Air Fryer Shrimp With Comeback Sauce.

Equipment

• Air Fryer (Basket or Tray style)
• 3 Shallow Breading Bowls
• Small Mixing Bowl & Whisk
• Tongs
• Cooking Oil Spray (Avocado or Olive Oil)

Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, tails on or off
• ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• 2 Large Eggs: Beaten
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ tsp Kosher Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• High-Heat Cooking Spray

For the Southern Comeback Sauce

• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tbsp Chili Sauce (or Sriracha for extra kick)
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp Onion Powder
• ¼ tsp Hot Sauce
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Comeback Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, chili sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce until smooth.
2. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the shrimp to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels.
2. Set up three shallow bowls in a row: Bowl 1: Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs.
4. Bowl 3: Add the Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

1. Working in small batches, dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip into the beaten egg, allowing any surplus to drip back into the bowl.
3. Press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs to ensure an even, crunchy coating.

Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.
4. Lightly mist the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray to promote even browning.
5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes total , flipping the shrimp halfway through (at the 4-minute mark) and spraying lightly again.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Transfer the hot, crispy shrimp to a serving platter.
2. Serve immediately with chilled comeback sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh chopped parsley on top.

Nutrition

Calories: 345 kcal — · Protein: 26g 52% · Fat: 18g 23% · Carbohydrates: 20g 7% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 3g 15% · Fiber: 1g 4% · Sugar: 3g — · Sodium: 680mg 30%