Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp: How Long To Fry?

Popcorn shrimp is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes. It is a convenient and healthy source of protein, which can be served as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a main course. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly ensures a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying, making it a healthier choice.

How to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen shrimp
• Olive oil spray (optional)
• Cooking spray
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Method

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a bit of oil if you'd like.
• Place the frozen shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry the shrimp at between 380-400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the shrimp with an instant-read thermometer. Shrimp is ready when it’s reached 74°C (165°F).
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or cocktail sauce.

Tips

• You can leave the tails on as a handle, or remove them before serving.
• For extra crispy shrimp, spray the frozen shrimp with a light spray of oil before air frying.

How to make shrimp from scratch

While it is easy to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, making shrimp from scratch is a different process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make shrimp from scratch:

Firstly, you will need to prepare the shrimp. For this, you can use jumbo shrimp, which is already split and deveined. Start by removing the shell and tail. You can leave the tail on as a handle, but it is recommended to remove it as it can be sharp and may get stuck in your throat if not chewed properly.

Next, prepare three separate bowls for a simple flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat an egg. The third bowl should contain panko breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings like ground black pepper, paprika, onion powder, salt, and garlic powder. You can also add onion powder and black pepper to the flour for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to coat the shrimp. First, dip the shrimp in the flour and toss until they are evenly coated. Then, dip each floured shrimp into the egg mixture. Finally, toss the shrimp in the bowl of seasoned breadcrumbs until they are completely coated.

Place the coated shrimp on a cooling rack or paper towel while you repeat the process with the remaining shrimp. This will ensure they are not soggy when placed in the air fryer.

Once all the shrimp are coated, you can cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, although this is optional. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd it.

Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they are golden and crispy.

You can serve the shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, homemade shrimp!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer popcorn shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Dipping Sauces

Shrimp is often served with a dipping sauce on the side. Some popular options include tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, sweet chilli sauce, or even a homemade sauce like a spicy mayo or a tangy honey dijon.

As a Salad

You can serve the shrimp on a bed of lettuce with your favourite salad dressing. This is a great option if you're looking for a lighter meal.

As an Appetizer or Main Dish

Popcorn shrimp can be served as an appetizer or main dish with a side of french fries. The crispy shrimp pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Shrimp Tacos

For a tasty twist on traditional tacos, serve your shrimp in a tortilla with your favourite toppings. You could also add a creamy sauce, such as a remoulade or a spicy mayo, to create a delicious fusion of flavours and textures.

Shrimp Po' Boy

For a heartier option, serve your shrimp on a hoagie bun with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of sauce. This classic sandwich is a great way to enjoy your shrimp and can be customised with your favourite toppings.

As a Side

Popcorn shrimp also works well as a side dish. Serve it alongside a main course, such as a steak or a piece of fish, to add some extra flavour and texture to your meal.

In a Stir Fry

Add some shrimp to your favourite stir fry recipe for a boost of protein. This is a great way to make your stir fry more filling and exciting.

With Rice or Noodles

For a heartier meal, serve your shrimp on a bed of rice or noodles. This can be a great option if you're looking for something more substantial, and it's easy to customise with your favourite sauces and toppings.

In a Sandwich

Popcorn shrimp can also be added to sandwiches for a tasty and convenient lunch option. Try it with some lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce for a delicious and satisfying bite.

As a Topping

Use your air fryer popcorn shrimp as a tasty topping for salads, nachos, or even a bowl of crispy fried chicken. The crunchy texture and savoury flavour will elevate any dish.

No matter which serving suggestion you choose, air fryer popcorn shrimp is a quick, easy, and delicious option that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

Dipping sauces

Popcorn shrimp can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Tartar sauce
• Remoulade sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Ketchup
• Chipotle mayo
• Spicy mayo
• Honey dijon
• Creamy garlic sauce
• Plum sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Honey lime
• Avocado oil
• Old Bay sauce
• Cajun seasoning
• Cajun fried shrimp
• Chicken maki
• Chicken rice bowls
• Hoagie bun with lettuce and tomato
• Ranch dressing
• Salsa
• Shrimp tacos
• Shrimp Po Boy
• Shrimp salad
• Spicy honey lime
• Tartar sauce

Air fryer vs other cooking methods

Air fryers are a popular alternative to traditional frying and baking. They work by circulating hot air around your food, which is the same approach taken by traditional convection ovens, but there are some key differences.

Air Fryer vs Oven

The most obvious difference between a standalone air fryer and an oven is size. An air fryer is a countertop appliance that can usually cook one dish at a time, whereas an oven is a full-sized appliance that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. A conventional, non-convection oven uses still air to cook food, whereas an air fryer uses a fan to rapidly circulate heated air to cook and crisp up a range of foods.

Air Fryer vs Convection Oven

An air fryer can be thought of as a mini convection oven. Both appliances use a fan to circulate heated air, but a convection oven has a larger capacity and the air frying function optimises the cooking environment for crispy fried results.

Air Fryer vs Toaster Oven

An air fryer is usually limited to the convection-like air frying function, whereas a toaster oven can offer a wider range of functions such as broiling, roasting, and baking. Some countertop ovens even feature an air fry setting.

Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer

Deep frying involves submerging food in hot oil or other fat. Air frying achieves a similar result by relying on hot, moving air rather than oil. A deep fryer consists of a deep container that is filled with oil and heated, along with a basket to lower food into the oil. An air fryer, on the other hand, uses little to no oil—food is placed within the cooking chamber using a basket or perforated pan.

Air Fryer vs Microwave

Some microwaves offer air fry settings to achieve crispy, fried-like results. One of the main differences between these appliances is that an air fryer or countertop oven circulates dry heat to remove moisture from the exterior of foods, while microwaves use electromagnetism to accelerate particles within the food.

Air Fryer vs Slow Cooker

A slow cooker cooks food at a lower temperature and requires some amount of liquid to roast, steam, braise or simmer ingredients. An air fryer, on the other hand, relies on a dry environment to rapidly circulate hot air and can fry, bake and roast.

Air Fryer vs Pressure Cooker

An air fryer can fry, bake and roast food using little to no oil, while a pressure cooker is made to quickly boil, steam and braise. A pressure cooker works by converting liquid to steam and creating pressure. Moisture is the enemy of crispy fried exteriors, so you can't air fry in a pressure cooker. Likewise, you can't pressure cook in an air fryer because the seal is not airtight enough to build pressure.

Frequently asked questions