25-Minute Air Fryer Seafood Paella: Irresistible & Effortless

Oh my gosh, have you ever craved that rich, seafood-packed paella but didn’t want to spend hours stirring a giant pan? Me too! That’s why I fell in love with making Air Fryer Seafood Paella—it’s got all the bold flavors of traditional Spanish paella but comes together in minutes, not hours. No standing over a hot stove, no endless stirring, just crispy-edged rice, tender seafood, and that gorgeous saffron aroma filling your kitchen. I make this on busy weeknights when I want something impressive but effortless, and trust me, it never disappoints. The air fryer works its magic, giving you that perfect socarrat (you know, the crispy bottom layer) without any fuss. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Seafood Paella

Listen, I know what you’re thinking: “Paella in an air fryer? Really?” But trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Here’s why:

• Weeknight magic: Ready in 25 minutes flat – faster than waiting for takeout!
• Minimal cleanup: One pan means more time enjoying your meal, less time scrubbing dishes
• Restaurant-quality flavor: That smoky paprika and saffron combo? Absolute perfection
• Foolproof cooking: The air fryer gives you that crispy-bottomed rice without burning
• Customizable: Got extra shrimp or some chorizo? Throw it in!

Seriously, this recipe is my secret weapon for impressing guests without breaking a sweat. The first time I made it, my husband thought I’d been slaving away for hours – little did he know!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Seafood Paella

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I promise, nothing too fancy! Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavor bomb:

• The rice base: 1 cup short-grain rice (the starchier the better!), 1 1/2 cups seafood or chicken broth (hot!), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp saffron threads (yes, it’s worth it!), 1 tsp smoked paprika
• The seafood stars: 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on if you’re fancy), 1/2 lb mussels (scrubbed clean!), 1/2 lb squid (sliced into cute little rings)
• The flavor builders: 1/2 red bell pepper (diced small), 1/2 onion (chopped fine – no big chunks!), 2 garlic cloves (minced until it’s basically paste), salt and pepper (to taste, but be generous!)
• The finish: Fresh parsley (chopped, for that pop of color when serving)

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here’s my go-to swaps:

• No mussels? Use clams or extra shrimp. No squid? Scallops work beautifully.
• Chicken broth works fine if you don’t have seafood broth (I’ve used it many times!).
• Out of fresh bell pepper? A pinch of roasted red peppers from a jar adds great flavor.

The key is keeping that rice-to-liquid ratio right – everything else is flexible!

How to Make Air Fryer Seafood Paella

Alright, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast, you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go. Here’s how I do it:

1. Preheat that air fryer! Crank it to 375°F (190°C) – this gives you that perfect crispy start.
2. Mix your rice magic: In a bowl, combine rice, hot broth, smoked paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the rice starts absorbing flavors.
3. Sauté the good stuff: Heat olive oil in a pan (that fits your air fryer!), then cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant – about 3 minutes.
4. Bring it all together: Stir the rice mixture into the veggies, then transfer everything to your air fryer-safe pan.
5. Seafood party time: Arrange shrimp, mussels, and squid on top – press them gently into the rice so they cook evenly.
6. Air fry to perfection: Cook for 15 minutes, stirring halfway (yes, this prevents dry spots!). Check at 12 minutes – rice should be tender and seafood opaque.
7. Garnish and devour: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. That crispy bottom? Pure gold!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Seafood Paella

Here’s how I avoid common mishaps:

• Pan size matters: Use one that leaves 1-inch space around the edges for air circulation.
• Stir at halftime: This redistributes moisture so no dry, crunchy rice patches form.
• Broth backup: Keep extra warm broth nearby – if rice looks dry, add 1-2 tbsp and cook 2 more minutes.
• Seafood check: Shrimp should curl into a “C” shape when done – overcooked ones form “O’s” (and get rubbery!).

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Seafood Paella

Oh, presentation is half the fun with this dish! I love serving it right in the air fryer pan (so rustic!) with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top – that bright acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette makes the perfect fresh side. For heartier appetites, garlic bread is a must for soaking up every last saffron-infused bite. Pro tip: Scatter extra parsley and a few extra shrimp on top for that “I slaved over this” look (we’ll keep your air fryer secret!).

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Seafood Paella

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how I keep my paella tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate promptly: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days – seafood doesn’t like to wait!
• Reheat gently: In the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes (add a splash of broth first). Microwave works too – cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Seafood warning: Don’t overdo it! Reheating too long turns shrimp into rubber bullets.

Honestly though? This dish tastes best fresh – I usually just make extra and let everyone fight over the last bites!

Air Fryer Seafood Paella FAQs

I get asked these questions all the time – here are my tried-and-true answers:

• Can I use frozen seafood? Absolutely! Just thaw it first (overnight in the fridge works best) and pat dry – excess water makes rice soggy.
• How do I prevent dry rice? Two tricks: 1) Use hot broth when mixing, and 2) Keep extra warm broth nearby to splash in if needed.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Swap seafood for artichokes, peas, and mushrooms – just use veggie broth instead.
• Why stir halfway? It redistributes moisture so you get evenly cooked rice with that perfect crispy bottom.
• Can I double the recipe? Only if your air fryer basket is huge! Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.

Still have questions? Just ask – I’ve made this dozens of ways!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (about 1/4 of the recipe): roughly 350 calories, 25g protein, and 45g carbs. That saffron and olive oil? Packed with good-for-you antioxidants! But remember – nutrition varies by ingredients (like broth type or seafood size), so consider this your tasty guideline, not a lab test! For more information on the health benefits of saffron, check out this resource.

Final Thoughts

Give this air fryer paella a whirl and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear which seafood combos you try or any clever twists you add. Happy cooking! If you’re looking for another quick seafood option, check out this air fryer shrimp scampi pasta bake.

25-Minute Air Fryer Seafood Paella: Irresistible & Effortless

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• Author: flavorcheap_firstpin
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A quick and easy seafood paella made in the air fryer, packed with flavor and ready in minutes.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1 1/2 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb mussels, cleaned
• 1/2 lb squid, sliced into rings
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix rice, broth, smoked paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
4. Add the rice mixture to the sautéed vegetables and stir well.
5. Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe pan or dish.
6. Arrange shrimp, mussels, and squid on top of the rice.
7. Cook in the air fryer for 15 minutes, stirring halfway.
8. Check if the rice is tender and seafood is cooked through.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use a pan that fits inside your air fryer.
• Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
• Add more broth if the rice is too dry.
• Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Spanish