Air-Fried Shrimp: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to frying, eliminating the need for large pots of hot oil. This makes it a healthier option, requiring minimal oil to achieve the same crispy texture. A popular dish to cook in an air fryer is fried shrimp, which can be prepared in a variety of ways. The basic steps involve coating the shrimp in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then cooking them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This recipe is versatile, allowing for custom seasoning blends, and can be served with various dips and sides, making it a delicious and easy weeknight meal or party appetizer.

How to prepare shrimp for frying

Preparing shrimp for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare shrimp for frying:

Choose the Right Shrimp:

Select large or jumbo shrimp for frying. Smaller shrimp can overcook quickly, so opt for a larger size to allow for even cooking and browning of the breading.

Peel and Devein:

Remove the shells from the shrimp and use a small knife to make a shallow cut down the back of each shrimp to remove the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Season the Shrimp:

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and your desired spices. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to an hour. You can use a variety of spices such as garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to add flavour.

Prepare the Breading Station:

Set up three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with your choice of seasonings. You can use a combination of spices such as black pepper, kosher salt, and paprika. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, and the third bowl should have breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and additional spices.

Bread the Shrimp:

Using one hand, dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate or baking sheet while you bread the rest.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 385-400°F (196-204°C). It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer:

Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Lightly coat the shrimp with nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Fry the Shrimp:

Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes, depending on their size and your air fryer model. For even cooking, shake the basket or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process. The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and opaque.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prepare delicious, crispy fried shrimp that are perfect as an appetizer or a weeknight meal. Enjoy!

How to make the breading stick

Making the breading stick to your shrimp is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your breading adheres well and creates a delicious crispy coating.

Dry the Shrimp

Before you begin the breading process, it is important to pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the shrimp will help the breading stick better and result in a crunchier coating.

Use an Egg Wash

One of the most important steps in ensuring the breading sticks is to use an egg wash. Dip the shrimp into a beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl, before coating it with the breading. The egg acts as a glue, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp.

Use Buttermilk

In addition to the egg wash, you can also dip the shrimp in buttermilk before coating them with the breading. The buttermilk will help the batter stick to the shrimp and provide a thicker, crispier coating.

Breadcrumbs

The type of breadcrumbs you use can also impact how well the breading sticks. Panko breadcrumbs are larger flakes that don't pack together as tightly as regular breadcrumbs. This creates a lighter coating that fries up to be shatteringly crisp and stays that way for longer.

Seasoning

While not directly impacting how well the breading sticks, seasoning your flour or breadcrumb mixture will add flavour to your shrimp. You can use a variety of spices and herbs such as garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create a delicious, crispy coating.

Don't Overcrowd

When frying or air-frying your shrimp, be sure not to overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. Frying the shrimp in batches will ensure they cook evenly and help prevent the breading from falling off.

Re-Coat

If you find that your breading isn't sticking well, you can try double-coating your shrimp. After dipping in the egg wash and coating with breadcrumbs, repeat the process to create a thicker, more secure coating.

What temperature and how long to air fry shrimp

The temperature and duration for which you air fry shrimp depend on the size of the shrimp and the type of air fryer you are using.

If you are using a Phillips air fryer, it is recommended that you air fry large shrimp at 200C/400F for 7-8 minutes. If you are using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, one source recommends cooking large shrimp at 390 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes, while another suggests cooking at 400 degrees F for 5 to 6 minutes.

It is important to note that smaller shrimp may cook faster, so it is recommended to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, when cooking shrimp in an air fryer, it is best to cook them in a single layer and in batches to ensure even cooking.

What to serve with air fryer shrimp

There are many options for what to serve with air-fried shrimp, including:

• Tacos: Wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro and a creamy lime sauce. You can even season the shrimp with Latin spices, like chili powder and cumin, or make lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Bowls: Create a bowl with quinoa or rice, your choice of vegetables, and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice.
• Salads: Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for extra protein.
• Main Dish: Serve the shrimp with roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, carrots, or any other side.
• Tostadas: Layer a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and shrimp.
• Sandwiches: Try a shrimp sandwich or po'boy, with butter lettuce and tartar sauce.
• Rice Bowl: Add the shrimp to a bed of white or brown rice with toppings such as roasted veggies, beans, crunchy slaw, or avocado.
• Pasta: Add shrimp to pasta dishes for extra protein.
• Sides: Serve with potatoes, roasted veggies, or mac and cheese.
• Dips: Serve with a side of bang bang sauce, tartar sauce, or cilantro lime crema for an appetizer.

How to store leftover shrimp

Storing leftover shrimp is simple, but it must be done properly to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of the shrimp. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Refrigerating Leftover Shrimp:

• Allow the cooked shrimp to cool to room temperature. Do not leave it out for more than 1-2 hours after cooking, as shrimp is delicate and can spoil quickly.
• Place the shrimp into an airtight container or a heavy-duty storage bag. If using a container, wrap the shrimp tightly with plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
• Store the shrimp in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Refrigerated shrimp will stay fresh and safe to eat for 3-4 days.

Freezing Leftover Shrimp:

• Allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature if they are freshly cooked. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours to prevent bacteria growth.
• Place the shrimp into a heavy-duty freezer bag, or wrap them tightly in foil and then place them in an airtight container.
• Label and date the packaging.
• Frozen shrimp will maintain their quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. However, they will remain safe to eat indefinitely, although the flavour may deteriorate over time.

Reheating and Serving:

• You can reheat frozen shrimp directly from the freezer by placing them in a pan or adding them to a dish and heating them through.
• To recrisp shrimp, place them on a baking sheet in the oven or in the air fryer at 350°F.
• You can also reheat shrimp in the microwave by placing them in a microwavable dish, adding a splash of water, covering with plastic wrap, and microwaving on high for 1-2 minutes.
• Shrimp can be served warm or chilled, such as in a shrimp salad.

Frequently asked questions