Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Get ready to elevate your shrimp game with this quick and tasty air fryer recipe thatโs both easy and delicious. In just a few minutes, youโll have perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful inside. Whether youโre making a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal, these air fryer shrimp are sure to impress. Theyโre versatile enough to be served on their own, in tacos, or tossed in a salad. Best of all, this recipe is fast, making it perfect for when you want a flavorful meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
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To make this shrimp dish, you’ll need 1 pound (450 g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with 2 minced garlic cloves, ยฝ teaspoon salt, and ยผ teaspoon black pepper. In separate bowls, prepare 1 large beaten egg, ยผ cup (30 g) of all-purpose flour, and ยฝ cup (40 g) of breadcrumbs. You’ll also need 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of oil for cooking.
Prepare Shrimp
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Clean the shrimp, peel, and devein if needed. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Mix Spices
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In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in the spice mixture for even coating.
Set Up Breading Station
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Prepare three shallow dishesโbeat an egg in the first dish, place flour in the second, and add breadcrumbs in the third.
Bread the Shrimp
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Dip each shrimp in the egg, coat it in flour, and then dredge it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Preheat Air Fryer
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Preheat your air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 3 minutes.
Arrange and Cook the Shrimp
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Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are pink, with golden brown breading.
Check Doneness
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Ensure the shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
Cool and Serve
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Remove shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
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Seasoning Swap: Feel free to experiment with your seasonings! While I used a simple blend of garlic, salt, and pepper, Old Bay seasoning offers a classic taste, Cajun spice adds a kick, and five-spice powder can give your dish an Asian-inspired twist.
Breading Options: Traditional breadcrumbs work well, but for extra crunch, try panko. If youโre looking for a gluten-free alternative, crushed pork rinds make a great substitute.
Dipping Sauce: Cocktail sauce is a classic choice, but you can mix it up with spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or tangy mango chutney for different flavor profiles.
Size Matters: Whether you choose large or medium shrimp, remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure perfectly cooked shrimp.
Naked Shrimp: For a lighter option, skip the breading and season the shrimp directly. This approach still packs plenty of flavor without the extra coating.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Shrimp
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- Pat ’em Dry: Ensure your shrimp are thoroughly dried before breading. This step helps the coating adhere better and enhances crispiness.
- Donโt Overcrowd: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain proper air circulation and achieve a crispy finish.
- Flip Halfway: To ensure even cooking and a crunchy exterior on all sides, flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process.
- Watch the Clock: Shrimp cooks quickly in the air fryer, so keep a close eye on the time to avoid overcooking and drying them out.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your shrimp hot and crispy right out of the air fryer. Make sure everything else is ready before you start cooking the shrimp.
