The Ultimate Guide: How to Cook Perfect Breaded Shrimp in an Air Fryer (Easy Recipe + Tips!)

Hey there! I’m super excited to share my favorite way to make crispy breaded shrimp using an air fryer. After tons of testing (and eating!), I’ve perfected this recipe that gives you restaurant-quality results right at home. Let me show you exactly how to do it!

Why Cook Breaded Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

Before we dive in, here’s why the air fryer is your best friend for cooking breaded shrimp:

• Uses way less oil than deep frying
• Creates an amazingly crispy coating
• Cooks evenly and quickly (just 8-10 minutes!)
• No messy oil splatter to clean up
• Healthier than traditional frying

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• Cooking spray
• Seasonings:
  • 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)
  • ½ tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowls for breading
• Paper towels
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Shrimp

First things first, pat those shrimp dry with paper towels. Trust me, this helps the breading stick better!

2. Set Up Your Breading Station

Mix your seasoning ingredients in a gallon-sized plastic bag:

• Flour
• Old Bay seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Dried parsley
• Black pepper

Put beaten eggs in a separate shallow bowl.

3. Bread the Shrimp

1. Toss shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture
2. Dip in beaten eggs
3. Back into the flour mixture for a final coat

4. Air Fry Time!

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
2. Place breaded shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!)
3. Spray lightly with cooking spray
4. Cook for 4 minutes
5. Flip shrimp and spray any dry spots
6. Cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

After making this recipe like a gazillion times. here are some tricks I’ve learned

• Keep the tails on! They make perfect little handles
• Don’t stack the shrimp – use a single layer only
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking
• Check for doneness at 7 minutes (internal temp should be 145°F)

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I love serving these crispy bites

Dipping Sauces:

• Cocktail sauce
• Tartar sauce
• Sweet chili sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Lemon butter

Side Dishes:

• French fries
• Coleslaw
• Rice pilaf
• Garden salad
• Roasted vegetables

Common Questions I Get Asked

Q: Can I use frozen breaded shrimp?
A: Yep! Cook at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q How do I store leftovers?A Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F

Q: Can I skip the egg wash?
A: Nope, it helps the breading stick. Trust me on this one!

Troubleshooting Tips

If your shrimp aren’t turning out perfect, here’s what might be wrong:

Well, there ya have it! My complete guide to making the most amazing air fryer breaded shrimp. I’d love to hear how yours turn out – drop me a comment below! And don’t forget to save this recipe for later – you’re gonna want to make these again and again!

Happy air frying!

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and shrimp size. Always check for doneness before serving.