Air-Fried Shrimp: A Quick, Crispy, And Tasty Treat!

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, crunchy, and juicy fried shrimp with much less oil than traditional deep-frying methods. This healthier alternative is also easier and quicker, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. The key to getting that fried texture and taste without the oil is to coat the shrimp in a breading or seasoning mixture before placing them in the air fryer.

How to prepare shrimp for frying

Preparing shrimp for frying involves several steps, from cleaning to seasoning, and can be done in various ways depending on the desired result. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare shrimp for frying:

Cleaning and Deveining:

• Peel the shrimp, removing the outer shell. You can keep the last segment of the shell and the tail tip intact if desired.
• Devein the shrimp by using a skewer or a sharp knife. The vein runs along the back of the shrimp. Insert the tip of the skewer or knife sideways about 0.5 inches from the head and pull upwards to remove the vein. If the vein is broken, insert the tool again lower towards the tail.
• Rinse the shrimp under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Straightening the Shrimp (optional):

This step is optional but can be useful for certain dishes where a straight presentation is preferred, such as Japanese Tempura or Ebi Fry.

• Make a couple of slits on the underside of the shrimp.
• Hold the shrimp with both hands and bend it backward, belly-up, to straighten it out.
• Cut the tip of the shrimp tail.
• Remove any dirty water or liquid from the tail by squeezing it out.

Preparing the Shrimp for Frying:

• Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the breading or coating adhere better.
• Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can also marinate the shrimp in a mixture of oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and spices for more flavour.
• Prepare your breading or coating by combining flour, breadcrumbs, or cornstarch with seasonings in a shallow dish or plate. You can also use a combination of flour and cornstarch for a lighter coating.
• Dip the shrimp in an egg wash (beaten eggs) or milk mixture, then coat them in the breading or coating. For a double-dip method, dip the shrimp back into the egg wash and then into the breading again for a thicker coating.
• Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet or plate while you prepare the rest.

Your shrimp are now ready to be fried! You can fry them in a skillet with hot oil, or use an air fryer for a healthier option. Enjoy your delicious, crispy shrimp as an appetizer or main course.

How to make the breading stick

To make the breading stick to shrimp, you must first pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Removing moisture from the outside of the shrimp helps the breading adhere better. Next, you will need to set up a breading station. In one bowl, combine eggs with water or milk. In a second bowl, combine flour with seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, seafood seasoning, paprika, dried parsley, and dried oregano. In a third bowl, add breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will result in a crispier texture.

Once your breading station is set up, take a shrimp and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Then, coat the shrimp in the egg wash and gently press it into the crumb mixture. The flour and egg will act as glue, allowing the breading to stick to the shrimp. Set the shrimp aside on a piece of parchment paper or another non-stick surface, and continue with the remaining shrimp.

If you are using an air fryer, coat the shrimp with non-stick spray and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This will ensure that the hot air circulates adequately around the shrimp. For crispy shrimp, cook at around 390-400°F for 4-5 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through.

If you are deep-frying the shrimp, preheat oil in a deep frying appliance to 375°F. Slowly lower the breaded shrimp into the oil one at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for 1-3 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp, until they are golden brown and slightly curled.

By following these steps, you will ensure that the breading sticks to your shrimp, resulting in a delicious and crispy coating.

How to cook the shrimp in the air fryer

First, prepare your shrimp. If your shrimp is frozen, you will need to defrost it. You can do this by placing the shrimp in a colander and rinsing them in the sink with cold water for 2-3 minutes, or by placing them in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator overnight. If your shrimp is fresh, make sure it is peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for added flavour and to act as a handle, but this is up to you.

Next, prepare your breading station. You will need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with your chosen spices. In the second bowl, whisk eggs. In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs and any additional spices. You can season your shrimp with a variety of spices, including garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, seafood seasoning, and black pepper.

Now it is time to bread the shrimp. Using one hand, take a shrimp and coat it in the flour mixture, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Once all your shrimp are breaded, preheat your air fryer to between 385-400°F. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray.

Cook the shrimp for around 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check the shrimp after 5-6 minutes, and add an extra minute or two if needed. The shrimp are done when they are golden brown and opaque.

Enjoy your crispy, juicy, air-fried shrimp!

How to make a dipping sauce

While fried shrimp is delicious on its own, a good dipping sauce can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried shrimp:

Spicy Remoulade Sauce

This sauce is a top-ranked recipe that pairs perfectly with fried shrimp. It is a mayo-based sauce with a spicy kick and hints of cocktail sauce and tartar sauce. To make it, simply stir together the following ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Pickled jalapenos
• Whole grain mustard
• Ketchup
• Hot sauce
• Scallion

Louisiana-Style Remoulade

This creamy and perfectly spiced sauce is a riff on the classic Louisiana-style remoulade. It features a squeeze of fresh lemon juice that pairs perfectly with shrimp. To make this sauce, simply whisk together the following ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Stone-ground mustard
• Lemon juice
• Tabasco hot sauce
• Sweet paprika
• Garlic powder

Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce

This mouth-watering sauce is creamy, spicy, and tangy, all at the same time. It is super easy to make and only requires three ingredients: sour cream, hot sauce, and blue cheese crumbles.

Homemade Cocktail Sauce

This classic sauce is the perfect elegant appetizer for your dinner party. It is easy to make and only takes 5 minutes to prepare. Simply mix together some ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce.

Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

This multipurpose sauce adds sensational depth to any finger food, including shrimp, wontons, dumplings, or skewers. It is packed with flavor from soy sauce, ginger, scallions, and red pepper flakes.

Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce

This silky, spicy sauce is a copycat version of the Bonefish Grill namesake appetizer. It is creamy and spicy, with a touch of sweetness from the mayo and chili sauce. To make it, simply combine the following ingredients:

• Mayo
• Chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Lime juice

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature dipping sauce for your air-fried shrimp.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste and save money. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat fried shrimp cooked in an air fryer:

Storing:

Before storing your fried shrimp, it is important to let it cool down to room temperature. Storing hot food can cause condensation, which can make your shrimp soggy. Place the shrimp in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume the shrimp within 3 days to ensure optimal freshness and taste.

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

To reheat your fried shrimp in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the shrimp with oil, if desired. Heat the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Check on the shrimp regularly to avoid overcooking.

Reheating in an Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and put the shrimp on the rack. If you don't have a wire rack, you can use a preheated baking sheet. Bake the shrimp for about 5 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through. If using a baking sheet, turn the shrimp halfway through to avoid sogginess.

Reheating on a Stovetop:

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning them occasionally to crisp all sides. Alternatively, you can deep fry the shrimp, but this requires more oil and effort.

Reheating in a Microwave:

Place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave to 50% power and cook in short intervals of 10 seconds until the shrimp are heated through. Using full power or heating for too long can make the shrimp rubbery and chewy.

Tips:

• It is not recommended to reheat fried shrimp more than twice, as this can affect their taste and texture.
• When storing shrimp in the refrigerator, consume them within 3 days.
• If you want to freeze the shrimp, do so within 2 hours of cooking for optimal freshness.

Frequently asked questions