Begin by thoroughly cleaning the shrimp. If they're not already peeled and deveined, do so now. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Mix the spices: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the shrimp and gently toss to ensure even coating.

Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, beat the egg. In the second dish, place the flour. In the third, add the breadcrumbs.

Dip each shrimp first in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.

As you bread each shrimp, place them on a clean plate or tray. Make sure they're not touching each other to prevent sticking.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with a teaspoon of oil. This will help prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they're not overcrowded or touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp.

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and the breading is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Repeat the process with any remaining shrimp.

Serve your crispy air fryer shrimp hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Enjoy your delicious, crispy shrimp that's healthier than deep-fried versions but just as tasty!