Air Fryer Fried Shrimp: Can It Be Done?

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to deep frying, as they require a fraction of the oil and can produce similar results. One of the many foods that can be cooked in an air fryer is shrimp. Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make, and the results are perfectly crispy and juicy. The process is simple: coat the shrimp in a breading of your choice, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for around 10 minutes. This meal is versatile, as it can be served as an appetizer, a salad topping, or a main course with sides.

Air fryer shrimp tacos

Air fryers are a great way to cook fried shrimp without the mess and hassle of heating up a large pot of oil. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they are peeled, de-veined, and have their tails removed.

Now, let's turn our attention to air fryer shrimp tacos. This delicious recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and gluten-free weeknight dinner or a fun, easy backyard dinner in the summertime.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (peeled, de-veined, and tail-off)
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Salt
• Chilli powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Tortillas (grain-free or regular)
• Avocado
• Guacamole
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Mango-avocado salsa (or any other salsa)

Method:

Start by adding the shrimp, olive oil, honey, salt, and spices to a large bowl and toss to combine. Next, line the air fryer tray with parchment paper and spread the shrimp across the tray. Air fry the shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 8 minutes. While the shrimp is cooking, warm the tortillas and make your guacamole, mango-avocado salsa, and any other toppings you desire. Once the shrimp is done, remove it from the air fryer and assemble your tacos. Spread a layer of guacamole onto your tortilla, add the shrimp, salsa, and any other toppings, and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you want to add an extra crunch to your shrimp tacos, you can bread the shrimp before air frying. Simply coat the shrimp in a flour and seasoning mixture, dip them in beaten eggs, and then coat them in breadcrumbs. Air fry as directed above.
• You can also serve your shrimp tacos with a side of cilantro lime slaw. Simply combine red cabbage, cilantro, shallot, mayo, sriracha, lime juice, and salt in a large bowl and toss until incorporated.
• Leftover shrimp tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It is recommended to store the components separately to avoid sogginess.

How to season shrimp

When it comes to seasoning shrimp, there are a variety of options to choose from. The most common seasonings include salt and pepper, but you can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season shrimp:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the shrimp better. If your shrimp is frozen, make sure to thaw it first by placing it in a colander and running cold water over it until it becomes bendable.

Step 2: Choose Your Seasonings

The most basic seasonings for shrimp are salt and pepper. You can use kosher salt or regular table salt, and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavour. Be generous with the seasonings, as shrimp can handle a good amount of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Additional Seasonings (Optional)

In addition to salt and pepper, you can add other seasonings to give your shrimp a unique flavour. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, parsley, or pre-made mixes like taco seasoning or Old Bay seasoning. You can also add spices like chili spice, curry spice, or harissa for an extra kick. If you want to add some freshness to your dish, consider using herbs such as fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil.

Step 4: Combine the Seasonings and Shrimp

Once you have selected your seasonings, combine them with the shrimp in a large bowl. Toss the shrimp until each one is evenly coated in the seasoning mix. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

After seasoning, you can cook the shrimp in a variety of ways. You can pan-fry them in butter or oil, air fry them, or even grill them. The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the cooking method, but generally, it should take around 4 to 5 minutes for large shrimp to cook through.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once your shrimp are cooked, you can add some finishing touches to enhance the flavour and presentation. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, some extra melted butter, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can take your dish to the next level.

Remember, the key to seasoning shrimp is to be creative and adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly seasoned shrimp!

How to bread shrimp

To bread shrimp, you will need to prepare three mixtures: flour with seasonings, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs with seasonings. You can use a combination of breadcrumbs and panko for a crispier texture. The flour mixture should be placed in a shallow bowl or baking dish. The eggs should be whisked with a pinch of salt. The breadcrumbs should be placed in a separate shallow bowl.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, dip the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the shrimp in the beaten eggs, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, turning until it is evenly coated. Transfer the breaded shrimp to a plate or baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp.

If you have extra breadcrumbs, you can double-dip the shrimp in the egg and breadcrumb mixtures for an extra crispy coating. You can also add grated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for additional flavor.

Once the shrimp are breaded, they can be cooked in an air fryer at around 385-400°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when the breading is golden and crunchy, and the flesh is opaque white all the way through.

Breaded shrimp can also be baked in the oven at 450°F for about 9-10 minutes, or until cooked through. Again, it is important not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.

These crispy breaded shrimp can be served with various dipping sauces, such as remoulade, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a sandwich filling, or a main dish.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking fried shrimp in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size of the shrimp, the number of shrimp being cooked, and the desired level of crispiness. It's important to note that different air fryer models may have specific instructions, and adjustments may be needed based on personal preferences and the type of shrimp used.

For breaded shrimp, preheat your air fryer to around 385–400 °F (196–204 °C). The cooking time can vary from 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the specific recipe and the desired level of crispiness. It's important to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause uneven cooking or steaming instead of air frying.

For unbreaded shrimp, a higher temperature of 400 °F (204 °C) is recommended. Cook the shrimp for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. This method yields juicy and flavorful shrimp with a nice texture.

When cooking breaded shrimp, it's essential to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and it's advisable to lightly spray them with cooking spray or oil to promote even browning. Depending on the recipe, the shrimp may need to be flipped or shaken halfway through the cooking process, and an additional spray of oil may be applied to ensure crispiness.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the shrimp, as well as the specific air fryer model being used. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the shrimp during the cooking process to prevent overcooking, as this can make them rubbery.

Air fryer shrimp salad

Air fryers are a great way to cook juicy and tender shrimp without the mess and hassle of heating up a large pot of oil. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, and the cooking time is usually around 10 minutes or less.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
• Garlic powder or onion powder
• Lemon juice
• Salad ingredients of your choice (e.g. kale, apple, cucumber)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 385-400°F.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw them before adding any spices. Devein the shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back, removing the dark brown vein, and rinsing the shrimp in cold water.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Drizzle the shrimp with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. You can adjust the spices to your taste and even add other seasonings like onion powder, oregano, or parsley. Mix well to combine.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
• Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked throughout.
• Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and pat them with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
• Serve the shrimp over a bed of your favorite salad ingredients. Some suggested combinations include kale and apple, or cucumber salad. You can also add other sides like roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots.
• Enjoy your delicious and healthy Air Fryer Shrimp Salad!

Frequently asked questions