Enjoy Air Fryer Shrimp, a crispy, juicy appetizer ready in 30 minutes. Marinated in simple seasonings and coated in a panko flour mix, these shrimps are air-fried to perfection, offering a healthier, delicious alternative for fried 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.
Notes
Here are some key tips for perfect Air Fryer Shrimp:
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.
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.