Hey there! I’m super excited to share my favorite air fryer panko shrimp recipe with you today. After countless attempts and some epic fails (yes, I’ve had my share of overcooked shrimp!), I’ve finally nailed down the perfect cooking time and technique. Let’s dive right in!
The Quick Answer
For those in a hurry Cook panko shrimp in an air fryer at 390-400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. But wait! There’s more to getting that perfect crispy coating.
What You’ll Need
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Optional Seasonings (My Faves!):
- Garlic powder
- Ground ginger
- Sesame seeds
- Paprika
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels (super important!)
- Season with salt and pepper
- Pro tip: Keep tails on for easier handling
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
Create three shallow dishes:
- Flour + seasonings
- Beaten eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
3. Bread Your Shrimp
Follow this order:
- Dredge in flour
- Dip in egg
- Coat with panko (press gently to stick)
4. Air Frying Instructions
Temperature Guide:
- Preheat: 390-400°F
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes total
Cooking Time Based on Size:
| Shrimp Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Small (31/35 count) | 6-8 mins |
| Medium (26/30 count) | 8-10 mins |
| Large (21/25 count) | 10-12 mins |
| Extra Large (16/20) | 12-14 mins |
My Top Tips for Success
-
Don’t Skip Preheating!
- Give your air fryer 3-5 mins to heat up
- Trust me, this makes a huge difference
-
Space Matters
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Single layer only, pretty please!
-
The Flip Trick
- Flip shrimp halfway through
- Spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness
-
Check for Doneness
- Shrimp should be pink and opaque
- Internal temp should hit 120°F
Common Problems (And How I Fixed Them!)
Help! My Coating’s Falling Off
- Make sure shrimp are SUPER dry
- Press panko firmly when coating
- Don’t skip the flour step
Not Crispy Enough?
- Try spraying with oil before cooking
- Check if you’re overcrowding
- Maybe increase temp by 10°F
Serving Ideas
Dipping Sauces:
- Spicy mayo (my personal fave!)
- Sweet chili sauce
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
Side Dish Options:
- Asian slaw
- Steamed rice
- Roasted veggies
- Fresh salad
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheating: 350°F for 3-4 mins in air fryer
Final Thoughts
I gotta tell ya, air fryer panko shrimp has become my go-to weeknight dinner. It’s way healthier than deep frying, and honestly? I think it tastes even better! The key is getting that timing just right – not too long (tough shrimp alert!) but long enough for that gorgeous golden crust.
Remember, every air fryer’s a bit different, so don’t be afraid to adjust these times slightly. Keep an eye on your first batch, and you’ll get a feel for what works best in your machine.
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments! I’d love to hear how your shrimp turned out or help troubleshoot if needed. Happy air frying, everyone! ✨
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Main Menu (6/3 LAUNCH)
Cooking Technique: Air Frying
Yield: 20 Servings
- 20 jumbo prawns
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 beaten eggs
- 2 cups panko
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp oil
- Acevichado sauce
- Season the prawns with salt and pepper; then dredge in flour, dip in egg and finally coat with panko. Spray basket and breaded prawns with a little oil.
- On the Instant Vortex control panel, press Air Fry, then set time to 12 Minutes and temperature to 355ºF (180°C).
- Halfway through cooking time, spray or brush them with a bit of oil and turn them over.
- Carefully remove the prawns and serve with your sauce of choice.
Giulliana Zavaleta is a Peruvian chef and culinary influencer who showcases traditional Peruvian recipes with a modern twist. She has collaborated with Instant Pot, creating dishes like Carapulcra and Aguadito, and she actively participates in community initiatives such as cooking workshops with Banco de Alimentos Perú, helping underserved communities. Through her work, she promotes the richness of Peruvian cuisine while making it accessible to a global audience.
Air Fryer Panko Shrimp Recipe
FAQ
How long should shrimp be cooked in an air fryer?
Cook shrimp in the air fryer at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) until shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, about 8 minutes.Dec 4, 2024
How long to cook panko prawns in an air fryer?
On the Instant Vortex control panel, press Air Fry, then set time to 12 Minutes and temperature to 355ºF (180°C).
Can you use panko in an air fryer?
How long do you fry panko shrimp?
Dip each shrimp into flour mixture, then into egg, and finally into panko crumbs to coat. Fry a few shrimp at a time in the hot oil until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving.