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

Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in under 20 minutes with almost no oil. The shrimp are crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. This recipe is perfect for those who want the taste of fried food without the grease and heaviness of traditional frying methods. The air fryer also reduces the mess and unhealthiness associated with deep frying.

How to prepare the shrimp before breading

Preparing the shrimp before breading is a crucial step in making breaded shrimp in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure that you are using raw shrimp. You can use any size shrimp you prefer, but the cooking time will vary depending on the size. Larger shrimp will take longer to cook, while smaller shrimp will cook faster. It is recommended to use large or extra-large shrimp, which are usually 26-30 shrimp per pound. You can also leave the tails on or remove them; this is a matter of personal preference. If you want to add some extra flavour during cooking, you can leave the tails on, but they might make the shrimp a bit more fiddly to eat.

Secondly, if you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by rinsing them in a colander with cold water for 2-3 minutes until they are completely defrosted. Once thawed, drain and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial as it ensures that the shrimp will cook evenly and helps the breading stick to the shrimp.

Finally, set up your breading station. You will need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with your desired seasonings. You can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. Season the flour with a seafood seasoning blend like Old Bay, salt, pepper, paprika, and/or garlic powder. In the second bowl, lightly beat some eggs. You will need about two large eggs for this step. The eggs act as a binder for the breading. In the third bowl, prepare your breadcrumbs. Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a superior crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can also be used. If desired, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

How to make the breading stick to the shrimp

The key to getting the breading to stick to the shrimp is to follow the correct process when preparing the shrimp for frying. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Set up your breading station: In one bowl, combine an egg with a small amount of water and stir until combined. In a second bowl, prepare the flour mixture by combining all-purpose flour with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to mix the ingredients. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs, such as Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs, which will give your shrimp an extra crispy texture.
• Prepare the shrimp: If your shrimp are raw, peel and devein them before starting the breading process. Removing the tail is optional, but it might be a good idea to keep it on for a prettier presentation or as a handle when eating.
• Dredge the shrimp: Take a shrimp and coat it evenly with the seasoned flour mixture. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, press the shrimp gently into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
• Set aside and repeat: Place the breaded shrimp on a piece of parchment paper or a non-stick surface. Continue the breading process with the remaining shrimp until they are all coated.
• Cook the shrimp: Depending on your preferred cooking method, you can either deep fry, air fry, or bake the shrimp. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F. Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly coat the tops with a non-stick cooking spray. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve: For the best experience, serve the breaded shrimp while they are still hot. They go well with various dipping sauces, such as spicy sriracha mayo, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce.

By following these steps and ensuring that the shrimp are properly coated with the flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, you will achieve a crispy and well-browned final product with the breading nicely stuck to the shrimp.

How to cook the shrimp in the air fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, set up your breading station using three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour, seasoning, and salt. You can use a pre-made seafood seasoning, or make your own with paprika, dried parsley, and black pepper. Add beaten eggs to the second bowl. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with more seasoning. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give the shrimp a superior crunch.

Now it's time to start breading the shrimp. First, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Then, working in batches, coat each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat each shrimp with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

Once all your shrimp are breaded, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in multiple batches. Lightly coat the tops of the shrimp with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Air fry the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. There's no need to flip them. Once they're done, serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to reheat the shrimp in the air fryer

To reheat breaded shrimp in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350-400°F. Then, place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-4 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check for doneness by slicing into one shrimp—it should be heated through and no longer cold in the centre.

If you're reheating a large batch of shrimp, it might be better to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F for at least 10 minutes. Then, place the shrimp on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. If you don't have a cooling rack, bake the shrimp on a baking sheet, turning them over halfway through to avoid the batter getting soggy.

What to serve with the shrimp

Now that you've made your breaded shrimp in an air fryer, you might be wondering what to serve with it. Here are some ideas to complement your crispy and juicy shrimp!

Dipping Sauces:

Shrimp pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces. You can go for a classic cocktail sauce, or get creative with spicy sriracha mayo, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, or a bang bang sauce. These sauces will add a tangy and creamy dimension to your shrimp dish.

Salads:

If you're looking for something fresh and healthy to balance out the fried shrimp, consider a side salad. A simple green salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing would be a great option. You could also try a Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, and a zesty dressing. For a tropical twist, an avocado mango salad will add a zippy and nutritious element to your meal.

Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables are a wonderful, healthy option to pair with your shrimp. Toss your favourite veggies in olive oil, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper, and cook them in the air fryer for a quick and tasty side dish. Grilled vegetables are also a great choice, especially on a warm, sunny day. You can grill up some corn on the cob, asparagus, or zucchini to accompany your shrimp.

Carbohydrates:

For a more filling option, you can serve your shrimp with buttered noodles, macaroni salad, or pesto pasta. If you're feeling indulgent, creamy garlic shells or cheesy scalloped potatoes will definitely satisfy your comfort food cravings! Sweet potato fries or regular French fries are also a perfect match for your breaded shrimp, offering a contrast of crispy textures.

Rice:

Rice dishes are another great option to serve with your shrimp. You can keep it simple with cilantro jasmine rice or Spanish rice, or try something more complex like Benihana fried rice or dirty rice.

With these ideas, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal to enjoy with your air-fried breaded shrimp!

Frequently asked questions