Cajun Shrimp Boil

shrimp boil with andouille sausage, red potatoes, and corn on the cob on a flat surface with newspaper

This Cajun Shrimp Boil recipe is packed with fresh seafood, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices like Old Bay and smoked paprika. This classic Southern Louisiana dish is sure to be a hit with everyone and is perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and family dinners.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine Louisiana, Southern

Servings servings

Calories 379 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

2 pounds raw shrimp Shells on or off, your preference.
1 pound red potatoes Sliced in half.
6 oz smoked sausage Sliced into 1 inch rounds. I use andouille sausage.
6 ears mini corn on the cob
1 lemon Sliced in half

Cajun Seafood Spices (You can also use a store-bought Cajun seasoning if you wish).

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to suit your taste and how spicy you want the boil.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot to boil with water. Add enough water to cover the shrimp and vegetables.
Add the spices, halved lemons, and bay leaves, to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Add the halved corn on the cob, halved red potatoes, and andouille sausage to the pot. Stir well to ensure that everything is submerged in the water. Taste the water repeatedly and add additional spices to suit your taste.
Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the shrimp to the pot and stir well to ensure that they are evenly distributed.
Cook for 2-4 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
Use a strainer to remove the shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage from the pot and drain the excess water.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Air Fryer Instructions

The potatoes and shrimp have separate cooking times. So you will need to prepare the dish in stages. You should also cook it in batches based on what will fit in your air fryer.
Sprinkle all of the ingredients with the spices. Omit the bay leaves if air frying. Drizzle the lemon juice throughout.
Air fry the potatoes for 7-8 minutes at 400 degrees.
Open the air fryer and add in the corn on the cob, sausage, and shrimp (keep the potatoes in the air fryer). Air fry for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender and the shrimp pink is opaque.
Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. Your timing may differ. Keep a close eye and monitor progress.

Notes

Omit the cayenne pepper if you don’t want a spicy flavor.

Tasting the water is important. This is what will season the vegetables and shrimp. Ensure it meets your liking.

Some people prefer to use shell-on shrimp for a shrimp boil, as the shells can add flavor to the dish. However, others prefer to use peeled shrimp for convenience. Both options are fine, it just comes down to personal preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 6oz shrimp with vegetablesCalories: 379kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 33gFat: 11g

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