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Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Recipe - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

I often explore healthier cooking methods. When I got my hands on an air fryer, I immediately thought of shrimp. After all, who doesn’t love succulent shrimp coated in a crunchy exterior?
This dish is a game-changer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve a delectable meal that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also keeps things healthier than traditional frying. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 164
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, with tails intact
  • ½ cup plain all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seafood spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ tablespoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
  1. Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that any excess moisture is removed, helping the coating stick better.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations
  1. In one bowl, place the flour. In another, pour the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, mix the Cajun spice blend, lemon zest, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This assembly line will make coating the shrimp seamless.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
  1. Take each shrimp and first dip it into the flour, ensuring a light coating. Shake off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, roll it in the spice mixture, press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this with all the shrimp.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
  1. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Step 5: Spray the Frying Rack
  1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This will help the shrimp not to stick and keep cleanup easy.
Step 6: Air Fry the Shrimp
  1. Arrange the coated shrimp in the basket. Be sure to leave some space between them, making sure they aren't overcrowded. This allows the air to circulate properly, promoting that coveted crunch.
Step 7: Cook the Shrimp
  1. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes. Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are golden brown and crispy.
  2. When the shrimp are done, they should be nicely browned and have an internal temperature of 120°F.

Notes

Here are some handy tips to get the most out of your Air Fryer Fried Shrimp:
  • Pace Yourself: If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches. Overcrowding will prevent proper cooking and crispiness.
  • Experiment with Seasoning: You can swap the Cajun spice for other seasonings like Italian seasoning or a simple lemon pepper mix.
  • Quality Matters: Always choose fresh, high-quality shrimp. The better the shrimp, the better the dish will taste.
  • Leftovers? If you have any shrimp left, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This will retain their crispiness.
Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces—tartar, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy mayo for some extra zing.