Easy Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp Recipe

Cooking breaded shrimp in an air fryer is a game-changer if you’re a lover of this seafood classic. The air fryer makes the cooking process super easy and guarantees that the shrimp come out perfectly crispy every time, all without the mess of deep frying.

Shrimp has always been my favorite seafood choice. I love it for its delicate flavor and tender texture. I adore how Breaded Shrimp in the Air fryer elevates this experience by adding a delightful crunch, making it a favorite at gatherings and parties. The combination of soft, juicy shrimp with a crispy outer layer is an irresistible treat for any meal or occasion.

Step-by-Step to Crispy Breaded Shrimp in Air Fryer

Gather your ingredients. You’ll need a fresh or frozen medium to large-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, but with the tails left on for easier handling—and let’s be honest—they look more appealing that way too! If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before proceeding with breading.

Panko breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, salt and pepper to taste, and your choice of seafood seasonings. I used two tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning. If you don’t have a pre-made shrimp seasoning on hand, you can craft your own by combining a teaspoon of each of these spices and then storing it in the glass jar: Salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cumin, Celery seed and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Prep the shrimp. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while setting the stage for our flavorful breading.

Prepare your breading station – a crucial part in achieving that mouthwatering crunch. Set up three shallow bowls: one filled with ¾ cup flour, another containing 2 large eggs whisked together with 2 tablespoons of buttermilk or half-and-half (the choice is yours!), and finally, a third bowl holding one cup of panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning. Panko breadcrumbs are particularly important here; their light, airy texture ensures maximum crispiness once cooked.

Coat your shrimp. Dredge each shrimp in flour until fully covered, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into your egg mixture. From there, transfer each coated shrimp into the panko breadcrumbs bowl, pressing gently so every inch is covered. Please see the picture below for reference.

Preheat. While you’re prepping your shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for three minutes. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Lightly spritz with non-stick cooking spray This allows hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring that every shrimp is perfectly crisp. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Your shrimp is ready when it’s golden brown and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions and Sauce Pairings

Prepare the dipping sauce: Get the dipping sauce ready while the shrimp cooks. For a quick tartar sauce, mix ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped pickles or sweet relish, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of Dijon or yellow mustard, and a pinch salt. 

Or you can whip up this healthy Avocado Cilantro Dipping sauce by blending avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt until it’s smooth and creamy.

Once the shrimp is done, serve it hot alongside your chosen dipping sauce. If you’re looking for extra bang-bang, try the shrimp with this Homemade Spicy Chipotle Mayo for a delicious kick that goes great with breaded shrimp. 

Salad. Serve your shrimp over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and complements the shrimp’s flavors perfectly. Alternatively, serve alongside a hearty pasta or rice dish for a more substantial dinner.

Don’t forget the sides! May I recommend Air Fryer Corn Ribs, Roasted Peppers and Onions, or a crisp coleslaw? They make wonderful complements to the rich flavors of breaded shrimp.

Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Step-by-Step Visual

 

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