Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Recipe - Fantabulosity (2024)

These easy, crispy, and juicy air fryer shrimp are one of my favorite recipes and they’re even paired with an Old Bay co*cktail sauce recipe! You’re going to be surprised by how easy it is to get restaurant-quality fried shrimp from home!

Air fryer fried shrimp is delicious and one of my favorite ways to cook shrimp but my classic fried shrimp recipe will always be a staple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Since this air fryer shrimp recipe is quick and easy, it’s perfect for busy weeknights! I know how easy it is to forget to plan dinner… I would be lost without my air fryer and my air fryer recipes! Being able to make dinner in a flash helps me and my family avoid fast food.
• These crispy shrimp can be used in different recipes. Some examples are shrimp tacos, a shrimp salad, shrimp fried rice, or even topped on pasta! There are so many creative ways to enjoy these juicy shrimp.
• They’re healthier than traditional fried shrimp! Because these are fried in an air fryer, instead of oil, these shrimp are healthier than classic fried shrimp. If you’re looking for a healthy side dish, I would suggest roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, and/or air fryer asparagus.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1.5 – 2 lb bag Frozen Shrimp (Unthawed, XL, and Peeled)
• 2 cups Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• ½ tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
• ½ tablespoon Garlic Powder
• ½ tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups of Water

Step by Step Directions

1. Prepare shrimp: Make sure they are thawed, peeled, washed, and dried.
2. Preheat Air Fryer to 375 degrees.
3. Put the Panko Bread Crumbs in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl combine the flour, Old Bay, Garlic Powder, and Cornstarch.
5. Add the egg and water to the bowl.
6. Whisk until it’s all thoroughly combined. You should have a thick and wet batter.
7. Holding the shrimp by the tail, dip the shrimp individually into the beaten egg batter. Let any excess batter drip off into the bowl (Image 1).
8. Then dip the shrimp into the Panko bread crumbs. Covering every spot except for the tail (Image 2).
9. Place shrimp in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Shrimp should not touch in the basket of your air fryer (Image 3).
10. Place basket in Air Fryer. Close. Set time for about 6-8 minutes. Shrimp do not take long to cook.
11. When the coating is golden brown, that’s when they’re ready! (Image 4).
12. Repeat until you’ve cooked all shrimp.

Old Bay co*cktail Sauce

If you’re serving this air fryer fried shrimp as an appetizer, you have to have co*cktail sauce! If you’ve never made homemade co*cktail sauce before, you’re going to be surprised by how easy it is.

Dunking juicy shrimp or air fryer salmon patties into co*cktail sauce is one of my favorite things to do! Or the boom boom shrimp sauce would be delicious with this air-fried shrimp, too!

co*cktail Sauce Ingredients Checklist

• 1/4 Cup Ketchup
• 2 teaspoon Horseradish
• ¾ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
• ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika

co*cktail Sauce Directions

1. In a small bowl combine Ketchup, Horseradish, Old Bay Seasoning, Worcestershire, Lemon Juice, and Smoked Paprika.
2. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
3. Garnish with fresh Thyme if desired.
4. Store in the fridge covered and/or in an air-tight container.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

I like to use jumbo or extra-large shrimp because they shrink while cooking. Using bigger shrimp will ensure they are a decent size when they’re ready to eat. You can use a smaller size, but do note that the cooking time may be faster.

I find that it’s easier for me to use frozen shrimp and let it thaw rather than buying fresh shrimp. I only prefer that out of convenience and you can use fresh shrimp if desired. The important thing is that your shrimp are uncooked, peeled, with the tail on!

What Side Dishes for Shrimp

If you’re looking for easy side dishes that pair well with this shrimp recipe, you’ll love:

• Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Side Salad
• Air fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread

Expert Tips and FAQs

How to Keep Shrimp from Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket

Depending on what air fryer you use, you may have trouble with your shrimp sticking to the basket of the air fryer. To solve this problem, all you have to do is add a little bit of olive oil spray to the basket before cooking. This will help prevent your shrimp from sticking!

My husband and I love to use the air fryer for all kinds of easy recipes. Using the air fryer for a quick and easy dinner is not uncommon at our house! We love making Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer, Frozen chicken wings in the air fryer, and air fryer bratwursts!

Or, if you love shrimp, then you’re going to really love these baked potatoes with shrimp and Cajun sauce!

Or if copycat recipes are your things, don’t miss this shrimp on the barbie!

📖 Recipe

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