Air-Fried Oysters: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer oysters are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that can be served as an appetizer or a meal. They are perfect little breaded and fried bites of seafood goodness with a crispy, light texture. You can cook oysters in an air fryer in just 4 to 8 minutes, and they can be served with a variety of sauces, grains, or a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Can you cook oysters in an air fryer?

Air fryer oysters: a healthy alternative

Oysters are a delicious treat, but not everyone enjoys them raw. The good news is that you can cook oysters in an air fryer! This method offers a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy crispy, golden oysters with a chewy texture and a unique, briny flavour.

How to Cook Oysters in an Air Fryer

First, shuck the oysters and give them a quick rinse to remove any shell fragments. Pat the oysters dry with paper towels, as this will help the breading stick better. Next, prepare three bowls: one with flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper; another with whisked egg and milk (or hot sauce); and a third with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each oyster in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it evenly with the breadcrumbs.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the oysters in a single layer in the basket and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Air fry for 4 minutes, then flip the oysters, spray again, and cook for an additional 4 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer oysters are versatile and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. For a classic pairing, serve them with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. You can also top them with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce, or butter and Parmesan cheese. For a more filling meal, serve the oysters with grains like rice or quinoa.

Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover oysters, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Place the oysters in a single layer in the basket and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

So, there you have it! Air fryer oysters are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. They're easy to make, and you can enjoy them as a crispy, tasty treat any time.

How to prep oysters for the air fryer

Preparing oysters for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, shuck the oysters and give them a quick rinse. This step is important to ensure that any dirt or debris is removed before cooking. After rinsing, drain the oysters and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure that the breading will stick to the oysters properly.

Next, prepare three shallow bowls for the dry and wet ingredients. In the first bowl, combine flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, and mix well. You can also add a pinch of your favourite herb or spice to this mixture for extra flavour. The second bowl should contain whisked eggs and milk, creating a wet batter that will help the dry ingredients adhere to the oysters. For a more savoury flavour, you can replace the milk with hot sauce. In the third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs, which will give the oysters a crispy texture when fried.

Now it's time to coat the oysters. Take each oyster and dip it first in the flour mixture, making sure it's evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll the oyster in the breadcrumbs until it's completely coated. Place each coated oyster on a plate or tray and repeat this process until all your oysters are breaded.

Before cooking, it's best to let the coated oysters sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set the breading. This step will help ensure that the breading doesn't fall off during frying. You can also use this time to preheat your air fryer to 350–400 °F (177–204 °C). Once preheated and the oysters have rested, you're ready to cook! Place the oysters in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd them, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Close the air fryer and let them cook for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, flip the oysters, spray them again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 4 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for oysters in an air fryer depend on the number of oysters you are cooking, whether they are frozen or not, and the level of "doneness" you prefer.

If you are cooking eight oyster halves in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and cook the oysters for four minutes. You can then transfer the oysters to a serving plate and top them with your preferred sauces or seasonings. If you have more oysters to cook, you can repeat this process with the remaining oyster halves.

For a larger batch of oysters, some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After preparing the oysters by shucking, rinsing, and breading them, you can place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the oysters lightly with cooking spray or oil and cook for four minutes. Then, flip the oysters, spray again, and cook for an additional four minutes.

If you are reheating cooked oysters, you can place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional one to two minutes until warmed through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the oysters and your desired level of doneness. Some recipes suggest adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time, especially if you are cooking larger oysters or prefer them to be more well-done.

Sauces and dips to serve with air-fried oysters

Air-fried oysters are a delicious treat, with their crispy exterior and tender, briny insides. While they are tasty on their own, serving them with a sauce or dip can elevate this dish to the next level. Here are some sauce and dip options to serve with your air-fried oysters:

Remoulade Sauce

A classic choice, remoulade is a tangy, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with oysters. To make it, simply mix mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and chives. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for some extra spice and kick.

Cocktail Sauce

This traditional sauce is a well-loved choice for a reason. It is made from a combination of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavour.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is another classic option that complements oysters exceptionally well. It is made by mixing mayonnaise with diced pickles, capers, and lemon juice, creating a creamy texture and tangy flavour that goes perfectly with the brininess of the oysters.

Lemon Wedges

For a fresh burst of flavour, serve your air-fried oysters with lemon wedges. This simple yet effective option adds a bright, citrusy note to the dish.

Hot Sauce

For those who like it spicy, hot sauce is a great choice. You can either serve a store-bought variety or make your own by mixing hot sauce with milk and seafood seasoning before marinating the oysters in the mixture.

When serving oysters, feel free to experiment with different sauces and dips, as the more options you provide, the more flavours your guests can enjoy!

Storing and reheating oysters

Storing oysters

If you want to store oysters for a short period, it is best to keep them in their shells and place them on top of a bed of ice in an open-top container or bowl. Place a damp, thin cloth over the bowl and refrigerate between 35 and 40 °F (2 and 4 °C) for up to 2 days. Shuck the oysters right before eating.

Live oysters can last up to a week in the refrigerator when properly stored. Shucked oysters typically have a shorter shelf life of about 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator.

If you need to store oysters for a longer period, you can freeze them. Shuck the oysters and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can store oysters this way in the freezer for about 12 months.

Reheating oysters

To reheat air-fried oysters in the air fryer, set the oysters in a single layer in the basket, then spray them lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 350 °F (177 °C) for 3 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions