Get ready to transform your ordinary seafood dinner into a mouthwatering Southern culinary experience with these irresistible Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp! Imagine biting into perfectly crispy, golden-brown shrimp with a spicy kick that transports you straight to the heart of the Southern coastline. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, these air-fried shrimp prove that gourmet cooking can be simple and absolutely spectacular!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the breading adhere better.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until it is well mixed. This will be used to help the breading stick to the shrimp.
- Take each shrimp and dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Next, transfer the egg-coated shrimp to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the shrimp into the mixture to ensure they are thoroughly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess breading and place the breaded shrimp on a plate or tray.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack or paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the Southern-style breaded shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or remoulade, and enjoy!
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches for even, crispy results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to your breading mix.
- Serve immediately for the crunchiest texture and best taste.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most delicious results.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can adapt this recipe for oven baking at 425°F.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
