Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

Name: Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces shrimp (deveined, peeled, cleaned, thawed); 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1 tsp Old Bay; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (Kosher or sea salt is best); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup flour; 2 large eggs; Olive Oil spray

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Enjoy everyone's favorite crispy and crunchy breaded popcorn shrimp at home with minimal oil, thanks to the magic of the air fryer! This easy Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp recipe packs a punch of flavor with a delicious blend of spices and perfectly golden panko breadcrumbs

A platter of air fryer popcorn shrimp with dipping sauce.

I’ve always been a big fan of seafood, but convincing my kids to enjoy shrimp for dinner used to be quite a challenge. That’s where popcorn shrimp came in as the perfect compromise. Everyone loved these bite-sized, crispy morsels, especially when paired with a variety of dipping sauces. It quickly became a favorite in our household, turning shrimp nights into something we all looked forward to.

What I really love about this recipe is that it’s so much healthier than the popcorn shrimp you’d get at a restaurant or from the frozen aisle. By using the air fryer, I can achieve that amazing crunch with just a light spray of olive oil. The panko breadcrumbs add the perfect texture, making each bite satisfyingly crispy without all the excess oil.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make popcorn shrimp in the air fryer! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can whip up a batch of these delicious shrimp in no time and serve them as a perfect appetizer, a snack or pair them with some of our favorite sides for a full meal.

What are Popcorn Shrimp?

Popcorn shrimp are small, bite-sized pieces of shrimp that are coated in a seasoned breading and fried until crispy. The name "popcorn shrimp" comes from their small size and crunchy texture, resembling popcorn. They’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy shrimp and we've made this recipe a healthier choice by skipping the deep fryer and making air fryer popcorn shrimp.

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What are Popcorn Shrimp?
Ingredients
How to Make Popcorn Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Substitutions/ Variations
Equipment
Serving Suggestions
Storing and Reheating Popcorn Shrimp
Cooking Tips
FAQ
More Shrimp Recipes
RECIPE

Ingredients

Raw Shrimp - Small shrimp that have been peeled and deveined are the star of this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely so they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
Panko Bread Crumbs – Panko are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are coarser and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs but they shrimp won't be as crunchy.
Old Bay Seasoning – This classic blend of spices adds a savory and slightly spicy kick to the shrimp. You can substitute your favorite seasoning blend.
Paprika – Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a vibrant color to the breading. You can substitute smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Onion Powder – Provides a subtle onion flavor, adding depth to the seasoning mix.
Garlic Powder – Brings a rich, garlicky taste that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Salt – Kosher or sea salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ground Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of mild spiciness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
Flour – All-purpose flour helps the seasoning adhere to the shrimp and provides a base for the breading.
Eggs – Beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the panko breadcrumbs stick to the shrimp.
Olive Oil Spray – A light spray of olive oil helps the shrimp get golden and crispy in the air fryer without adding too much extra fat. You can omit the oil spray to make these even healthier but they might not be as crispy.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Popcorn Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together Old Bay seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix ½ of the seasoning with the cleaned, deveined shrimp then sprinkle with flour and toss to mix well.

Step 2: Add the remaining seasoning to the panko bread crumbs. Beat the eggs and now you should have 3 bowls: Seasoned shrimp with flour, Beaten eggs, and Seasoned panko bread crumbs. Dip shrimp in the egg mixture then in the panko mixture and reserve on a plate.

Step 3: Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer. Line the air fryer with parchment sheets if desired. Air fry popcorn shrimp for about 8 minutes flipping halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Serve the shrimp on a platter with several dipping sauces.

Hint: Air fryer sheets catch all of the loose panko crumbs and make cleanup a breeze.

Substitutions/ Variations

Gluten Free – Replace the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten free alternatives.
Use Chicken - If you have someone in your house that just won't eat shrimp, you can use the same recipe with small pieces of chicken. Cooking time could be a bit different.
Breadcrumbs – If you don't have panko you can use regular bread crumbs or even crushed corn flakes.
Seasonings – Replace the Old Bay Seasoning with your favorite blend of herbs and spices. Lemon pepper, cajun seasoning and Italian seasoning are all delicious alternatives.

Equipment

To make this delicious air fryer popcorn shrimp, you'll need an air fryer, which makes this recipe a healthier option by using minimal oil. It's important to cook the shrimp in a single layer to ensure they get crispy and evenly cooked, so either choose a large air fryer or be prepared to cook in batches. Additionally, using air fryer liners can make cleanup a breeze, saving you time and effort after enjoying your tasty shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Air frying popcorn shrimp makes a great snack or appetizer but they ofter serve as the main dish in my house. Pair the fried shrimp with a few of your favorite side dishes like Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad, a Classic House Salad, Easy Mexican Cabbage Slaw with Lime Dressing, Grilled Asparagus in Foil, or Sauteed Zucchini and Tomatoes. You can even pile them on tortillas for a crunchy version of everyone's favorite, Shrimp Tacos.

These shrimp aren't complete, though, without my favorite dipping sauce. Our favorites sauces to serve with shrimp include:

Storing and Reheating Popcorn Shrimp

Storing: Store leftover popcorn shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Place the shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated popcorn shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. For frozen shrimp, increase the time to 8-10 minutes.

Cooking Tips

If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better and cook evenly.
Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Mixing some of the spices into the shrimp and the rest into the panko breadcrumbs ensures a flavorful bite every time.
Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the shrimp in batches.
Use an olive oil spray to lightly coat the shrimp before cooking. This helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without adding much extra fat.
For even browning and crispiness, flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time.
Consider using air fryer liners or parchment paper with holes to make cleanup easier and prevent the shrimp from sticking to the basket.

FAQ

Can I make this with frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp is affordable and readily available. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it before continuing with the recipe. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

What size shrimp should I use?

I prefer to use medium, 16-20-count shrimp for this recipe. Look for shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. For smaller or large shrimp, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure the shrimp are dry before coating them. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the shrimp to ensure they adhere well.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Place the breaded shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

More Shrimp Recipes

Looking for more easy shrimp recipes like this one? Try these:

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