Hey there fellow foodies! I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer lately, and I gotta tell you – making breaded shrimp in it is a total game-changer! Today, I’m gonna share my favorite recipe that’ll give you restaurant-quality crispy shrimp without all that greasy deep-frying mess.
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off – your choice!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works amazing for extra crunch!)
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (Old Bay is my go-to)
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce (if you like it spicy!)
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- 3 shallow bowls for breading station
- Cooking spray
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Shrimp
First things first, let’s get those shrimp ready:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- If frozen, make sure they’re completely thawed
- Remove shells (leave tails if you want a handle!)
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
Create your assembly line with 3 shallow bowls
Bowl 1: Flour + seasoningsBowl 2: Beaten eggs + milk + Tabasco (if using)Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs3. Bread Those Bad Boys
Here’s where the magic happens
- Dredge shrimp in seasoned flour
- Dip in egg mixture
- Coat with breadcrumbs
- Place on a plate while you finish the batch
4. Air Fryer Time!
Now for the cooking part:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
- Spray basket with cooking spray
- Place shrimp in a single layer (don’t crowd!)
- Give shrimp a light spray of cooking oil
- Cook for 5-7 minutes total
Pro Tips:
- Flip shrimp halfway through cooking
- Work in batches if needed
- Look for golden-brown color
- They’re done when they turn pink and opaque
Serving Suggestions
We love serving these crispy bites with:
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Spicy aioli
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Common Questions I Get
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yep! Just thaw completely and pat dry first.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
Q: Why aren’t my shrimp crispy enough?
A: Make sure to:
- Pat shrimp really dry before breading
- Don’t skip the cooking spray
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Cook at right temp (400°F)
The Results
Y’all, these shrimp come out SO good – crispy on the outside, perfectly tender inside. Plus, they’re way healthier than deep-fried versions since we’re using minimal oil. Each serving (about 6-7 shrimp) comes in around 200 calories!
I’ve made these for countless family gatherings and they’re always a hit. Even my picky nephew who “doesn’t like seafood” gobbles these up!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of these instructions in more detail?
How to Prepare Your Air Fryer
First, make sure your air fryer is clean and free of old food. Heat it up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. This preheating helps your frozen breaded shrimp cook fast, getting crispy on the outside without drying out the inside.
Also, line up the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This lets the air circulate evenly, ensuring they cook well.
Best Side Dishes to Pair
For a balanced and tasty meal, choose sides that match the flavors and textures of your shrimp. Here are some top choices:
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Light, fluffy, and fragrant, it pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- Roasted Asparagus – Provides a nice crunch and a slightly bitter contrast to the savory shrimp.
- Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch with a creamy bite.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A comforting side that works well with the crispy texture.
- Garden Salad – Light and healthy, it adds freshness to your plate.
Enhance your air fryer seafood with a variety of dipping sauces. These sauces can bring out nuanced flavors in the shrimp and make your meal more enjoyable:
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds a sweet and spicy kick.
- Cocktail Sauce – A classic pairing for shrimp, tangy and zesty.
- Sriracha Mayo – For a hint of heat and creaminess.
- Garlic Aioli – A smooth and savory option.
- Lemon Butter Sauce – Perfect for a rich, citrusy touch.