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You got here for Air Fried Popcorn Shrimp, so let’s get straight to the great half. These little guys are crispy on the skin, juicy within the center, and seasoned in a approach that makes you attain for an additional piece with out pondering. The breading sticks the way in which it ought to, the shrimp cook dinner evenly, and the entire batch comes collectively shortly.

Ingredient Notes + Variations
This recipe retains the ingredient checklist acquainted and balanced. Each bit performs a task in texture, colour, and taste, so the shrimp cook dinner evenly and keep crisp with out feeling heavy. Right here are some things to know:
- Small shrimp: Popcorn shrimp measurement means extra crunch in each chew and sooner cooking.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides mild, ethereal crunch that browns superbly.
- Plain breadcrumbs: Fills in gaps so the coating feels even, not patchy.
- Oil spray: Helps the coating crisp and switch golden within the air fryer.

Learn how to Make Air Fried Popcorn Shrimp
This recipe strikes quick, which is a part of the attraction. As soon as the shrimp are breaded, the air fryer does the remaining. For full recipe particulars, together with substances and measurements, see the printable recipe card down under.
Step 1: Preheat + Prep
Preheat the air fryer to 400° F. Pat the shrimp dry and season frivolously with salt and pepper so the coating sticks correctly.
Step 2: Construct the Breading Station
Set out three bowls. One with flour, one with overwhelmed eggs, and one with panko, plain breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper blended collectively.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dredge every shrimp in flour, dip into the eggs, then press gently into the breadcrumb combination so the coating sticks.



Step 4: Air Fry
Organize shrimp in a single layer, spray frivolously with oil, and cook dinner for six to eight minutes, flipping midway, till crisp and golden.




Ideas for Success
- Pat the shrimp very dry earlier than breading so the coating adheres evenly.
- Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the shrimp as a substitute of simply rolling them.
- Cook dinner in batches so sizzling air can flow into and crisp each piece.
- Flip midway for even colour and crunch on either side.
- Serve instantly for the most effective texture.

What to Serve with Air Fried Popcorn Shrimp
- Air fryer French Fries: Traditional and all the time welcome subsequent to crispy shrimp.
- Coleslaw: Provides crunch and freshness to steadiness the breading.
- Butter Rice: Easy base that soaks up sauces properly.
- Aspect salad: Retains the plate mild and colourful.
- Lemon wedges and Tartar Sauce – Spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, or garlic aioli could be nice too.
This air fried popcorn shrimp delivers crunch, taste, and velocity in a single recipe. It’s the type of dish folks seize straight from the basket and preserve coming again for. The printable recipe card is under! Have a beautiful day, buddies!

Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
These Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp come out golden, crunchy, and completely bite-sized because of a lightweight breadcrumb coating and a fast spin within the air fryer. They cook dinner quick, keep juicy inside, and hit that crispy snack-or-appetizer candy spot with out loads of effort.
Substances
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined small “popcorn” shrimp most well-liked
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 giant eggs overwhelmed
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- oil spray for coating
Directions
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Preheat the air fryer to 400° F.
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Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season frivolously with salt and pepper.
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Arrange a dredging station: Place flour in a single dish and overwhelmed eggs in one other. In third dish combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat shrimp first in flour, then dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumb combination. Press gently to assist crumbs stick.
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Organize shrimp in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Calmly spray with oil.
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Cook dinner for six–8 minutes, flipping midway, till golden and crispy.
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Serve sizzling with lemon wedges and dipping sauces similar to spicy mayo, cocktail sauce, or garlic aioli.
Notes
Storage Directions
Retailer leftover shrimp in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 2 days. Reheat within the air fryer at 375° F till warmed by way of and crisp once more. Freezing after cooking isn’t really useful because the breading softens, however you may freeze the breaded, raw shrimp and air fry straight from frozen, including 2 to three minutes to the cook dinner time.
Diet
Energy: 417kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 17gFats: 8gSaturated Fats: 2gPolyunsaturated Fats: 2gMonounsaturated Fats: 2gTrans Fats: 0.02gLdl cholesterol: 186mgSodium: 1071mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 765IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 142mgIron: 5mg
Variations
- Swap paprika for smoked paprika for deeper taste.
- Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb combination for additional savoriness.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free choice.
- End with lemon zest for a brilliant pop of taste.
Extra Recipes to Attempt
In the event you make this recipe, I might actually admire it in case you would give it a star ranking and depart your assessment within the feedback! If in case you have an image of your completed dish, publish it on Instagram utilizing the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
