Air Fryer Shrimp Cakes

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Food processor or knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Parchment paper or air fryer liner

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Cakes

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

• Olive oil spray

Optional Dipping Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Finely chop the shrimp using a knife or pulse a few times in a food processor. Avoid turning the shrimp into a paste. Small chunks create the best texture.
3. Place the chopped shrimp into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. Add the following to the bowl:
2. Breadcrumbs
3. Egg
4. Mayonnaise
5. Green onions
6. Parsley
7. Dijon mustard
8. Lemon juice
9. Garlic
10. Paprika
11. Old Bay seasoning
12. Salt and pepper
13. Mix gently until fully combined.
14. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Shrimp Cakes

1. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions.
2. Form each portion into round patties about ¾ inch thick.
3. Place the patties onto a plate or tray.

Step 4: Chill the Cakes

1. Refrigerate the shrimp cakes for 15 minutes.
2. Chilling helps the cakes firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy edges.

Step 6: Prepare for Air Frying

1. Lightly spray both sides of the shrimp cakes with olive oil spray.
2. Place the shrimp cakes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Avoid overcrowding the basket so air can circulate properly.
4. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 7: Air Fry the Shrimp Cakes

1. Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
2. Flip the shrimp cakes halfway through cooking for even browning.
3. The shrimp cakes should be golden brown and cooked through.
4. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 8: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. While the shrimp cakes cook, mix together:
2. Mayonnaise
3. Sriracha
4. Lemon juice
5. Serve alongside the warm shrimp cakes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the shrimp cakes immediately while hot and crispy.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or extra green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 220 · Protein: 20g · Fat: 10g · Carbohydrates: 10g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 1g · Sodium: 420mg