Air fryer Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn shrimp in air fryer is a delightful crispy shrimp appetiser that is a favourite of my family. Serve it with a dip of choice along with some salad and dinner is sorted.

Shrimp is a favorite in my home. It is a healthy and tasty seafood that is also done super quickly. Cooking shrimp in the air fryer has been delightful, as it turns out perfect every single time.

Actually I prefer doing shrimp in air fryer to cooking over stove top, as it is cooked consistently uniformly and delicious.

I also love butter garlic shrimp, Cajun shrimp, Tandoori shrimp, Air fryer Buffalo shrimp, Bacon wrapped shrimp, Tempura shrimp.

We’ve loved having popcorn shrimp when we eat outside. These crunchy replicas made at home without deep frying are just so amazing.You can never tell that they were not deep fried. Try it.

Ingredients

Shrimp: Large shrimp work best. I generally leave the tails on for better handling. But you can remove them too if you so like.

Breadcrumbs: For the crispy finish, breadcrumbs are essential. I use homemade ones made by whisking multi grain bread slices in my blender. Panko works well too.

Egg: Beaten eggs are used for dipping shrimp.

Flour: Seasoned flour is used for coating the shrimp as a part of its breading.

Seasonings: spices like garlic powder, pepper, cayenne or paprika and Italian seasoning are used to season the breadcrumbs.

Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for brushing the breading for a golden fried look after air frying.

Expert Tips

1. Use large shrimp. If you are using jumbo or medium shrimp, adjust the air frying time as per the size. 

2. You can check if the shrimp are done by using a meat thermometer. Their internal temperature must be 165F or above.

3. You can use Panko in place of regular breadcrumbs. 

4. Ensure that you use dry shrimp, so that the breading sticks well on them.

5. Season breadcrumbs well for flavourful popcorn shrimp.

6. For golden crunch, spraying or brushing the breading is important. This gives it a close to fried appearance.

7. You may use ready spice mixes like Cajun spice mix or fajita seasoning to season the breadcrumbs.

Instructions

Take peeled and deveined shrimp. Wash and pat them dry. You can leave the tail on or off as per choice. Now assemble the bowls for breading the shrimp. In one shallow bowl, take wholewheat flour or processed flour.

Break two eggs in another shallow bowl. Beat them lightly. In a third bowl, take breadcrumbs. Add all the seasonings you are using and mix well with the breadcrumbs.

Take the shrimp and add them to flour to coat well. Remove any excess flour. Remember you will not use the entire flour taken. Most of it will be discarded.

Dunk them in egg wash till the shrimp is coated on both sides.

Using one hand for adding in flour, dipping in egg wash and breading helps keep the other hand free to put on a plate.

Now take them out and place them in seasoned breadcrumbs. Flip both sides to make sure that the breading sticks to the shrimp well.

Air fryer Instructions

Preheat air fryer at 180C or 360F for 4 minutes. Spray/brush air fryer basket. Place breaded shrimp in air fryer basket making sure there is no overlap.

You will need to do 1 lb. shrimp in two batches. Air fry popcorn shrimp for about 6 minutes flipping them midway (after 3 minutes). Spray/brush each side with oil.

This helps in giving a golden fried-like appearance to the breaded shrimp. Adjust air frying time as per the size of shrimp used. If yours are larger, increase the time by 1-2 minutes.If they are smaller, slightly reduce the time by 1-2 minutes.

You may use a meat thermometer to check if the shrimp are done. They must reach an internal temperature of 165F or 74C.

Take out popcorn shrimp from air fryer and serve hot with dip of your choice. Enjoy!

Instructions for Air fry Frozen Popcorn Shrimp

Preheat air fryer at 390F or 200C for 4 minutes. Lay frozen popcorn shrimp from packet directly into air fryer basket without thawing. Make sure that they are not overlapping.

Now air fry at 390F or 200C for about 8-10 minutes depending upon the size of shrimp. Your shrimp will be crispy fried and done.

You can check the doneness of shrimp by using a meat thermometer and ensure that the internal temperature is 165F or 74C.Your frozen popcorn shrimp are done.

Here's the recipe card:

📖 Recipe Card

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