This irresistible Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp has a golden crust of panko and parmesan and you’d never guess that it’s completely oil-free.
Americans have a long history of enjoying fried food—it’s our quintessential stereotype, and honestly, it’s not entirely untrue. While the U.S. is a vast tapestry of regional cuisines, fried food certainly holds a place in that mix. After all, fried food is designed to taste delicious.
These days, when I’m craving something like fried shrimp, I turn to my air fryer. Most of the time, when I want fried food, it’s because I’m after that perfectly crispy texture.
I’ve been a fan of air fryer shrimp for a while, but this is my new favorite recipe. The flavorful, thick, and delicate breading browns just enough to give the shrimp that satisfying crunch that’s similar to its oil-laden counterpart. The secret lies in the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Trust me—you won’t even miss the 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 considerably healthier. Shrimp are naturally low in fat and high in antioxidants, B12, and phosphorous. This recipe is not gluten-free, but that’s easily remedied. You can swap the whole wheat flour for gluten-free all-purpose or almond flour, and then swap the panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free panko. Both alternatives are easy to find in most grocery stores.
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 achieve that crispy texture that used to require a lot 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.
How to Make Ahead and Store
You should always err on the side of caution with seafood. After you make the shrimp, it should stay good for up to 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 container for up to 3 months.
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 an Avocado and Pesto Salad. Or go crazy and make an air fryer smorgasbord of Buffalo Wings, Buffalo Cauliflower, and Onion Rings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp deveined and shelled with tails on
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Prepare your breading station with three bowls: whisk whole wheat flour, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in the first. In the second, place the whisked eggs. In the third, 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.
- 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 homemade cocktail sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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