This air fryer fried shrimp recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying. The shrimp are coated in a light breading and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior without the excess oil.
It’s a quick and easy dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful meal.
Overview of Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
This dish presents a delightful twist on traditional fried shrimp, offering a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer method allows for a crispy texture that rivals deep-frying, all while using significantly less oil.
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these shrimp can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. Pair them with a zesty dipping sauce to elevate the experience.
Preparation and Cooking Time
One of the appealing aspects of this recipe is its efficiency. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of around 10 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in under half an hour.
This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, ensuring that you can serve up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Success
The key to achieving that perfect crunch lies in the ingredients. Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, form the base of this dish. A combination of breadcrumbs, flour, and eggs creates a light yet crispy coating.
Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor, making each bite a savory delight. Don’t forget the cooking spray, which helps achieve that golden brown finish in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Breading Process
Setting up a breading station is essential for this recipe. Start by preparing three bowls: one for flour, another for beaten eggs, and a third for the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
Each shrimp should be dipped in the flour first, followed by the egg, and finally coated with the breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well, which will contribute to the crispy texture once cooked.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Setting it to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and achieve that desired crispiness.
Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving them enough space to cook properly. A light spray of cooking oil will help them brown beautifully. Cooking for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, will yield perfectly cooked shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Once the shrimp are golden and crispy, they are ready to be served. A simple garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Pair the shrimp with a small bowl of tangy cocktail sauce for dipping. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also makes for an appealing presentation on a rustic wooden table.
Healthy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Recipe
This recipe features succulent shrimp coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, cooked in an air fryer for a crispy texture. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 10 minutes, making it a fast and delicious option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g