This Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp recipe takes the classic favorite and transforms it into a healthier, air-fried version that’s just as crispy and flavorful as the original. Using just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can whip up a batch of these tasty popcorn shrimp in no time. Serve them up as a fun appetizer, snack, or even as part of a full meal.
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Why you will love this Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp Recipe
It’s quick and easy: I love Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp since it cooks must faster than in the oven, it takes less than 10 minutes
Crispy texture: Air frying gives the popcorn shrimp a crispy texture without the added oil of traditional frying methods.
Versatile: Popcorn shrimp can be served as a snack or appetizer, or used in salads or tacos for a full meal. I love Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp as it is super customisable, it can be paired with any dipping sauce of your choosing.
Healthier option: Air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier option.
It is lower in calories and high in protein- Shrimp in general is such a great protein source and is super low in calories. This + the air fryer method ensures that the end product is much lower in calories than it’s deep fried counterpart.
WHICH AIR FRYER DO I USE?
My air fryer is the Phillips Airfryer Essential. It is super affordable and does a great job.
Macros for Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
Per Serve (2):
Calories: 175
Carbs: 17
Protein: 16
Fat: 4
Ingredients & Substitutions
Raw Shrimp/Prawns- peeled and deveined
Flour- can substitute for cornstarch
Egg- Can substitute for an 2 egg whites to keep it higher in protein and lower in fat
Sweet Chilli Sauce- Adds flavour to the egg wash, optional
Sriracha- Adds flavour to the egg wash, optional
Panko Bread Crumbs- Can sub for normal bread crumbs
Paprika– for seasoning the flour, optional but highly recommended
Chilli Powder- for seasoning the flour, optional but highly recommended
Onion Powder– for seasoning the flour and panko, optional but highly recommended
Garlic Powder- for seasoning the flour and panko, optional but highly recommended
Ground White Pepper- for seasoning the flour and panko, can sub for normal ground black pepper
Salt- for seasoning the flour and panko, can sub for normal ground black pepper
Oil Spray- Optional
Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
- Preheat the air fryer: It’s important to preheat your air fryer to ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and have a crispy texture.
- Use a single layer: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure that they cook evenly and have a crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
- Spray the shrimp with cooking spray: Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray before cooking to ensure that they have a crispy texture.
- Flip Halfway: Flip the shrimp or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure that the shrimp cook evenly on all sides.
- Check for doneness: Use a food thermometer to check that the shrimp are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving. If you do not have a food thermometer check if the shrimp is opaque all the way through
- Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the popcorn shrimp immediately after cooking.
How to store Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp Popcorn is best eaten the day they are made. However if you want to store them as leftovers in the fridge:
Allow the shrimp to cool down to room temperature before storing. Store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 days.
Note: Cooked shrimp can develop a rubbery texture if they are reheated for too long, so it’s best to reheat them briefly. To reheat, place the shrimp in a preheated air fryer for a few minutes, in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
Ingredients
- 150 g raw prawns peeled and deveined. If using frozen raw prawns, let it defrost overnight
- 1 egg or 2 egg whites
- 1/2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce optional
- 1/2 tbsp srirracha optional
- 10 g all purpose flour
- 30 g panko bread crumbs may need 5-10g extra depending on the size of the prawns
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder optional
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper or black
- oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 180c or 350°F.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chilli powder, salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the egg with sweet chilli sauce and sriracha until well combined. Add the panko bread crumbs with some salt and pepper in a third bowl.
- Dip each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the shrimp in the panko bread crumbs, pressing them onto the shrimp to help them adhere.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the top of the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip the shrimp or shake the basket half way.
- Serve the popcorn shrimp hot with your favorite dipping sauce. I like to serve the popcorn shrimp with light mayonnaise mixed with sweet chilli sauce,
