Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

This easy air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe is perfect for a quick snack, appetizer or serve with a few side dishes for dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Course: appetizer or entree
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 189kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces shrimp deveined, peeled, cleaned, thawed
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt Kosher or sea salt is best
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • Olive Oil spray

Instructions

  • Make sure shrimp are cleaned and deveined. Pat dry with paper towels and add to a medium size bowl.
  • In a small bowl, mix together Old Bay seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix ½ of the seasoning with the shrimp then sprinkle with flour and toss to mix well.
  • 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.
  • Preheat the air fryer(if necessary) to 400 degrees. Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture then in the breading and reserve on a plate.
  • Use air fryer sheets if desired and spray the basket or air fryer sheets lightly with olive oil. Place the shrimp in a single layer and lightly spray the top with oil. Cook for about 8 minutes, flipping once or until the shrimp are golden brown.
  • Repeat another batch or two to cook all shrimp if you have a smaller air fryer.
  • Serve the shrimp hot and with your favorite dipping sauce

Notes

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.
  • Cook the 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 184mg | Sodium: 454mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 181IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg