Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
These air-fryer shrimp are perfectly crispy and easy to make without the hassle of heating up a large pot of oil. Serve with our spicy remoulade, or substitute any of your favorite condiments for dipping.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer Minimum 3.5-quart capacity recommended.
- 3 Shallow Bowls For the flour, egg, and panko dredging stations.
- 1 Whisk For seasoning flour and beating eggs.
- 1 Paper Towels Essential for thoroughly drying the shrimp.
- 1 Large Plate or Rimmed Baking Sheet For holding breaded shrimp before frying.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound large shrimp 16/20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick cooking spray for the shrimp
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 scallion thinly sliced
Instructions
- For the fried shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry between a couple paper towels, then season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
- Whisk the flour with 3/4 teaspoon salt and few grinds of pepper in a shallow bowl or baking dish. Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt in another shallow bowl. Add the panko to a third shallow bowl. Dip a shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip in the beaten eggs. Dredge in the panko, turning until evenly coated. Transfer to a large plate or a rimmed baking sheet and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Preheat a 3.5 quart air fryer to 385 degrees F. Working in batches, place some of the shrimp in a single layer in the fryer basket, then spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- For the spicy remoulade sauce: Meanwhile, stir together the mayonnaise, pickled jalapenos, mustard, ketchup, hot sauce and scallion in a small bowl until smooth. Serve with the fried shrimp for dipping.
Notes
1. Ensure shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before breading; this is crucial for the coating to adhere properly and achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer. Any excess moisture can lead to a soggy exterior.2. When air frying, do not overcrowd the basket. Cook shrimp in single layers and in batches to allow for optimal air circulation, which ensures even cooking and a uniformly crispy crust. Overcrowding will steam the shrimp instead of frying them.3. For the spicy remoulade, finely chop the pickled jalapeños for a smoother sauce texture. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more balanced flavor.