air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe

I am obsessed with this air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe. It’s a game-changer for our family dinner nights and is perfect for any occasion. I’ve always loved cooking with shrimp, and the addition of popcorn seasoning takes it to a whole new level.

The combination of flavors and textures is amazing, and my kids just devour it. We’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.

Simply toss the shrimp with some oil, sprinkle with popcorn seasoning, and cook in the air fryer until golden brown. Serve with your favorite sides, like rice or vegetables, and you’ve got a delicious meal that everyone will love. I’ve even served it at family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a hit.

The health benefits of this recipe are also a big plus – the air fryer uses much less oil than traditional deep-frying methods, making it a guilt-free option for us. Plus, the shrimp is cooked to perfection without losing any of its delicate flavor or texture. This recipe has truly become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it!

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a snack. And let’s not forget about the flavors – the combination of savory shrimp, crunchy popcorn seasoning, and tangy seasonings is absolute perfection. It’s also incredibly easy to customize to your taste – add some diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor or try different seasonings to give it your own twist.

My family just loves helping me prepare this dish – they get so excited when they see the shrimp come out of the air fryer looking all golden brown and delicious.

Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

4.7 from 1858 votes

Crispy and golden popcorn shrimp cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, this appetizer is sure to be a hit.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk

For the Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix well.
3In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
5Coat each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally press into the panko mixture, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated.
6Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet.
7Place the coated shrimp in the preheated air fryer in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
8Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes.
9Then, flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
10The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
11Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
12While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce.
13In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
14Stir until well combined.
15Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
16Serve the popcorn shrimp hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Air fryer
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 250mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil before air frying. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated and not overcrowded in the air fryer for optimal results.

This air fryer popcorn shrimp recipe has become one of our go-to meals for any occasion – whether we’re hosting guests or just need something quick and easy for our family dinner night. And let’s not forget about all those wonderful health benefits!

With minimal oil usage compared to traditional deep-frying methods plus perfectly cooked seafood every time without losing its delicate flavor or texture… it really does make mealtime planning easier than ever before.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

Q: What is popcorn seasoning?

Popcorn seasoning is a blend of spices that typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and other seasonings that give food a smoky or savory flavor.

Q: Can I use regular shrimp instead of popcorn shrimp?

While you can use regular shrimp in place of popcorn shrimp, keep in mind that popcorn shrimp have already been peeled and deveined for you – so you’ll need to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: How do I know if my shrimp are cooked through?

The easiest way to check if your shrimp are cooked through is by using an instant-read meat thermometer – insert the probe into one of the larger pieces of shrimp until you reach its thickest part.

Q: Can I store leftover popcorn shrimp in the fridge?

Yes – store leftover popcorn shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How do I reheat leftover popcorn shrimp?

To reheat leftover popcorn shrimp, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

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