This air fryer shrimp recipe delivers perfectly crispy and flavorful shrimp in a fraction of the time compared to traditional frying. It’s a quick and healthy option for seafood lovers.
With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy this dish as an appetizer or main course, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or side.
Preparation of the Shrimp
Start by ensuring your shrimp are properly prepped. Pat them dry with paper towels to eliminate any excess moisture. This step is vital for achieving that desired crispy texture.
Once dried, set up your breading station. You will need three bowls: one for flour, another for beaten eggs, and the last for a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This organized setup will streamline the coating process.
Breading the Shrimp
Coating the shrimp is a straightforward process. Begin by dipping each shrimp into the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, transfer it to the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, roll the shrimp in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. This three-step process guarantees a crispy exterior once cooked.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This step is essential for achieving that perfect golden brown finish.
Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to promote browning. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They pair wonderfully with a small bowl of tangy cocktail sauce, which adds a delightful contrast to the crispy shrimp.
For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley and include lemon wedges on the side. The vibrant colors not only enhance the presentation but also provide a refreshing burst of flavor.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This dish serves four, making it an excellent option for gatherings or family meals. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, with 22 grams of protein and 6 grams of fat.
With minimal carbohydrates at 18 grams per serving, this recipe is a great choice for those looking for a lighter seafood option without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
The crispy air fryer shrimp is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with flavor. Its quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of crispy texture and flavorful seasoning creates a satisfying seafood experience that everyone will love.
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
This recipe features succulent shrimp seasoned and cooked in the air fryer until golden brown and crispy. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
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 oil for spraying
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first in flour, then in 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: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 18g