Delicious Air-Fryer Shrimp Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings
If you’re a seafood lover or hosting friends and family for a gathering, this crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe is sure to impress. With its golden brown outer layer and tender, juicy inside, this delicious appetizer is a great way to kick off any meal. Not only is it easy to make, but it also takes only 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it a time-efficient option for busy home chefs.
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to deep-fried shrimp or simply want to switch up your usual shrimp dish routine, this recipe is the perfect solution. The air fryer crisps up the panko breadcrumbs perfectly so that each bite of the shrimp has a satisfying crunch. The combination of salt, garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning elevates the natural flavor profile of the shrimp.
What’s even better is that you can easily adjust the recipe according to your personal preferences. Whether you want to add some heat with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or swap large shrimp for king prawns or jumbo shrimp, this recipe is adaptable and customizable.
In summary: This crisp air-fryer shrimp recipe is flavorful, easy-to-make and quick-to-cook. It’s the perfect appetizer for seafood lovers or anyone who loves flavorful finger foods with minimum hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving something crispy, flavorful and delicious? Then this Crispy Air-Fryer Shrimp Recipe is just what you need. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves shrimp, breaded items, and air fryer recipes all in one.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
First of all, it uses large shrimp which are perfect for breading and frying. The eggs, flour, and panko breadcrumbs give the shrimp a crisp texture that will leave your taste buds wanting more. With just the right amount of seasoning from salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper seasoning, your taste buds will be craving this dish even before it reaches your plate.
Secondly, using an air fryer to make this recipe saves time and creates a healthier version of fried shrimp without sacrificing taste or texture. Say goodbye to deep-frying disasters with oil popping everywhere. You won’t have to worry about anything burning since the air fryer cooks at a consistent temperature in just 10 minutes!
Moreover, this recipe is extremely versatile! You can switch up the recipe spices to your liking or add additional elements like crispy coconut or fiery Bang Bang sauce. If you’re feeling extra adventurous try making popcorn shrimp with the remaining mixture!
Lastly, this recipe works as the perfect appetizer or premium dish for date night with friends or family. Having a movie night-in? These Crispy Air-Fryer Shrimp will be sure to please everyone in the room.
Overall, whether you are looking for something delicious to snack on or an elegant dinner course. This crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe will leave everyone licking their fingers and asking for more!
Ingredient List
If you’re looking for a quick and easy shrimp recipe, look no further! This crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Large shrimp: 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs: 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs
- Salt: 1 tsp of salt (or to taste)
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp garlic powder
- Lemon pepper seasoning: 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Flour: 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray or olive oil: as needed
With these simple ingredients, you can create restaurant-quality shrimp that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, it’s time to jump into the recipe itself. This air fryer shrimp recipe is incredibly simple, and you can have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes.
Step One: Prepping the Shrimp
Start by taking one pound of large shrimp, peeling them, and deveining them. Once cleaned, lightly season with salt and pepper.
Step Two: Dredge Shrimp in Flour
Next, dip each shrimp in a shallow bowl of flour, then shake off any excess. This step prepares the shrimp for the wet mixture, helping it to stick to the shrimp better.
Step Three: Dip in Egg Mixture
For the wet mixture, whisk together two eggs in another shallow bowl. Then, add in garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning for extra flavor.
Step Four: Coat with Breadcrumbs
In yet another bowl, mix together one cup of panko breadcrumbs with some additional garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning. This is what will give your air-fryer shrimp its CRISPY texture!
After this step, you should have a revolving process happening between dipping your shrimp in flour first before proceeding to the wet mixture and breadcrumb coating next.
Step Five: Place Shrimp into Air Fryer Basket
Once your shrimp are coated in breadcrumbs, it’s time to cook them! Brush or spray some olive oil over each side of the breaded shrimp.
Then, lay them into the air fryer basket (in a single layer) and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Flip over halfway through cooking to ensure that your air fried shrimps come out golden brown on all sides.
If you have too many shrimps to fit into one basket or want to do batch cooking you may either do so by cooking frozen shrimps instead or by preparing everything earlier then keeping them in resealable plastic bags.
And voila! The perfect crispy air fryer fried shrimp ready to serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Swap large shrimp for king prawns or jumbo shrimp, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Use garlic shrimp seasoning or lemon herb seasoning instead of lemon pepper seasoning for a different flavor profile.
– Try using coconut or panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.
– For a spicier version, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture before coating the shrimp.
– Want something a little different? Try making popcorn shrimp by cutting the shrimp into small pieces before breading and air-frying them.
– For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and skip the eggs altogether by dipping the shrimp in buttermilk before coating in the breadcrumb mixture.
– You can also try adding baking soda to the breadcrumb mixture to create an even lighter and crispier texture.
– If you’re short on time, consider using already cooked frozen shrimp. Simply thaw them out and pat them dry before coating with breadcrumbs and air-frying.
Ultimately, there’s no wrong way to make crispy air-fryer shrimp. With a little creativity and experimentation, you’ll find the perfect variation that suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Crispy air-fryer shrimp is the perfect appetizer to serve at any gathering or as a snack. These breaded shrimp can also be used as a main course, and they taste great with varying sauces that will keep your guests engaged. This gives you the flexibility to mix and match your dipping sauce with your moods, whether it’s dipping it in spicy garlic, sweet chili sauce or classic tartar sauce.
When serving these golden-brown bites, you want them to remain crispy for as long as possible. Therefore, you should avoid overcrowding the air fryer so that they don’t turn soggy. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a platter or individual plates to retain their crispy texture.
Pairing crispy air-fryer shrimp with salads, coleslaws or French fries will create an excellent balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. For a Caribbean twist, try combining these breaded delights with coconut rice that has been flavored with cilantro and lime zest.
Whether you are having a get-together with friends, date night or lazy afternoon snacking by yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings of all types.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe is best served directly after cooking. However, you can still prepare for your party in advance with some make-ahead tips.
To make ahead, bread the shrimp and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to air fry, simply arrange the shrimp in the basket and spray with cooking spray before cooking.
If you find yourself with leftover fried shrimp, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the cooked shrimp in a single layer in the fryer basket. Cook for five minutes or until heated through.
Another tip that is often overlooked is not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Although it may be tempting to load as many shrimp as possible into the fryer at once, they will cook more evenly if there is space between each piece. If you have a large batch of shrimp to cook, it’s better to work in batches rather than trying to cram them all into one layer of the air fryer basket.
Remember that while reheating leftover fried food makes it somewhat crispy again, it’s not going to be as crunchy as freshly made shrimp from the fryer. If serving reheated leftovers at a party, consider pairing them with zesty dips like garlic shrimp aioli or Bang Bang sauce to give them an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve perfectly crispy air-fryer shrimp with minimal fuss, follow these expert tips.
First, ensure you properly dry the shrimp before breading. This eliminates excess moisture and promotes an even coating. Gently pat the shrimp with paper towels until they are completely dry.
Second, use non-stick cooking spray on the basket of your air fryer before cooking. This guarantees that your shrimp will not get stuck to the basket, and you can remove them without any hassle.
Third, create a work station including three separate shallow bowls for flour, eggs and seasoned panko bread crumbs respectively. This is logic to prevent any mess while cooking and breathing the shrimp. And sometimes creating a well-organized workspace helps you focus on cooking than cleaning up later.
Fourth, preheat your air fryer at 400°F or your fryer of choice before adding in the breaded shrimp. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and contributes to getting crispy, golden brown results every time. One precaution here to avoid overcrowding when placing your shrimp in a single layer in the fryer basket.
Fifth, halfway through cooking, flip the shrimp over using tongs or a fork to ensure both sides are evenly crispy. You don’t want half of them charred black while the other half are undercooked.
Finally, it’s important not to overcook the shrimp. Ideally, cook your large shrimp for about 5 minutes or jumbo prawns for up to 10 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F or adjust time and temperature depending on your preference and size of shrimp. You want them to be golden brown and crispy but still tender and juicy inside.
Following these simple yet effective tips will yield perfect results every time you make this delicious crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe.
FAQ
As we come to the end of this recipe article, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions to help you nail this crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe. Here are some answers that will clear up any doubts or uncertainties you may have about preparing and serving this delicious shrimp dish.
How to cook breaded shrimp in air fryer?
Alright, party lovers! Today I’m sharing my shrimp recipe that is sure to knock everyone’s socks off. First things first, let’s prepare the shrimp. Before cooking, season the shrimp with a dash of salt and pepper to add some flavor. Next, we’ll coat them in some flour. This will help the egg stick to the shrimp and create a crispy texture. After that, dip the shrimp in the whisked egg to give it that nice golden color. Finally, coat the shrimp with Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
We’re almost there! Now, let’s move on to the cooking process. The best part? We’ll be using an air fryer to make things simple and quick. Preheat the air fryer to 400° F and spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Close the lid and cook for three minutes on one side. Once the timer is up, flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional three minutes at the same temperature. And voila! Your shrimp is now ready to serve, crispy and delicious.
One tip to keep in mind is to make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will result in uneven cooking. Feel free to cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Serve the shrimp hot with some cocktail sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any party or gathering. Happy cooking!
How do you keep shrimp crisp?
I’ve come across a handy culinary trick that will keep your shrimp moist and textured: baking soda. All you have to do is soak your shrimp in baking soda for roughly 20 to 30 minutes, and you’ll notice a significant difference when preparing a dish like kung pao shrimp. This technique is worth trying out if you want to elevate your shrimp recipes.
How long does it take to fry breaded shrimp in air fryer?
To ensure the perfect crispiness and juiciness, we need to prepare the air fryer by preheating it to 385 degrees F. Then, we need to arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it, and lightly spray some cooking oil on them to enhance the taste. The key is to cook the shrimp until they turn golden brown and cooked through. It usually takes around 10 minutes, but we must remember to flip them halfway through the process to cook both sides evenly. We might need to work in batches to make sure each shrimp gets evenly cooked.
How do you air fry frozen Panko shrimp?
When preparing frozen fried shrimp in an air fryer, simply drop them into the basket to get started. If you have a lot to cook, it’s best to work in batches to ensure that they are all evenly cooked. To cook the shrimp to perfection, set your air fryer to 400 degrees and let them cook for about 10 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the shrimp after they’ve been cooking for this time to ensure they aren’t overcooked or underdone.
Bottom Line
this recipe article, and I am confident that anyone who follows these instructions will fall in love with the crispy air-fryer shrimp.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make – just 10 minutes in the air fryer basket, and you’ve got golden brown, perfectly cooked shrimp. And with so many variations and substitutions available, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste buds, whether you prefer garlic or lemon pepper seasoning, panko or bread crumbs.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its healthy twist on a classic fried shrimp dish. Using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer cuts down on the amount of oil needed, resulting in a healthier and less greasy meal. And by using large or jumbo-sized shrimp, you get a high-quality protein source that will keep you full for longer.
So next time you’re planning a party or just wanting to whip up a quick and tasty meal, give this crispy air-fryer shrimp recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!
Crispy Air-Fryer Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 lb large shrimp, with tails peeled and deveined
- cooking spray (I used olive oil because I don't use cooking spray)
Instructions
- Combine flour and half of the seasonings.
- In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs and remaining seasonings.
- Preheat air fryer 400 F for 5 minutes.
- Toss shrimp in the flour mixture.
- Remove a shrimp from the flour mixture and dip in egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Lightly spray shrimp with cooking spray (I used olive oil).
- Add a single layer of shrimp to the air fryer basket.
- Cook 4 minutes.
- Flip shrimp over, spritz with cooking spray (I used olive oil) and cook an additional 4 minutes or just until cooked through and crispy.
- Repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Serve with cocktail sauce.
- To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 350 F oven for up to 10 minutes or until crispy.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!