These Air Fryer Shrimp are deliciously crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, and take just 10 minutes to cook. They're easy to make, coated with seasoned panko for a flavorful crunch, and cleanup is a breeze! Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend appetizers.
Table of contents
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
I love my air fryer! If there was one appliance that I couldn't do without in my kitchen this would be it! It makes the best meals under the sun with little effort and even less time. Recipes like Air Fryer Salmon, Chicken Parmesan, Quesadillas, and even Meatballs can be on the table in less than 30.
This air fryer fried shrimp recipe results in the best fried shrimp I have ever had. And that's saying a lot! The panko coating gives the shrimp plenty of flavor and a ton of crispy texture while the shrimp remain moist and tender inside. When a main dish for a busy weeknight is needed quickly this recipe always comes to the rescue. Of course, these juicy air fryer shrimp are just as popular for game-time snacks and make easy appetizers too.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Quick - Just 20 minutes from prep to table, perfect for any night of the week.
- Easy - cleanup is a breeze, just wash the air fryer basket and done.
- Taste - crunchy, perfectly seasoned outside while the inside is moist and tender.
- No Oil Needed - these shrimp are healthier than deep frying shrimp yet have the same great taste!
This is one of my favorite ways to cook up delicious shrimp. And they can be served as is, in shrimp tacos, or tossed on a salad.
Ingredients
The following is a complete list of ingredients. This tasty air fryer shrimp recipe needs just a few simple ingredients for the best results.
Shrimp - Raw shrimp or frozen can be used. When considering what shrimp size to use, consider the cook time among other things. I like to use Jumbo Shrimp as they stay much moister and there is much less chance of overcooking. Extra Large would also work well. If using medium shrimp or large shrimp, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
Flour - use all-purpose flour, gluten-free flour, almond flour, or cornstarch. This ingredient creates a dry surface for moist food and helps bind the egg to the shrimp.
Seasoning - salt, black pepper, and garlic powder help add flavor.
Eggs - dipping the shrimp in whisked eggs will help the panko adhere to the shrimp and keep it where you want it
Panko Breadcrumbs - I use Italian herb-seasoned panko crumbs but plain panko with Italian seasoning added can also be used. These crumbs add both texture and crispness to the air-fried shrimp. You can substitute flavored bread crumbs for the panko but the panko crumbs will produce a lighter, flakier, crisper result.
Parmesan cheese - adds a cheesy flavor to the breading.
Oil Spray - I prefer avocado or olive oil but peanut or canola oils are also viable options. Spraying the top of the shrimp just before cooking will optimize browning and also help keep the panko crumbs from drying out.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Shrimp
These are the simple steps for making this easy air fryer shrimp recipe: Exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- Gather ingredients for this air fryer shrimp recipe - jumbo thawed shrimp, panko crumbs, flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. If using fresh shrimp, use cleaned, deveined shrimp. If using raw frozen shrimp, thaw first.
- Combine flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a wide-mouthed medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl or flat plate, mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
- In a third bowl, whisk eggs with a little water.
- Make an assembly line of all mixed ingredients. This is an easy way to help the process go smoothly. Have a plate standing by for the prepped breaded shrimp.
- Holding the shrimp by the tail, dredge well in seasoned flour.
- Now dip in the whisked eggs and coat well.
- Finally, place in the panko crumb-cheese mixture and pat to coat.
- Place on a plate.
- Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil then lay the breaded shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space in between the shrimp so they cook evenly.
- Air fry for 10 minutes (slightly less for smaller shrimp) or until tails have turned orangey-red and the breading is golden brown and crispy. DO NOT OVERCOOK!
Serve these delicious air fryer breaded shrimp with slices of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce. I love to serve mine with cocktail sauce but honey mustard, garlic aioli or an Asian dipping sauce are also fantastic. Enjoy!
How Do You Know Shrimp is Done?
It is easy to tell when the shrimp are done. They will turn a lovely pink color and the tails will turn red. If you can see the flesh through the coating it should be white.
It is important not to overcook shrimp as they will dry out and become rubbery.
Tips To Make The Perfect Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
- Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure that frozen shrimp has been thawed well and patted dry before prepping.
- Leave sufficient room between shrimp when placing them in the air fryer basket to allow each shrimp to cook properly. Never overcrowd an air fryer!
- Do not skip the egg wash! This step helps the panko breadcrumbs to adhere to the shrimp.
- Leave the tails on these shrimp unless tossing them into cooked pasta, rice, or grits dishes. This allows easier prep and easier eating.
- This recipe requires no flipping as the shrimp will brown on both sides. Bonus - the breading has no chance of falling off before serving.
Storing & Reheating Leftover Shrimp
Storing - Let cool then place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat - To reheat, just place in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 390 degrees. They do not reheat well in a microwave!
Freezing - I don't recommend freezing these as the crispy crust will get soggy.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
I love to serve these crispy shrimp with French fries and coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables. They also pair well with rice, pasta, or grits or as a topping on salad or filling for air fryer shrimp tacos. And never forget, they make an easy appetizer too!
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Rattlesnake Pasta - is an easy 30-minute weeknight dinner. A delicious combination of tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and cheese, tossed with cajun-spiced shrimp and served over pasta.
Cajun Shrimp Tacos - combines spicy grilled shrimp and cajun andouille with a little slaw, and a drizzle of remoulade for some of the best tacos this side of New Orleans.
Easy Grilled Shrimp - are marinated in cajun spices and a squeeze of lime, threaded on a skewer, and grilled. It's a healthy dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Spicy Confetti Shrimp from What A Girl Eats - is a colorful and flavorful dish of shrimp cooked in butter and Old Bay seasoning mixed with peppers, cabbage, onion, and basil.
Find more delicious seafood recipes on 2CM!
LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.
Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb. extra large shrimp deveined & peeled, leave tail on
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs whisked
- 1 cup panko
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- Avocado or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Set up an assembly line with 3 wide-mouthed bowls.
- In the first bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- In the second bowl, whisk eggs.
- In the third bowl, combine panko with grated parmesan cheese.
- Take shrimp and dredge in flour mixture then into eggs then into panko.
- Place in an air fryer basket that has been sprayed with oil. Make sure not to crowd. It may take 2 air fryer sessions to cook all shrimp.
- Spray top lightly with oil cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove and serve hot with cocktail sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been updated with more helpful information. It was first published on March 12, 2022.
