Air Fryer Fried Shrimp (Crunchy)

Air fryer fried shrimp are going to become one of your new favorites to make in your air fryer. The shrimp come out crispy on the outside and they stay juicy on the inside. The process of making them is also quick and simple.

Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

I am definitely excited to show you this recipe because this is one of the recipes that I think comes out as good being cooked in the air fryer as its restaurant versions.

Not only are they delicious but you can have this dish on the table in about 20 minutes total. A lot of shrimp can be fit in the air fryer basket making this a great dinner recipe for families as well.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp can be used as long as they are defrosted before hand. I defrosted the shrimp above in a bowl with water for about 20 minutes and dry them well before breading and cooking.

Even though I always would recommend using fresh shrimp I always use the Trader Joe’s wild Argentinian shrimp and this recipe comes out great every time. The shrimp are crunchy and juicy and not rubbery at all.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Shrimp

• Shrimp
• Panko Breadcrumbs (Seasoned or Plain)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Paprika
• Olive Oil
• Ranch Dressing, Tartar Sauce or Cocktail Sauce

Full Ingredients List and Directions in Recipe Card Below

How to Make Fried Shrimp in Air Fryer

I am going to walk you through making this recipe step-by-step. I will make this a quick and simple process and shortly you will be enjoying these fried shrimp made in your air fryer.

Don’t forget the condiments like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce or the way I like it which is ranch dressing. The shrimp are pretty much good with any dipping sauce to be honest.

Step 1 – Defrost the Shrimp

If you are using frozen shrimp you were going to want to defrost them in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes. You are going to want to make sure that they are completely defrosted before moving forward to the next step.

If you are using fresh shrimp of course you are going to need to make sure they are peeled and deveined. If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area their wild frozen shrimp are great for this recipe.

Step 2 – Breading the Shrimp

The next step is the process of breading the shrimp. This is an easy process. The best way to do this is by setting up what I call a “dredge station.” This is done by setting up an assembly line of the process in the order of flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.

Place each in a separate bowl. In the order of flour, egg wash and then breadcrumbs. I like my shrimp Panko breaded and that is what I used for this recipe.

Season the flour with some salt and black pepper and if using plain Panko breadcrumbs season them with some salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. If you want exact measurements they are in the recipe card below.

Beat the eggs and add a couple of tablespoons of water to thin it a bit. Once that is done we are ready to proceed.

Breading Process for the Shrimp

Make sure that the shrimp fairly dry. A bit damp is fine and we want the flour to stick to the shrimp well.

Coat the shrimp in flour and then give them a shake to get off the excess and then dip the shrimp into the egg wash. After the egg wash go right to the bread crumbs and coat them well. Repeat untill all the shrimp are coated and look like the image below.

It helps to have a piece of parchment paper or a plate nearby to place the breaded shrimp. When all the shrimp are complete I like to place them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or so. This makes the breading stick to the shrimp even better.

Step 3 – Cooking the Shrimp

Cooking the shrimp in the air fryer it’s a quick and easy process. Play your breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees for 5 minutes.

Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for two minutes. After 2 minutes open the air fryer and spray the shrimp with cooking spray or olive oil spray. I find the results are better if you let the shrimp cook for a couple minutes before spraying them with oil.

How Long to Cook Fried Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Cook the shrimp a few minutes more until they start to turn golden brown. Then flip the shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes longer. I find that in my air fryer for medium sized shrimp it takes 7 to 8 minutes total and the shrimp are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

If your shrimp are bigger or smaller adjust the time accordingly by 1 or 2 minutes total cooking time. Popcorn shrimp cook quicker.

The shrimp in the image below had a total cooking time of 8 minutes flipping them halfway through. These shrimp are fantastic. I think they are as good as deep frying.

Can I Reheat Shrimp in the Air Fryer?

Yes, shrimp can be reheated in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375° and reheat the shrimp into minute increments until they are hot. Of course shrimp are best served right after they’re cooked but they are also delicious reheated.

Frozen Fried Shrimp in Air Fryer?

Frozen fried shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer. Preheat air fryer to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit. Place frozen shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Shake basket and cook the shrimp for an additional 5 minutes.

Other Recipes For You to Enjoy

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Air Fryer Sausages
Air Fryer Meatballs
Oven Roasted Tri Tip

Kitchen Essentials and Items Used

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Tofu, Extra Firm, 14 Ounce
Low Sodium Shoyu Soy Sauce
COSORI Air Fryer Max XL
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart Pressure Cooker
Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven 7 in 1 with Rotisserie
Oil Spray Bottle Versatile Glass for Cooking, Baking, Roasting, Grilling
Air Fryer Liners Accessories 9 Inch 100pcs 
Killer Hogs Barbecue Rub

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