Enjoy a quick and healthy seafood treat with our Air Fryer Shrimp. Crispy and flavorful, these shrimps are coated in a simple Italian seasoning and panko mix, then air-fried to golden perfection, a delightful alternative to traditional Fried Shrimp.
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Ready in just 30 minutes, they're perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner. Plus, with options to customize, this dish can be tailored to your taste. Dive into the ease and deliciousness of Air Fryer Shrimp!
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, easily found at any grocery store. Let's explore what you'll need.
Ingredients for Marination:
- Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp offers a tender, juicy bite, while frozen is convenient and equally tasty once brought to room temperature before marinating.
- Basic Seasoning Spices: Onion, garlic, ginger, pepper powder, and salt are used. These spices infuse the shrimp with rich, aromatic flavors. You can customize these spices to suit your palate.
- Chili Sauce: Adds a deliciously tangy and spicy dimension, enhancing the overall taste and bringing a subtle heat to the shrimp.
- Egg White: Essential for a light, crisp coating. It helps the breading mixture adhere to the shrimp, ensuring a crunchy texture. While this recipe uses egg whites for a lighter coat, including the yolk can enrich the marinade.
Ingredients for Breading:
- All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch: These form the base of the outer coating, sealing in the seasonings and ensuring a well-bound crust.
- Panko Breadcrumb: Chosen for its ability to create a crispy and crunchy outer layer. As an alternative, unsweetened coconut flakes can be used for a similar texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
- Spice Powders: A combination of chili powder and mixed Italian herbs is used to add a flavorful depth to the flour mixture, infusing each bite with warmth and aromatic herbs.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp?
Begin your journey to making the perfect Air Fryer Shrimp with our straightforward guide, complete with step-by-step photos and video. From marinating to air frying, each step is crafted to ensure your shrimp are irresistibly crispy and flavorful.
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Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
For Marinating Shrimp
- 2 lb Shrimp
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Ginger Powder
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder
- Salt, as needed
- 3 tbsp Chili Sauce
- 2 Egg White
For Breading
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ¾ cup Panko Bread Crumb
- ½ cup Cornstarch
- ½ tsp Italian Herbs, mixed
- ½ tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
Other Ingredients
- Oil, to spray shrimp
Instructions
Marinating and Breading Shrimp
- Combine shrimp, onion, garlic, ginger, pepper powder, salt, chili sauce, and egg whites in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the shrimp are well-coated with the marinade. Set aside for later use.
- In a separate tray, blend together all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, chili powder, salt, and dried Italian mixed herbs. Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Gently place each marinated shrimp into the breading mixture. Coat them evenly, ensuring a complete covering of the breading mix. Your shrimp are now ready for air frying.
Air Frying the Shrimp
- To prevent sticking, lightly oil spray the air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 400° F for approximately 5 minutes. Note that the preheating time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer.
- Once preheated, open the air fryer and carefully place the breaded shrimp in a single layer within the basket. Ensure that each shrimp receives an even spray of oil.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 400° F and begin the cooking process. The initial cooking time is 4 minutes. Note that the total cooking time is 8 minutes.
- At the halfway mark (around 4 minutes), pause the air fryer, open the basket, and flip the shrimp. If needed, apply a light spray of oil to the flipped side.
- Resume air frying and allow the shrimp to cook for the remaining 4 minutes.
- When the air fryer timer beeps, open the basket. Your delectable and crispy Air Fried Shrimp are now ready to be served and savored. Enjoy!
Serving
- Enjoy these Air Fried Shrimp by pairing them with your favorite sides and sauces. For a variety of delightful serving suggestions, refer to the Serving Suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Before Cooking Tips:
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Before marinating, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade and breading adhere better, leading to a crisper finish.
- Breading-Free Option: You can also opt for a breading-free version. Simply season the shrimp and air-fry them directly. For seasoning ideas, consider the flavors used in grilled salmon recipes, which complement shrimp well.
- Shrimp Size Matters: Use medium to large-sized shrimp for best results. Larger shrimp not only provide a better texture but also hold up well during the air frying process.
- Uniformity for Even Cooking: Ensure your shrimp are of uniform size for even cooking. If the sizes vary significantly, smaller shrimp may overcook while larger ones remain undercooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy outcome.
- Prevent Chalky Flour Layer: Ensure the shrimp are thoroughly sprayed with oil to avoid a chalky flour appearance. A double coating of oil spray prior to air frying helps achieve a perfectly crispy, crunchy, and golden brown finish.
Cooking and Serving Tips:
- Checking Shrimp Doneness: Shrimp cook rapidly, for optimal safety and desired texture, use a thermometer to check their internal temperature, aiming for at least 145° F (63° C) as recommended by the FDA. Adjust the cooking temperature to suit your taste while ensuring safety.
- Experiment with Marinades: For variety, try brushing the shrimp with shrimp marinade, garlic butter sauce or kung pao sauce. These alternatives offer exciting flavor twists.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Different Air Fryers: Cooking times may vary based on the model and size of your air fryer. Keep an eye on your shrimp the first time you try the recipe to determine the perfect cooking time for your appliance.
- Enjoy Air Fryer Shrimp Fresh: To experience the full juiciness and crispiness of Air Fryer Shrimp, it's best to eat them immediately after cooking. Reheating or air frying them again can result in overcooking, which may reduce their delightful texture.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore our diverse selection of air fryer recipes and shrimp recipes. From succulent shrimp appetizers to main courses, each recipe showcases the versatility and flavor of shrimp, ensuring there's something delightful for every occasion, whether it's a quick weekday meal or a special gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Discover the perfect pairings for your Air Fried Shrimp with these serving suggestions. From refreshing dips to hearty sides, find the ideal accompaniments to enhance this crispy, delightful seafood dish.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, mayo, or a sweet chili sauce. These add a burst of flavor and allow for personalization with each bite.
- Fresh Lemon Wedges: Serving with lemon wedges adds a refreshing zest. A squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the shrimp's flavor.
- Vegetable Sides: Pair with light and healthy sides like steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad to balance the meal.
- Grain Accompaniments: Serve over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside a portion of buttery garlic bread for a more filling option.
- Pasta Dishes: Combine with pasta dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio or a creamy Alfredo pasta for a heartier meal.
- Tacos or Wraps: Incorporate them into tacos or wraps with fresh vegetables, a sprinkle of cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for a fun, casual meal.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and a dash of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
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