19 Seafood Recipes to Get Something Fresh on the Table in a Hectic October

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Hectic October evenings can make dinner feel rushed before cooking even starts. These 19 seafood recipes cover shrimp, salmon, tuna, lobster, crab, and conch in tacos, rice dishes, salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and air fryer dinners. Several are on the table in 15 to 35 minutes, while others keep the work simple with short ingredient lists or quick appliance cooking. The mix gives you lighter plates, crisp bites, and fuller dinners without repeating the same seafood routine all month.

Shrimp Tacos

Close-up of a shrimp taco with avocado, tomato, red onion, and a drizzle of sauce in a toasted tortilla.
Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spiced shrimp and cool toppings make Shrimp Tacos a fast dinner when October schedules leave little time to cook. The recipe takes 15 minutes and makes 4 servings with shrimp, cayenne, paprika, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, tortillas, avocado, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream. The shrimp cook in about 4 to 5 minutes before the tacos are assembled. Keep extra lime nearby and let everyone add toppings at the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Air Fryer Lobster Roll

A close-up of a lobster roll topped with chopped chives and black pepper, served in a toasted bun.
Air Fryer Lobster Roll. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Buttery lobster tucked into a toasted bun makes Air Fryer Lobster Roll feel a little special without turning dinner into a long project. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 2 servings with lobster meat, garlic, butter, olive oil, chives, dill, lemon, and hot dog buns. The lobster cooks in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, while the buns toast separately. Spoon the herb-butter lobster into the warm rolls and serve right away.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lobster Roll

Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura

Close-up of fried shrimp topped with sliced green onions.
Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A light, crisp coating gives Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura plenty of crunch without a pot of frying oil. The recipe takes 18 minutes and makes 4 servings with shrimp, flour, cornstarch, egg whites, iced water, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The shrimp cook in small air fryer batches for about 8 minutes each. Serve them hot with the simple soy-and-mirin dipping sauce while the coating is still airy and crisp.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm layers of rice and creamy seafood make Sushi Bake an easy way to bring sushi-style flavors to a casserole dish. The recipe takes 30 minutes and makes 8 servings with crab meat, shrimp, sushi rice, mayonnaise, cream cheese, soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha, cucumber, avocado, green onion, and nori. The assembled dish bakes for 15 minutes. Scoop portions onto nori sheets and add spicy mayo or hoisin sauce at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Fried Shrimp

Close-up of a plate with fried shrimp, lemon wedges, and a bowl of dipping sauce.
Fried Shrimp. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Golden coating around tender seafood makes Fried Shrimp a quick option when dinner needs something crisp. The recipe takes 20 minutes and makes 4 servings with raw shrimp, flour, milk, garlic seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and frying oil. The shrimp soak briefly in the seasoned milk before being dredged in flour and fried for 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with fries, slaw, or a dipping sauce while the crust stays crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Fried Shrimp

Lobster Roll

A close-up of a sandwich roll filled with chunks of seasoned lobster meat, garnished with chopped chives.
Lobster Roll. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm garlic butter and fresh herbs give Lobster Roll a coastal-style dinner that comes together in 30 minutes. The recipe makes 2 servings with lobster meat, garlic, butter, olive oil, chives, dill, lemon juice, and toasted hot dog buns. The lobster cooks until opaque before being chopped and tossed through the herb butter. Fill the toasted buns generously and add chips, slaw, or cucumber salad on the side for a simple supper.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Roll

Air Fryer Salmon Patties

A plate of salmon patties topped with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and sprinkled with herbs.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crisp edges and a tender center make Air Fryer Salmon Patties useful for a quick seafood dinner or lunch. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 2 servings with fresh salmon, breadcrumbs, green onion, garlic, basil, dill, egg, paprika, lemon, and cooking spray. Six patties cook for 6 minutes, then get flipped for another 4 minutes. Serve them with lemon wedges, sour cream, and a vegetable or salad alongside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Patties

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chilled shrimp, ripe mango, and avocado give Mango Shrimp Salad a bright change from heavier fall dinners. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 4 servings with shrimp, mango, red onion, red bell pepper, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. The shrimp cook briefly before going into an ice bath, then everything is tossed together once cool. Serve the salad soon after mixing so the avocado and produce keep their texture.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Thai Fried Rice

A plate of shrimp fried rice with pieces of scrambled egg, green onions, and leafy vegetables.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hot jasmine rice with shrimp, egg, and basil makes Thai Fried Rice a one-pan dinner that uses leftover rice well. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 3 servings with shrimp, eggs, jasmine rice, garlic, Thai chile, green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, basil, and cilantro. The shrimp and eggs cook before the rice is tossed through the hot pan. Keep everything moving so the grains stay separate rather than soft.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Crispy wontons garnished with green onions are served next to a small black bowl of red dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crisp wonton wrappers around creamy crab filling make Air Fryer Crab Rangoon an easy handheld seafood option for a busy evening. The recipe takes 42 minutes and makes 25 pieces with cream cheese, imitation crab, garlic powder, green onions, wonton wrappers, salt, and oil. The filled wrappers cook in the air fryer until browned and crisp. Serve them with sweet chile sauce or another dipping sauce and keep the rest for a snack plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Shrimp Scampi

Close-up of cooked shrimp seasoned with herbs and black pepper.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Garlic butter, lemon, and white wine give Shrimp Scampi a pan sauce that comes together almost as quickly as the shrimp cooks. The recipe takes 15 minutes and makes 3 servings with large shrimp, olive oil, garlic, butter, dry white wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and parsley. The shrimp cook first, then return after the sauce reduces. Spoon everything over pasta or rice, or add bread for the buttery sauce.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Spicy Blackened Salmon Tacos

Tacos with grilled salmon, purple cabbage, corn, jalapeno slices, cilantro, and drizzled with white sauce on tortillas.
Spicy Blackened Salmon Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Smoky spices and cool lime crema give Spicy Blackened Salmon Tacos plenty of contrast in a 35-minute dinner. The recipe makes 4 servings with salmon, street taco tortillas, corn, red cabbage, jalapeño, cotija, sour cream, lime, cilantro, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. The seasoned salmon cooks quickly before being broken into taco portions. Layer the tortillas with cabbage and corn, then finish with crema, cheese, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Blackened Salmon Tacos

Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice with peas, eggs, and diced vegetables being stirred with a wooden spatula.
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cauliflower rice keeps Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice light on the plate while shrimp and eggs make it substantial enough for dinner. The recipe takes 20 minutes and makes 4 servings with shrimp, cauliflower rice, sesame oil, eggs, peas and carrots, green onions, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. The shrimp and eggs cook separately before returning to the skillet. Toss everything together until hot and evenly seasoned.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Conch Fritters

A plate of golden-brown fritters garnished with chopped herbs, served with a dipping sauce and a wedge of lemon.
Conch Fritters. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Crisp little rounds packed with seafood make Conch Fritters a Bahamian and Caribbean-inspired choice for a shared plate. The recipe takes 35 minutes and makes 24 fritters with minced conch, bell peppers, garlic, flour, cornmeal, milk, egg, paprika, thyme, cayenne, and frying oil. Spoonfuls of batter fry until browned, then drain before serving. Pair them with the mayonnaise, lime, and paprika sauce while the outside is still crisp.
Get the Recipe: Conch Fritters

Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Tuna burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun, served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp tuna patties on soft buns turn Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich into a seafood dinner that still looks familiar on a hectic night. The recipe takes 37 minutes and makes 4 servings with water-packed tuna, eggs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, panko, hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and Dijon or mayonnaise. The tuna mixture is shaped into patties before air frying. Build the sandwiches just before serving so the vegetables stay crisp.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Shrimp Spring Rolls

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, purple cabbage, carrots, greens, and topped with chopped peanuts and peanut sauce, served on a plate.
Shrimp Spring Rolls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cool rice paper wrapped around shrimp and crisp vegetables gives Shrimp Spring Rolls a lighter dinner or lunch option. The recipe takes 35 minutes and makes 10 rolls with shrimp, rice noodles, rice paper, lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and peanuts. The shrimp and noodles cook first, then the rolls are assembled one at a time. Serve them fresh with the peanut dipping sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

A close-up of a baked dish topped with golden bread crumbs and chopped chives.
Air Fryer Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheesy noodles under a crisp breadcrumb top make Air Fryer Tuna Casserole a fast version of a familiar seafood bake. The recipe takes 20 minutes and makes 6 servings with egg noodles, canned tuna, vegetable soup, milk, peas, cheddar, panko, and chives. The noodles are slightly undercooked before being mixed with the filling, then the casserole air fries for about 10 minutes. Serve it hot once the top is golden and bubbly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Casserole

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Plump shrimp and cold cooked rice make Shrimp Fried Rice a quick skillet dinner that works especially well with leftovers. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 4 servings with shrimp, cooked rice, onion, mixed vegetables, egg, soy sauce, spring onions, vegetable oil, and a little water. The shrimp cook first, followed by the egg and vegetables, before the rice goes in. Stir over high heat until everything is hot and evenly coated.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Baked Salmon

Cooked salmon fillet garnished with lemon slices and herbs, with a fork flaking the fish on a plate with sauce.
Baked Salmon. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Honey, orange, and garlic give Baked Salmon a glossy finish with very little hands-on work. The recipe takes 25 minutes and makes 2 servings with salmon, olive oil, honey, fresh orange juice, garlic, thyme, orange slices, salt, and pepper. The salmon bakes with the citrus glaze until cooked through, making this one of the simpler main dishes in the set. Add roasted vegetables, rice, or a green salad to complete the plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Salmon

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