Indulge in crispy and flavorful air fryer fried shrimp, a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, yet equally satisfyingly crunchy.
1 pound large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 cup panko breadcrumbs Nonstick cooking spray, for the shrimp
1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard 1 tablespoon ketchup 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Prepare Shrimp: Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp, making sure to leave the tails intact. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well during cooking.
Season Flour Mixture: Combine all-purpose flour, a bit of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika in a shallow basin. These ingredients give flavor and a faint smokiness to the shrimp.
Coat Shrimp with Flour: Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping and ensure a light, crispy texture after frying.
Dip in Beaten Eggs: After flouring the shrimp, dip them in beaten eggs. This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the shrimp, making them crispy when air-fried. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated in egg mixture for crunchiness.
Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Gently press panko breadcrumbs onto egg-coated shrimp. Air-frying with panko breadcrumbs produces light, crunchy results without much oil. For crunchy shrimp, cover them evenly with breadcrumbs.
Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Gently press panko breadcrumbs onto egg-coated shrimp. Air-frying with panko breadcrumbs produces light, crunchy results without much oil. For crunchy shrimp, cover them evenly with breadcrumbs.