Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy bite.

All-purpose flour: Used to create a base layer for the breading, helping the other coatings stick to the shrimp.

Eggs: Beaten to create a wet layer that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp.

Breadcrumbs: Provide the crispy outer coating that makes the shrimp crunchy and delicious.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the breading mixture.

Paprika: Gives a mild heat and a beautiful color to the shrimp.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the shrimp.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To achieve an extra crispy texture, try double-coating the shrimp. After the initial coating in the flour mixture, eggs, and breadcrumbs, dip the shrimp back into the eggs and then into the breadcrumbs again. This will create a thicker crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for shrimp.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch provides a lighter, crispier coating compared to all-purpose flour.

• eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp and adds a slight tangy flavor.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier, giving a better texture than regular breadcrumbs.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar depth of flavor and can be used in place of garlic powder.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and a similar color to the dish as paprika.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the taste of the shrimp.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar flavor profile but is slightly milder and less visually noticeable than black pepper.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the shrimp remains fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, freeze the shrimp. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they are firm.
• Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw beforehand.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the leftover popcorn shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the popcorn shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the popcorn shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the popcorn shrimp on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the popcorn shrimp on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warm and crispy.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the shrimp to a crispy perfection without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Needed for mixing the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Mixing bowl: Used for beating the eggs.

• Mixing bowl: Used to hold the breadcrumbs.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking process.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour and breadcrumbs.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for peeling and deveining the shrimp.

• Knife: Used to peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.

• Plate: Useful for holding the coated shrimp before placing them in the air fryer.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out flour, breadcrumbs, and spices ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a breading station: Set up a breading station with bowls of flour mixture, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs to make coating the shrimp faster.

Batch processing: Coat all the shrimp at once before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer while you prepare the shrimp to save cooking time.

Use parchment paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.