Fitness / March 8, 2024

Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp

You won’t miss the oil with this savory shrimp recipe.

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There’s no denying that America is obsessed with fried food. If I could, I’d eat fried food every day. Fish fries. French fries. Fried shrimp. I mean, come on—who wouldn’t? However, you can have too much of a bad thing. So when I’m craving some oily goodness, I like to use my air fryer to make succulent dishes like breaded shrimp. It’s not greasy, but it sure is tasty.

I’ve been a fan of air fryer shrimp for a while, but this is my new favorite. The flavorful, thick, and delicately crispy breading browns just enough to give the shrimp that satisfying crunch that’s similar to its greasier counterpart. The secret lies in the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. Trust me—you’re not going to miss all that oil.

Is Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp Healthy?

This recipe is completely devoid of oil, so when compared to deep fried shrimp, this air fryer alternative is definitely healthier. Shrimp is naturally low fat and high in antioxidants, B-12, and phosphorous. While I’d say this recipe is on the healthy side, it’s not gluten-free, but that’s easily remedied. You can substitute the panko bread crumbs with crushed cornflakes, which deliver a comparable crispy texture.

the almighty air fryer

The real star of this recipe isn’t the ingredients, though I think they’re fairly fabulous. It’s the air fryer. If you haven’t bought yourself one yet, please do. They come in all shapes, sizes, and prices, but the principle is the same. Air fryers use hot air to attain that crispy texture that once could only be achieved with lots of oil. Not only does this technique reduce the fat content, but it also saves you money. Oil isn’t cheap, and you need a lot for frying. Will your fries and fish taste exactly the same as the deep fried versions? No, but air fryers perform admirably enough for me that I don’t miss it.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. large shrimp deveined and shelled with tails on
1/4 cup whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs whisked
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil spray for a healthier option than nonstick spray

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Get your air fryer ready and set up your breading station with healthier alternatives like whole wheat flour and panko.

Coat

Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour, dip into eggs, then coat with a panko-Parmesan mix for that perfect crunch.

Cook

Air fry the shrimp until they’re irresistibly golden and crispy.

Enjoy

Serve these delightful shrimp hot and crispy for a satisfying meal or appetizer.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

You don’t want to mess with seafood. After you make the shrimp, it should stay good for 3 to 4 days. But keep it in the coldest corner of your fridge. You could also store it in your freezer in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll remain fresh for around 3 months.

Pat your shrimp Dry

When frying, patting your shrimp isn’t as big of a deal. But with an air fryer this is an important step. Removing excess moisture ensures the shrimp will get crispy and cook more evenly.

Do I have to keep the tail on the shrimp?

Feel free to remove the tail. It’s not necessary, but it does hold a certain aesthetic value.

Can I use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, but I would allow them to thaw in the fridge first. The batter mix won’t adhere to the shrimp if they’re frozen.

What other seasonings could I use?

Really, anything you’d like. Old Bay or some sort of lemon pepper seasoning is good.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer shrimp is the perfect appetizer. It just screams party food. You can dress it up, too, by serving it with seared ahi tuna or keep it simple and sprinkle the shrimp on a pesto salad. Or go crazy and make an air fryer smorgasbord of buffalo wings, buffalo cauliflower, and onion rings.

Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp

You won’t miss the oil with this savory shrimp recipe.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 15

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 250kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 lb. large shrimp deveined and shelled with tails on
1/4 cup whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs whisked
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil spray for a healthier option than nonstick spray

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
Prepare your breading station with three wide-mouthed bowls: In the first bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, place the whisked eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess then dip into the eggs. Finaly, coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, sprayed lightly with olive oil. Avoid overcrowding to ensure each shrimp gets crispy. You may need to cook them in batches.
Lightly mist the top of the shrimp with olive oil spray.
Air fry the shrimp for 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. There’s no need to flip them.
Serve the shrimp immediately while hot with a side of homemade cocktail sauce.