Air-Fryer Breaded Popcorn Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer popcorn shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a snack. The process is simple: coat your shrimp in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then fry in the air fryer for around 8-10 minutes. You can also cook frozen, pre-breaded shrimp in the air fryer, which is even simpler – just place in the air fryer and cook for around 6-8 minutes. Serve with a dip or as part of a larger meal.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making breaded popcorn shrimp. It ensures that your shrimp will come out with a nice and crispy breading. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the model of your air fryer, it should take around 5 minutes to preheat and reach this temperature. While your air fryer is preheating, you can let your breaded shrimp rest for 5 minutes after coating them.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to place the shrimp inside. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer in the basket. This is crucial for even cooking and to prevent steaming. You can cook the shrimp in batches if needed. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray or oil, and then you're ready to start air-frying!

The cooking time will vary depending on the size and quantity of shrimp you are cooking. For a full bag of frozen shrimp (around 1 pound), air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For a single serving of popcorn shrimp (less than half a bag), air fry for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. If you are cooking jumbo shrimp, arrange 4-14 shrimp in a single layer and air fry for 8-10 minutes.

Prepare the shrimp

You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using fresh shrimp, ensure they are peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, allow them to thaw completely, and pat them dry with a paper towel before coating.

Set up your breading station. You'll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add plain flour and any seasonings of your choice—for example, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk two eggs. In the third dish, add breadcrumbs (either regular or panko) and any seasonings you wish to include.

Now it's time to bread the shrimp. Using one hand, take a shrimp and toss it in the flour, then give it a dip in the egg mixture, and finally, place it in the breadcrumb dish. Use your other hand to coat the shrimp in the breadcrumbs, and set it aside on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining shrimp.

Cook the shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the shrimp in two batches. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil, and air-fry for 4-10 minutes, shaking the basket and respraying halfway through. The shrimp are ready when they are golden and crispy.

Serve

Air-fryer popcorn shrimp is a versatile dish. You can serve it as an appetizer with cocktail sauce, or as part of a main meal with rice, noodles, or vegetables. For an extra kick of flavour, serve with a dipping sauce such as spicy Cajun sauce, honey sriracha sauce, or a simple combination of sweet chilli sauce, Sriracha, and mayonnaise.

Cook the shrimp

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to cook the shrimp! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your breading station: You'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with your chosen seasonings (such as salt, pepper, paprika, or onion powder). In the second bowl, whisk some eggs. The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs and more seasonings.
• Bread the shrimp: This is a messy job, so it's recommended to use one hand for wet tasks (coating the shrimp in flour and egg) and the other hand for dry tasks (coating with breadcrumbs). Dip each shrimp first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process for all the shrimp.
• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 390-400°F (around 200°C).
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket: Make sure to arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Don't stack them, as this will affect the crispiness.
• Cook the shrimp: The cooking time will depend on the size and amount of shrimp you're cooking. For a single layer of shrimp, cook for around 8-10 minutes at 390-400°F, shaking the basket and spraying the shrimp with oil halfway through. For a whole bag of shrimp, you may need to cook in batches or increase the cooking time.
• Check for doneness: Your shrimp are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Serve immediately: Air fryer popcorn shrimp is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal.

That's it! You now have delicious, crispy popcorn shrimp cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy!

Dipping sauces

When it comes to dipping sauces, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Honey Sriracha Sauce
• Spicy Cajun Dipping Sauce
• Cocktail Sauce
• Lemon Wedges
• Ketchup
• Chipotle Mayo
• Spicy Mayo
• Honey Dijon
• Creamy Garlic Sauce
• Plum Sauce
• Tartar Sauce
• Remoulade Sauce

You can also serve your breaded popcorn shrimp with chips and salsa, on a bed of rice or noodles, or stir-fried with vegetables.

Reheat the shrimp

If you have any leftover shrimp, you can easily reheat them in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket and air fry for 3-4 minutes, until warmed through. You can also reheat the shrimp at 390°F (200°C) for 4-5 minutes.

If you're reheating a large batch of shrimp, it's best to cook them in a single layer to ensure even heating. You may need to cook them in batches.

It's important to note that reheated shrimp may not be as crispy as when they were first cooked. However, this method will ensure that your shrimp are heated through while retaining their juicy texture.

Additionally, you can store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before reheating.

Frequently asked questions