Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp

Equipment

• Air fryer (basket or oven style)
• Three shallow bowls or pie dishes for the standard breading station
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs for handling the shrimp

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Breading Station:

• 1 pound large shrimp (about 21 to 25 count per pound), peeled, deveined, with tails left on or removed (tails left on provide a nice handle)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour)
• 2 large eggs, beaten thoroughly
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (panko yields a much lighter, crunchier texture than standard breadcrumbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (tossed into the panko to help golden-brown the crust)

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

1. Begin by patting your peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is the secret weapon to ensuring your breading adheres tightly and crisps properly in the air fryer.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season the dried shrimp evenly with this spice blend, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Set up a classic three-step assembly line in shallow bowls or pie dishes:
2. Bowl 1: The all-purpose flour.
3. Bowl 2: The beaten large eggs.
4. Bowl 3: The panko breadcrumbs tossed with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil (this oil addition is crucial for achieving that classic fried golden color in the air fryer).

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

1. Working in small batches, take a seasoned shrimp by the tail, dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Finally, transfer the shrimp into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently so the crumbs adhere securely to all sides. Place the breaded shrimp on a clean plate or wire rack while you finish the remaining batch.

Step 4: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes so it is screaming hot when the shrimp go in.
2. Lightly mist the air fryer basket or tray with a non-aerosol cooking oil spray (avoid aerosol sprays containing propellants like propellants which can damage non-stick coatings).
3. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or touch. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding).

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

1. Lightly mist the tops of the shrimp with a quick spray of cooking oil to help them brown evenly.
2. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping the shrimp or gently shaking the basket halfway through at the 4-minute mark. Cook only until the breading is deeply golden-brown and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

1. Remove the crispy breaded shrimp from the air fryer immediately and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve piping hot with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo.

Nutrition

Calories: 245 kcal · Protein: 22 g · Fat: 7 g · Carbohydrates: 21 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 1.5 g · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 1 g · Sodium: 580 mg