Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp About 12 pieces. Peeled and deveined. With the tails on.
- 3/4 cup flour About 100 grams
- 2 large eggs Mixed with 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, half & half, or milk
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs.
- 2 Tablespoons Shrimp seasoning I used 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.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse 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.
- 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.
- 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 sauce by blending avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt until it's smooth and creamy.If you're looking for extra bang, try the shrimp with this Homemade Spicy Chipotle Mayo for a delicious kick that goes great with breaded shrimp.
Video
Notes
Leftovers
Store cooked breaded shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delectable morsels again, reheat for 5 minutes in your air fryer to a slightly lower temperature, around 350°F, allowing the shrimp to warm up without losing their crunch.Tips for Selecting the Best Shrimp
Choosing the right shrimp is crucial for achieving the best results in any shrimp dish. Here's how to make sure you're selecting top-quality shrimp for your air fryer recipe. Opt for raw shrimp over pre-cooked, as they cook more evenly and absorb flavors better during the breading process. Fresh shrimp is ideal if you can find it, but frozen shrimp works just as well, however it must be thawed. Size matters when it comes to shrimp. Medium to large shrimp are best for breading, as they provide a satisfying bite and hold their shape well during cooking. Check packaging labels or ask your fishmonger for guidance if you're unsure about sizing. Look for shrimp labeled as "peeled and deveined" to save time on preparation. However, if you prefer doing this yourself, ensure the shrimp is fresh and firm to the touch, with a mild scent. Avoid shrimp with a strong odor or slimy texture, as these are signs of spoilage.Nutrition
Serving: 1pieceCalories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 8gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 261mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!