Air-Fryer Boom Boom Shrimp: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Boom boom shrimp is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. The dish is Thai in origin, with Thai sweet chilli sauce enveloping the shrimp after it's fried. The addition of Sriracha to the same sauce is where the boom comes from. This recipe is usually served as an appetizer, but it can also be served as a main course.

How to make the sauce

To make the sauce for your boom boom shrimp, you will need mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Some recipes also include a squeeze of lime juice.

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. You can adjust the quantities to your taste, and if you want a creamier texture, you can add some mashed avocado to the sauce.

The sauce can be used as a dip for the shrimp, or you can brush it on top of the shrimp before serving.

How to thaw shrimp

There are several ways to thaw shrimp, depending on how much time you have. If you're in a hurry, you can cook shrimp straight from frozen, but if you want to thaw them first, here are some methods to try:

Overnight in the Fridge

If you're planning ahead, the best way to thaw shrimp is to transfer them from the freezer to the fridge the day before you plan to cook. This allows the shrimp to thaw gradually. Place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or platter to soak up any leaks from the bag. Shrimp needs at least 12 hours to thaw, possibly more, depending on their size. You'll know they're thawed when the exterior becomes translucent and the shrimp are pliable without any stiffness from interior ice.

Quick-Thaw in Cold Water

If you need to thaw your shrimp more quickly, this method will take around 20-30 minutes. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Remove the shrimp from their packaging and seal them in a zip-top bag. Submerge the bag in the water, placing a plate or lid over it to keep the shrimp submerged. Let the shrimp sit for 20-30 minutes, or until they are fully thawed. Then, place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate and pat them dry to remove excess water.

Quick-Thaw in Cold Water (Even Faster)

If you need your shrimp thawed even faster, you can place them directly into the cold water without the bag. Leave them in the water for 10-15 minutes, or until thawed, stirring the water and shrimp every 3-5 minutes to break up frozen clumps. As with the previous method, place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate and blot them dry to remove excess moisture.

Don'ts of Thawing Shrimp

• Don't leave shrimp at room temperature for too long, as this can allow harmful bacteria to develop.
• Don't use hot water, as this can encourage bacteria growth and start to cook the shrimp, resulting in a chewy, stringy texture.
• Don't microwave frozen shrimp to thaw them, as this can partially cook them and make them bouncy and chewy.

How to coat shrimp

To coat the shrimp, you will need to create a cooking station with three separate bowls. One with all-purpose flour, one with egg whites (or whole eggs), and one with breadcrumbs.

First, dip the shrimp in the flour, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, dip the shrimp in the egg whites (or whole eggs). You do not need to submerge the shrimp here. Just do a light dab so that most of the flour stays on the shrimp. You want the egg to adhere to the breadcrumbs. Finally, dip the shrimp in the breadcrumbs, pressing them into the crumbs to coat evenly on both sides.

How long to cook shrimp

The cooking time for shrimp in an air fryer depends on the size of the shrimp, the temperature, and the number of shrimp in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer, as this will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly. For best results, cook the shrimp in a single layer and in batches if necessary.

For jumbo shrimp, air fry at 400°F for five to six minutes, shaking the basket halfway. For jumbo shrimp in a single layer in the basket, air fry for 8-10 minutes at 375°F.

For large shrimp, air fry at 390°F for 4-5 minutes. For large or extra-large shrimp, air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes.

For popcorn shrimp, air fry at 375°F for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and sizzling. For a whole bag of popcorn shrimp, air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How to serve shrimp

There are many ways to serve shrimp, and it is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas on how to serve delicious, crispy shrimp:

• As a Main Course: Shrimp can be served as a main dish with a variety of sides. Try serving it with potato salad, roasted vegetables, and rolls, or add a teriyaki sauce and serve it over noodles.
• In Tacos: For a fun and flavourful option, serve your shrimp in tacos with a simple slaw. You can also add lettuce and tomatoes to soft flour tortillas for a tasty twist on Taco Tuesday.
• As an Appetizer: Shrimp can be served as an appetiser or starter, with cocktail sauce or another dipping sauce on the side.
• With Rice: For a heartier meal, serve your shrimp with rice. Try jasmine rice, drizzling the sauce over both the shrimp and rice for an addictive flavour combination. Alternatively, serve with vegetable and chicken fried rice.
• With Noodles: If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, serve your shrimp over spaghetti noodles or rice.
• With Salads: For a lighter option, pair your shrimp with a refreshing salad. A cucumber mint salad, for example, would make a great side dish.
• With Vegetables: Steam some veggies to go alongside your shrimp. This will add some extra colour and nutrition to your plate.
• With Dipping Sauces: Shrimp can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as spicy sweet shrimp dip, cocktail sauce, or bang bang sauce, a creamy, sweet, and spicy chilli sauce.

Storing and Reheating Shrimp:

• Storing: Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
• Reheating: To reheat your shrimp, you can use an air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the air fryer and oven, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 6 minutes, or until heated through. For the microwave, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that reheated shrimp will not be as crispy as when freshly made.

Frequently asked questions