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Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp makes the perfect bite size appetizer or snack. The shrimp cooks easily in the air fryer for the best crunchy texture.
Using the air fryer to cook and reheat meals has been a game changer for my family. The recipes always cook perfectly without a big mess. It cooks quick and easy which makes dinnertime a breeze.
My kids love shrimp and this popcorn shrimp recipe is one of their favorites. Other favorite shrimp recipes include Blackened Shrimp Tacos and Shrimp Yakisoba.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe
Popcorn shrimp cooks perfectly in the air fryer with the best crispy texture. The spices are simple and this appetizer cooks in less than 10 minutes.
You can also make these popcorn shrimp in the oven for another delicious variation. Serve these shrimp recipe in many different ways.
Ingredients
- Small Shrimp – We like to buy peeled, deveined, raw and thawed shrimp
- All Purpose Flour – Feel free to use almond flour
- Garlic Powder – See The Best Garlic Powder Substitute if you are out
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Use any type of bread crumbs
- Cooking Spray – We like using olive oil spray or avocado oil
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
You can easily change the seasoning to what you prefer to add flavor. Here are some delicious addition to this air fryer recipe.
- Lemon Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Old Bay Seasoning
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
Step 1 – Mix the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until the shrimp is ready.
Step 2 – Place the flour in 1 bowl, beat the eggs together in a separate bowl and combine the bread crumbs and seasoning together in a 3rd bowl.
Step 3 – Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip the shrimp in the egg mixture and then coat in the breadcrumbs mixture. Complete this process with the remaining shrimp in the shallow bowls.
Step 4 – Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may have to cook in batches). Cook for 4 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the shrimp and spray the other side with the cooking spray as well. Cook for 4 more minutes.
Expert Tips
- Frozen Popcorn Shrimp – If you use frozen shrimp, make sure that the shrimp is fully defrosted out and pat dry with paper towels before coating them.
- Air Fryer – Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, then set the air fryer to 390 degrees F and run for 5 minutes. If you are needing a new air fryer, here are The 5 Best Air Fryer Deals of June 2024.
- Single Layer – You may need to cook the breaded shrimp in batches as it is important to cook the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Breading – If you have excess breading, we recommend shake it off the shrimp before placing in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Popcorn shrimp can be served as an appetizer or a main dish recipe. We have served it over a green salad or made The Best Shrimp Tacos Recipe. Air Fry Popcorn Shrimp are even delicious served with Air Fryer French Fries Recipe and your favorite dipping sauce.
We usually serve with cocktail sauce and Homemade Ranch Dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your shrimp. The shrimp will need to be flipped during cooking time. But our shrimp took about 7-8 minutes.
Before dipping the shrimp in the egg, flour and bread crumbs make sure the shrimp are completely dry. This helps to keep the breading from falling off.
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Yes, you can freeze popcorn shrimp once it has cooled to room temperature. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
We like to reheat in the air fryer to create the crispy texture again. It will only take a few minutes to reheat.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Easy Seafood
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Easy Grilling
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Quick and Easy Air Fryer
Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
We love to hear from you. If you make Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb Small Shrimp peeled, deveined, raw and thawed
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 2 Large Eggs
- Cooking Spray
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Horseradish Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
Instructions
- Mix the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until the shrimp is ready.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, then set the air fryer to 390 degrees F and run for 5 minutes.
- Place the flour in 1 bowl, beat the eggs together in a separate bowl and combine the bread crumbs and seasoning together in a 3rd bowl.
- Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip the shrimp in the eggs and then coat in the breadcrumbs mixture.
- Complete this process with the remaining shrimp.
- Spray the shrimp with the cooking spray.
- Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may have to cook in batches). Cook for 4 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Flip the shrimp and spray the other side with the cooking spray as well.
- Cook for 4 more minutes.
- Follow the same process until all the shrimp is cooked.
- Serve with the chilled sauce and enjoy!
This popcorn shrimp had the best crispy texture and amazing taste!