Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy, golden-brown shrimp that's not only incredibly delicious but also healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. Our Air Fried Popcorn Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that transforms a classic seafood favorite into a quick, crunchy, and irresistible dish that will have everyone at the table begging for more. With a secret breading technique and the magic of air frying, you'll create restaurant-quality shrimp in the comfort of your own kitchen in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they will crisp up properly in the air fryer.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the first coating layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl, creating a standard breading station with flour mixture, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the egg-coated shrimp in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere completely.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking and crispy texture.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Check shrimp for golden brown color and internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove shrimp from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.
Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness
- Create a proper breading station with separate bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary
- Shake the basket midway through cooking for even browning
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal shrimp temperature reaches 145°F
- Experiment with seasonings in your flour mixture for added flavor
- Serve immediately for the best texture and crunch
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
