so watch closely to avoid overcooking.

How do I adjust the spice level?

The homemade blackened seasoning is customizable! For less heat, cut back on or skip the cayenne. For more spice, increase cayenne or add chili powder. Taste the seasoning mix before coating the shrimp and tweak as needed—it’s one of the best parts of making it from scratch.

Can I cook blackened shrimp in the air fryer or oven instead of a skillet?

Yes, for alternatives: Air fry at 400°F for 4–6 minutes (shake halfway), or bake on a lined sheet at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once. While the skillet method gives the best crust, this air fryer option works well for hands-off cooking. Avoid overcrowding for even blackening. Avoid overcrowding for even blackening.

How long can I store leftover blackened shrimp?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but reheat gently (e.g., quick skillet warm-up or microwave in short bursts) to avoid tough texture. Do not freeze, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Here’s my easy Blackened Shrimp Recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do!

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