Air Fryer Battered Shrimp: Is It Possible?

Battered shrimp is a popular dish, but can you put it in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Air frying is different from deep frying, and wet batter alone may not give you the desired outcome. It's recommended to coat the shrimp in breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs after dipping them in a wet batter to get a crispier texture. Additionally, freezing the battered shrimp before air frying can help the batter stay intact.

When it comes to the shrimp size, larger shrimp like jumbo or large are ideal, as smaller shrimp tend to overcook quickly. It's also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, but on average, it takes around 4-8 minutes at 350°F to 400°F to cook battered shrimp.

Battering and freezing shrimp before air frying

Battering the Shrimp:

• Prepare your favourite batter by mixing flour, seasonings, and beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. You can also use a plastic bag to combine the dry ingredients and shake to mix.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Dip the shrimp into the batter, making sure they are well coated.
• Place the battered shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.
• Optionally, for an extra crispy coating, dip the battered shrimp in breadcrumbs after step 3 and before placing them on the plate.

Freezing the Battered Shrimp:

• Place the battered shrimp in the freezer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Freeze the shrimp until they are solid, which usually takes a few hours.
• Transfer the frozen shrimp to an airtight container or freezer bag for longer-term storage.

Air Frying the Frozen Battered Shrimp:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C).
• Brush or toss the frozen battered shrimp with a small amount of oil, such as avocado, olive, or vegetable oil.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through for even cooking.
• Toss the shrimp with your favourite sauce or seasoning after cooking.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before battering and freezing.
• Do not overcrowd the shrimp during the battering, freezing, or air frying processes, as this can affect the cooking results.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your shrimp and the model of your air fryer.
• For an extra crispy texture, use breadcrumbs in addition to the batter.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer battered shrimp will depend on the size of the shrimp and the power of your air fryer.

For large shrimp, the temperature should be set between 385-400°F (196-204°C). The cooking time will vary between 7-10 minutes. For example, one source with a 1500-watt air fryer suggests cooking large shrimp for 10 minutes at 400°F. However, another source with a Phillips air fryer recommends cooking large shrimp for 7-8 minutes at 400°F.

If you are using jumbo shrimp, the cooking time will be slightly shorter. For example, one source suggests cooking jumbo shrimp for 5 minutes at 390°F, while another suggests 4-5 minutes at the same temperature.

If you are using smaller shrimp, you will need to reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking. One source recommends checking on the shrimp after 6 minutes if using a larger air fryer.

It is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly. It is best to cook the shrimp in a single layer and in batches if necessary. Additionally, flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking process will ensure even cooking and browning.

To check if the shrimp is fully cooked, look for a pink/orange colour and a 'C' shape.

Battering techniques

Begin by preparing your shrimp. It is recommended to use large shrimp, which are 26 to 30 shrimp per pound. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on to use as a handle or removing them if you prefer. Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels.

Now, it's time to create your batter. In a shallow dish or bowl, combine all-purpose flour with seasonings of your choice. You can use a simple combination of seasoning salt or get creative with spices like paprika, parsley, or black pepper. Give the dry ingredients a good mix. In a separate bowl, lightly beat some eggs. You can also use only egg whites for a lighter batter.

Next, prepare your breadcrumbs. For an ultra-crispy texture, panko breadcrumbs are a great choice. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs to your breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

It's time to coat the shrimp! First, dip the shrimp in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are well coated. Then, dip them into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat the shrimp completely in the breadcrumbs.

Place the battered shrimp on a plate and give them a light coating of cooking spray. This will help ensure even cooking and browning.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if needed, as overcrowding can cause the shrimp to steam instead of fry.

Air fry the shrimp until they are golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer model, this should take around 4 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly battered and air-fried shrimp!

Shrimp size and type

When it comes to the size and type of shrimp to use in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, large or jumbo shrimp are often recommended as they tend to be juicier and can withstand longer cooking times without overcooking. Specifically, "16/20" or "26 to 30 shrimp per pound" are common sizes mentioned in recipes. However, it's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp, with smaller shrimp cooking quicker and larger shrimp taking longer.

The type of shrimp you use can also depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you're following. Some recipes call for peeled and deveined shrimp, while others suggest leaving the shells and tails on. Leaving the shells on can help protect the delicate flesh of the shrimp during transportation and cooking, but it will require additional preparation time for peeling and deveining before serving.

Additionally, it's important to consider the number of shrimp you plan to cook at once. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause uneven cooking and steaming instead of air frying, resulting in pale and soft shrimp instead of the desired golden-brown and crispy texture. Therefore, it's recommended to cook the shrimp in small batches, ensuring that there is enough space around each shrimp for proper air circulation.

Dipping sauces

Battered shrimp cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces that would go well with the crispy, crunchy shrimp:

Cocktail Sauce

A classic pairing for shrimp, cocktail sauce is tangy and savoury, with a punchier flavour than some of the other options. It typically includes ingredients such as tomato ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.

Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade is a creamy, tangy sauce with a mayonnaise base. It often includes spices, ketchup, stone-ground mustard, hot sauce, paprika, and garlic powder. This sauce is versatile and can be used on other types of seafood, as a sandwich spread, or even as a dip for French fries.

Sweet Chilli Lime Sauce

For those who prefer a break from mayonnaise-based sauces, a sweet chilli lime sauce is a great option. This sauce pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the shrimp and provides a nice contrast in flavour. It can be made with ingredients such as sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, sugar, and coriander.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a classic condiment for seafood, often served with fish and chips. It has a neutral flavour that allows the taste of the shrimp to shine through. It is typically made with mayonnaise, gherkins, cornichons, dill, parsley, capers, lemon juice, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Spicy Dipping Sauce

For those who like a bit of heat, a simple spicy dipping sauce can be made by combining crystal or Louisiana hot sauce with a spoonful of horseradish. This sauce will add a nice tang and a kick to your shrimp.

Frequently asked questions