Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp is a fantastic dish that brings the taste of the sea to your dining table with minimal effort. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and much healthier than deep-fried versions, thanks to the air fryer. Enjoying shrimp in this way allows you to savor the delicious flavors without the guilt of excess oil. Plus, it’s a quick meal, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each shrimp first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
Serve Air Fryer Fried Shrimp hot straight from the air fryer. They are great as an appetizer or a main dish. Pair them with a zesty cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Adding a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad can complement the meal perfectly.
How to Store Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
If you have any leftovers, let the shrimp cool before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
- Ensure your shrimp are fully coated in the breading mixture for the best crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches if necessary.
- Experiment with different seasonings for unique flavors, like adding cayenne pepper for heat.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
Variation
For a healthier version, you can skip the breadcrumbs and simply season the shrimp with spices and herbs before air frying. You can also marinate the shrimp in lemon juice and herbs before coating them for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! You can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them.
What can I serve with fried shrimp?
Fried shrimp pairs well with various sides such as fries, coleslaw, salads, or rice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly.
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs recommended for extra crunch
- 1/2 cup flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option
- 2 large eggs Beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each shrimp first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden and crispy.
Serving
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.