Air Fryer Shrimp
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, this air fryer shrimp recipe delivers all the indulgence of fried shrimp without the extra calories. Perfectly seasoned and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb blend, it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick family meal, these shrimp are a versatile dish that pairs effortlessly with cocktail sauce or creamy remoulade. Serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of elegance.
Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. The air fryer ensures every shrimp is perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Your new favorite appetizer or main course awaits!
Air Fryer Shrimp Ingredients
- Jumbo Shrimp: The star of this dish, these succulent morsels deliver a tender, juicy bite wrapped in a crispy coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a light, airy crunch for a perfectly golden crust.
- All-Purpose Flour: Ensures the seasonings cling to every inch, creating a flavorful base.
- Eggs: The binding agent that locks in the breadcrumb coating.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Lemon Wedges: A zesty finishing touch that brightens the flavors.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect the Breading Process
To achieve a uniform, crispy coating, follow the breading steps meticulously. Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to avoid clumping. For extra crunch, gently press the breadcrumbs onto the shrimp before air frying. - Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer
Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding reduces airflow, which can result in uneven cooking and less crispy shrimp. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring adequate space for each shrimp to crisp up perfectly. - Keep the Shrimp Juicy
Choose jumbo shrimp for this recipe—they retain their juiciness during cooking. Also, don’t skip the cooking spray, as it helps create a golden crust without drying out the shrimp. Keep a close eye during the last minute to prevent overcooking.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
- Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges
Pair the shrimp with fries or sweet potato wedges for a classic seafood combo. Their crispy textures complement the shrimp, creating a satisfying bite every time. - Fresh Garden Salad
A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the shrimp. This vibrant side adds color and a nutritional boost. - Garlic Butter Rice
Serve the shrimp over a bed of garlic butter rice for a comforting, hearty meal. The rice’s subtle flavors enhance the shrimp without overpowering its crisp coating.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before breading. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking.
2. Can I substitute breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Crushed cornflakes or seasoned crushed crackers work well as alternatives to breadcrumbs.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Ensure all seasonings are gluten-free as well.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp deveined and peeled (tails may be left intact if preferred)
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cocktail sauce or remoulade for serving
Instructions
- Combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and plain breadcrumbs together.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
- Arrange the breaded shrimp on a plate or baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Repeat the process until all the shrimp are coated.
- Lightly spray both sides of the shrimp with nonstick cooking spray to aid in browning and crisping.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring adequate space between pieces to allow proper airflow. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the shrimp for 6 minutes, flipping them after 4 minutes, until the breading turns golden and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with cocktail or remoulade sauce for dipping.
