Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp

Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp is a quick, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried shrimp. With a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb coating and a light, crispy texture, these shrimp are cooked to perfection in the air fryer—no oil splatters or heavy frying required. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, an appetizer for a party, or a fun seafood dish, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and will satisfy any shrimp lover!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp offers the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy breading and tender shrimp without all the excess oil. The air fryer makes it super simple and quick, cutting down on cooking time while still delivering a satisfying, crispy texture. Plus, it’s a healthier option than traditional frying, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy shrimp in a lighter, less greasy way. You can also customize the breading with your favorite seasonings to make it as flavorful as you like.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, depending on preference)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the breading stick better and ensures they get crispy in the air fryer.

2. Set up the breading station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly. Then dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat with all the shrimp.

4. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

5. Air fry the shrimp: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. Spray the tops of the shrimp with a light coat of olive oil spray to help them crisp up.

6. Cook the shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy when done, with an internal temperature of 120°F (50°C).

7. Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon.

8. Enjoy: Enjoy your crispy, perfectly cooked shrimp!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

• Total Time: 18-20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.

• Lemon garlic: For a citrusy twist, add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture and serve the shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

• Herb-flavored: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for an herbaceous flavor.

• Coconut shrimp: Replace half of the breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical coconut shrimp variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to bring back their crispiness. You can also reheat in the oven at the same temperature.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp is a crispy, golden, and flavorful seafood dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. The air fryer makes this recipe a healthier alternative to deep-frying, while still delivering that satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or part of a seafood platter, these shrimp are sure to be a hit with everyone. With minimal ingredients and prep time, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, crispy meal in no time!