An instant classic, these homemade air fryer popcorn shrimp are crispy and crunchy without the use of a lot of oil!
In all honesty I never liked shrimp. I actually never really liked fish and seafood except for fish sticks. Some of this is due to exposure, we didn’t have a lot of fish/seafood growing up. Some of it is the fear of the unknown. But what I can say, in recent years, I’ve been more open to trying it; I now love white fish, I like salmon and I’m learning to get over the texture of shrimp (whereas for some reason I love oysters – go figure!).
The reason I’ve decided to get over shrimp is because it’s incredibly quick to thaw and cook. I now firmly believe that having a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer is the solution to any weeknight meal.
Why I love Air Fryer POpcorn Shrimp?
How often do you see baked not fried or oven fried and think I have to try it and then get a tad disappointed once you do? That’s what I thought. Now, there really is no substitution to a good old deep fry, but these air fryer popcorn shrimp definitely come very close. They are crispy and crunchy, easy and quick to make and are gluten free!!!
I tell you, I’ve made the exact same recipe with breadcrumbs and the shrimp were subpar – the secret is really in using cornmeal!
Recipe Notes
Pat the shrimp dry. The egg and cornmeal will stick and form a more crispy-crunchy crust if the shrimp are patted dry before coating. Extra moisture (not coming from the egg) can cause the coating to be a bit soggy.
Spray the air fryer bin and the top of the shrimp with oil. Before becoming an air fryer owner I never had a use for oil spray. However, with an air fryer, it becomes a very handy tool! By spraying the heated basket with a little oil you ensure the shrimp don’t stick; and by spraying the tops you ensure even browning.
Good for two or four. It says it serves two people and it does, if the shrimp are a part of the main course (think crispy shrimp as a replacement for croutons in a salad!). Yet they also can be a great appetizer for four people!
Hope you enjoy!
AIR FRYER POPCORN SHRIMP
An instant classic, these homemade air fryer popcorn shrimp are crispy and crunchy without the use of a lot of oil!
INGREDIENTS
- 20-24 frozen medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on (I like using 31-40)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup cornmeal
- ½ tsp. salt
- oil spray
INSTRUCTIONS
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Place frozen shrimp in a large colander and run cold water over them until thawed about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry.
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In a small bowl good for dipping beat the egg. And in another small bowl mix together the cornmeal and salt (you can even through in some spices here!).
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Heat the air fryer to 360°F.
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Working one at a time, dip each shrimp into the egg batter and then into the cornmeal making sure the cornmeal creates an even coat. Place on a wire rack.
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Once heated, remove the basket from the air fryer, spray with oil and place the shrimp in the basket creating an even layer. Spray again with oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side. Serve with your favourite sauce!
RECIPE NOTES
Pat the shrimp dry. The egg and cornmeal will stick and form a more crispy-crunchy crust if the shrimp are patted dry before coating. Extra moisture (not coming from the egg) can cause the coating to be a bit soggy.
Spray the air fryer bin and the top of the shrimp with oil. Before becoming an air fryer owner I never had a use for oil spray. However, with an air fryer, it becomes a very handy tool! By spraying the heated basket with a little oil you ensure the shrimp don't stick; and by spraying the tops you ensure even browning.
Good for two or four. It says it serves two people and it does, if the shrimp are a part of the main course (think crispy shrimp as a replacement for croutons in a salad!). Yet they also can be a great appetizer for four people!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know! Tag @thebeaderchef on Instagram and tag it #thebeaderchef
Tools I Used to make air fryer popcorn shrimp
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