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

Air fryer popcorn shrimp is a quick and easy dish to make for a snack, appetizer, or light meal. The process is simple: coat the shrimp in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then cook in the air fryer for around 8 minutes. The result is a crispy and crunchy snack that's perfect for sharing.

Preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making popcorn shrimp. While some air fryers, such as the Philips XXL air fryer, do not require pre-heating, most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 360-400°F. This will ensure that your shrimp gets that desired golden and crispy finish.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature will ensure that your shrimp cooks evenly and efficiently. It is important to note that the temperature you preheat your air fryer to will depend on the specific model you have, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or a recipe that is specific to your air fryer model.

When preheating your air fryer, it is also crucial to ensure that the air fryer basket is coated with cooking spray or a light spray of oil. This will help to ensure that your shrimp doesn't stick to the basket and will also help to create a crispy coating on your shrimp.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed to cook your shrimp according to your chosen recipe. Most recipes recommend cooking your shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Use frozen or fresh shrimp

If you're using frozen shrimp, it's important to fully defrost them before cooking. You can do this by placing the bag in a bowl of cold or room-temperature water and letting it sit. It's also crucial to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before coating them in breading. This will ensure that the breading sticks properly and that the shrimp cook evenly.

When preparing fresh shrimp, make sure they are peeled and deveined. It's also best to use shrimp that you have purchased no more than a day before, as shrimp have a short shelf life.

Whether using frozen or fresh shrimp, you will need to coat them in breading before air frying. This can be done by setting up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour and seasonings. In the second bowl, whisk some eggs. And in the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs and additional seasonings. Then, using one hand, coat each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg, and finally, toss it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet and let them rest for a few minutes while the air fryer preheats.

Once your shrimp are breaded and the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook them. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the shrimp inside in a single layer. Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp are done when they are golden and crispy.

Use a meat thermometer to check the shrimp is cooked

Using a meat thermometer is the safest and most accurate way to check if your shrimp is cooked. The ideal internal temperature for a well-cooked shrimp is between 120°F and 145°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the shrimp's colour, shape, and texture.

To use a meat thermometer, stick the stem into the thickest part of the shrimp and wait 5-15 seconds for an accurate reading. The temperature should read at least 120°F to 145°F, depending on your preference. According to the FDA, 145 °F is the minimum safe temperature for almost all seafood, but shrimp is prone to overcooking and can be safely eaten at 120 °F.

If you're cooking a large batch of shrimp in an air fryer, it's important to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, shake the basket, spray with oil again, and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the shrimp with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.

Use a variety of spices and seasonings

Popcorn shrimp is a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some tips and suggestions for using different spices and seasonings to make delicious and flavorful air fryer popcorn shrimp:

Spices and Seasonings

The spices and seasonings you choose to use will depend on your taste preferences and the specific flavour profile you want to achieve. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Basic seasonings: You can start with basic seasonings such as salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. These provide a savoury and slightly spicy flavour to the shrimp.
• Paprika: Adding paprika to the flour or breadcrumb mixture gives the shrimp a slightly smoky and sweet flavour. It also adds a beautiful red colour to the coating.
• Cajun seasoning: If you want to add a kick to your shrimp, cajun seasoning is a great option. It typically includes a blend of spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Lemon pepper: For a bright and citrusy flavour, you can use lemon pepper seasoning, or create your own by adding lemon zest to black pepper.
• Cumin: Cumin has an earthy and warm flavour that can enhance the taste of your popcorn shrimp. It pairs well with garlic powder and paprika.

Customizing Your Seasoning Blend

When it comes to seasoning your air fryer popcorn shrimp, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs. Here are some tips for customizing your own seasoning blend:

• Start with a small amount: When mixing your own seasoning blend, start with a small amount of each spice and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it's difficult to reduce the spiciness or intensity if you've added too much.
• Consider the dish's flavour profile: Think about the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. For example, do you want it to be spicy, savoury, or citrusy? Choose spices and herbs that complement each other and enhance the flavour of the shrimp.
• Fresh herbs: In addition to dried spices, you can also use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives to add a bright and fresh flavour to your shrimp. Finely chop the herbs and add them to your breading mixture or sprinkle them on top of the cooked shrimp.

Dipping Sauces

Serving your air fryer popcorn shrimp with dipping sauces can also enhance the flavour and allow your guests to customize their own spice level. Here are some dipping sauce ideas:

• Cocktail sauce: A classic choice for shrimp, cocktail sauce is usually made with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and spices. It has a tangy and slightly spicy flavour.
• Remoulade sauce: This creamy and tangy sauce is similar to mayonnaise but with more flavour. It often includes ingredients like mustard, paprika, horseradish, and herbs.
• Spicy mayo: For those who like their shrimp with a kick, spicy mayo is a great option. Simply mix mayonnaise with your favourite hot sauce or chilli peppers.
• Tartar sauce: Tartar sauce is a traditional choice for fried seafood. It's made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and herbs, and has a tangy and slightly briny flavour.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to taste as you go and adjust the amounts to your preference. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of spices and herbs that suits your taste buds!

Serve with a dipping sauce

Now that you've cooked your popcorn shrimp in the air fryer, it's time to think about what sauces to serve with them. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to elevate your dish:

Classic options: Go for a classic cocktail sauce or tartar sauce to accompany your shrimp. You could also serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the shrimp.

Spicy choices: If you like a bit of heat, try a spicy Cajun dipping sauce or chipotle mayo. Alternatively, a creamy garlic sauce or a sauce with a kick of black pepper will also add some spice.

Sweet and tangy: For a sweet and tangy taste, a honey sriracha sauce or a honey dijon mustard will do the trick. You could also make a sauce with a base of mayonnaise and add some lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and a touch of sugar.

Salsa and chips: Popcorn shrimp goes well with chips and salsa, so you could serve it with a fresh tomato salsa or a spicier chipotle salsa.

Asian-inspired: Try an Asian-inspired sauce like a spicy Cajun dipping sauce, or a plum sauce.

Whatever sauce you choose, your air-fried popcorn shrimp will be a delicious snack or appetizer!

Frequently asked questions