Air Fryer Shrimp Chips: Can You Make Them?

Shrimp chips, also known as prawn crackers, krupuk, or kroepoek, are a popular snack food. They are often deep-fried, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The short answer is yes. Air-frying shrimp chips is much easier than deep-frying and is healthier since it requires little to no oil. The chips will not puff up as much as they do when deep-fried, but they will still be crispy and tasty.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to making delicious shrimp chips. This step is crucial as it ensures your shrimp chips will cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide to help you master the preheating process:

Firstly, set the temperature. For shrimp chips, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 375°F. This temperature range is ideal for achieving the desired crispiness without burning the chips. It's worth noting that different air fryer brands may have slight variations in temperature settings, so adjust accordingly.

Next, ensure your air fryer basket is clean and dry. A clean cooking surface is essential for hygiene and the best cooking results. If you're reheating shrimp chips, make sure to remove any leftovers before preheating to avoid overcooking or drying out the chips.

Now, let's talk about timing. Preheat your air fryer for at least 3-5 minutes before adding the shrimp chips. This duration allows the air fryer to reach the desired temperature and ensures that the cooking environment is optimal for the chips. It's important not to rush this step, as preheating is key to achieving the best texture and taste.

While preheating, you can also prepare your shrimp chips. Take a handful of shrimp chips and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space between each chip. This spacing is crucial to allow hot air to circulate evenly and cook the chips properly. You can also lightly spray the chips with oil at this stage, as some recipes suggest, for added flavour and crispness.

Once the preheating timer goes off, your air fryer is ready for cooking! Proceed to the next steps of air-frying your shrimp chips, following the recipe's instructions for cooking time and temperature adjustments. Remember, the preheating process sets the foundation for delicious shrimp chips, so take your time and enjoy the process of creating this tasty snack!

Oil or no oil?

Shrimp chips can be cooked in an air fryer with or without oil. Some people prefer the version without oil as the outside of the chips can end up very greasy when oil is used. The air fryer can also be used to reheat shrimp chips until crispy.

When cooking shrimp chips in an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the fryer, as the chips may not cook evenly. It is also recommended to flip the chips halfway through cooking to ensure they are crispy on both sides.

To cook shrimp chips without oil, simply add a handful of chips to the air fryer, leaving some space between each piece, and air fry for 2-5 minutes until they are puffed up.

To cook shrimp chips with oil, drizzle half to one teaspoon of vegetable oil on the uncooked chips and stir to coat before adding them to the air fryer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Cooking time and temperature

Shrimp chips, also known as prawn chips, prawn crackers, krupuk, or kroepoek, can be cooked in an air fryer. This is a healthier alternative to deep-fried shrimp chips as it requires little to no oil.

The cooking time and temperature for shrimp chips in an air fryer depend on the brand of the air fryer and the size of the chips. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. The chips should then be cooked for 2 to 3 minutes until they are puffed up. Some sources suggest cooking the chips for 2.5 to 3 minutes or less, while others recommend 7 to 8 minutes at 400°F. It is important to note that shrimp chips will not puff up as much in an air fryer as they do when deep-fried.

When cooking shrimp in an air fryer, the recommended cooking time is 7 to 8 minutes at 200°C/400°F. However, this may vary depending on the brand of the air fryer and the size of the shrimp. It is important to ensure that the shrimp is not overcrowded in the air fryer, as this will result in uneven cooking. Flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking process will ensure that they are crisp on both sides.

Storing and reheating

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the leftovers in a shallow container for up to two months.

When it comes to reheating, it is best to enjoy shrimp chips as fresh as possible, as they have the best texture and taste right after frying. If you do need to reheat them, it is recommended to use an air fryer or oven to re-crisp them without adding any additional oil. Reheat in short intervals, checking frequently, to avoid overcooking or burning the chips.

For homemade shrimp chips, the storing instructions are slightly different. You can store your homemade chips in an airtight container or bag for up to six months.

Seasoning and breading

While cooking shrimp in an air fryer, you can choose to use minimal spices to let the shellfish shine or go all out with the seasoning. It is recommended to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before you begin seasoning them. You can then add the shrimp to a bowl, add olive oil or any other oil of your choice like avocado oil or vegetable oil, and the seasonings, and mix until the shrimp is covered.

For seasoning, you can use lemon juice, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also experiment with lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, and old bay seasoning.

If you want some breading or extra crispiness, sprinkle some panko bread crumbs and/or parmesan cheese. You can also try air fryer coconut shrimp.

Frequently asked questions