Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, golden shrimp without the mess and extra oil of traditional frying. The shrimp get a nice crunchy coating while…
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Air Fryer Fried Shrimp is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, golden shrimp without the mess and extra oil of traditional frying. The shrimp get a nice crunchy coating while staying tender inside, thanks to the air fryer’s magic. It’s a quick and easy dish with just the right amount of crispiness that makes you want to keep snacking.
I love making this recipe when I’m craving something fried but don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up afterwards. Using the air fryer cuts down the cooking time too, and I find the shrimp always turn out perfectly crispy without feeling greasy. It’s one of those meals where you feel good about enjoying a little crunch without the guilt.
My favorite way to serve these air fryer shrimp is with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of homemade dipping sauce, like a simple mix of mayo and a bit of hot sauce. It’s perfect for a quick appetizer or a tasty topping on a salad or tacos. Plus, it’s always a hit whenever friends come over and want something easy and delicious to nibble on.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for a crispy coating and juicy bite. Leaving tails on adds flavor and looks great. If you prefer, smaller shrimp can be used but watch cooking time.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a light, crunchy crust. If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs work, but texture may be less crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the coating. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can skip it or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
Egg and Milk Mixture: Helps the coating stick well to the shrimp. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or another plant-based milk.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, and parsley give great flavor without overpowering. Feel free to adjust spices to your taste or add cayenne for heat.
How Can You Get Crispy, Evenly Cooked Shrimp in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crispiness without soggy spots can be tricky. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Preheat the air fryer so it’s hot when shrimp go in—this jumpstarts crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each shrimp space so air circulates well.
- Spray a light coat of oil on the shrimp before cooking to promote a golden crust.
- Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even color and texture on both sides.
- Cook shrimp until just opaque—overcooking makes them rubbery.
Following these tips will help you get delicious, crispy shrimp every time with your air fryer!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – This is the star tool for getting crispy shrimp with less oil than frying.
- Two shallow bowls – One for the egg mix and one for the breadcrumb coating to keep dipping easy.
- Tongs – Helpful for flipping shrimp halfway and removing them safely from the hot basket.
- Cooking spray – Use olive or avocado oil spray to help the coating crisp up nicely.
- Paper towels – Great for drying shrimp before coating to keep the coating crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try Cajun seasoning instead of paprika for a spicy, smoky twist that pairs well with dipping sauces.
- Mix some grated cheddar into the breadcrumbs for a melty, cheesy crust.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to the coating mix for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Swap shrimp for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast to make crispy air fryer chicken bites.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Cocktail sauce or preferred dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 6-8 minutes to cook in the air fryer, so plan for around 20 minutes total. Prep involves mixing the coating and dipping the shrimp, and cooking gets them crispy and golden fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy right away.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so all the flavors blend together nicely.
3. Mix the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth. This will help the breadcrumb coating stick to the shrimp.
4. Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, letting extra drip off, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly.
5. Air Fry the Shrimp:
Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray for crispiness. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through to brown both sides. The shrimp should be golden and cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and place on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce or your favorite dip. Enjoy your crispy, tasty air fryer fried shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry well to help the coating stick and achieve crispiness.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shrimp with the coating in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before air frying. For best texture, cook them fresh just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to regain crispness.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you want to skip dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or simply omit it—the shrimp will still taste delicious with the other seasonings.
