Crispy, golden, breaded shrimp hot out of the air fryer – yes please! This easy air fryer panko shrimp recipe produces deliciously crunchy shrimp in under 10 minutes without the mess and unhealthiness of deep frying.
Panko breadcrumbs provide the signature light and crispy texture that makes these shrimp impossible to stop eating. The combination of seasonings adds just the right amount of flavor to complement the shrimp.
This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps that anyone can tackle -no complicated cooking techniques required. You’ll be amazed that such gourmet-tasting shrimp came out of your air fryer and were ready in mere minutes.
So gather your family or get ready to impress guests with these crowd-pleasing crispy panko shrimp straight from your air fryer. Keep reading to get my tips for preparing perfect air fryer shrimp every time!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy And Quick Preparation: This breaded panko shrimp air fryer recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for those who are short on time or are new to cooking.
Healthier Alternative: By using the air fryer instead of deep frying, you’re significantly reducing the amount of oil and fat in the dish. This makes it a healthier option without sacrificing taste and texture.
Crowd Pleasing: The amazing combination of crispy panko breading, tender shrimp, and a flavorful seasoning blend creates a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
The texture of the panko crumbs provides a satisfying crunch that sets this recipe apart from other shrimp dishes.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make the air fried panko shrimp you will need:
- 1 pound (450g) Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1 Egg White
- pinch of Chicken Seasoning
- pinch of Salt
- pinch of Black Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Paprika (I used smoked paprika)
- Cooking Oil
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this recipe to make the perfect airfryer panko shrimp:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400F (200C). Then, place the shrimp in a bowl, add the seasonings, and mix well.
Step 2
Add the flour, panko crumbs, and egg whites to three different bowls.
Step 3
Dip the shrimp in the flour (coat it evenly), then lightly dab in the egg whites, and finally coat it with panko bread crumbs. Spray the shrimp with cooking oil.
Step 4
And now for the easy part. Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 4-5 minutes.
Open the basket, flip the shrimp, and cook for 4-5 more minutes. The shrimp should be crispy.
And… we are done! Enjoy this amazing air fryer panko shrimp recipe!
💡Tips
I like this airfryer panko shrimp recipe so much because it’s hard to mess up and it’s absolutely delicious.
You don’t need to be a chef to make this dish, it’s so simple. But, if you want to take it to the next level, here are a few tips:
1. Shrimp Size
Shrimp come in different sizes and sorts. I personally think that big shrimp taste better. They have a juicy texture and flavor. Big shrimp are not cheap, but for this recipe, it’s worth the money.
2. Panko Breadcrumbs
I used panko breadcrumbs because they give the best crispy texture to these air fryer panko shrimp.
You can also use plain breadcrumbs, or even crushed pork rinds (for a low carb version of this recipe).
It’s also important to mention that there are many brands of panko, and each one can have a slightly different texture and flavor. Experiment to find the one you like best!
3. Cooking Time
If you want your panko air fried shrimp extra crispy, increase the cooking time – but don’t overcook them.
There is nothing worse than having dry, rubbery shrimp. The panko coating does give them some “protection” and you have more room to play here.
4. Dipping Sauce
You can eat these air fryer panko shrimp without any sauce, they are so crispy and delicious! But if you want to add a little extra flavor, consider serving them with a dipping sauce.
You can also use store-bought sauces like sweet chili. Any dipping sauce will work, just pick your favorite!
5. Try Different Seasonings
Experiment with different seasonings. Instead of the chicken seasoning, you can try adding garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
6. Dry the Shrimp
Before seasoning and breading the shrimp, make sure they are thoroughly dried. Use paper toawels if needed.
Removing the moisture helps the seasoning stick better to the shrimp and prevents the breading from becoming soggy during the air frying process.
Variations
1. Cajun Panko Shrimp- Step it up a notch with some Louisiana flair! Mix Cajun seasoning into the flour for an extra zing. Dip the shrimp as directed, then sprinkle just a bit more Cajun seasoning onto the breaded shrimp before air frying.
2. Chili Lime Panko Shrimp– Mix chili powder and lime zest into the flour for coating. Really let those flavors soak in. Then bread and fry as directed. Squeeze lime juice over the finished shrimp. Enjoy with homemade guacamole and Spanish rice for a fab fiesta.
3. Everything Bagel Panko Shrimp– This brilliant mashup swaps plain panko for everything bagel-flavored. Mix in some dried minced onion too. Really coat those plump shrimp well! Fry up until ultra crispy. Then top with a schmear of chive-spiked cream cheese. So savory and craveable!
4. Beer Batter Panko Shrimp– Frying shrimp in beer batter is divine enough, but then we go and add panko to the mix! Pour your favorite brew into the flour (enough to thin it out but still coat).
Then dip and dredge per usual. The panko soaks up all that hoppy goodness! Fry your shrimp up hot and fast. Serve in a paper boat alongside fried pickles and chippies for a perfect bar bite.
Keto / Low Carb Version
To make this recipe keto-friendly and low in carbs, there are a few simple substitutions to make:
Instead of all-purpose flour, use almond flour or coconut flour. They have much fewer net carbs.
Substitute panko bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for the breading. Pork rinds give a nice crunch without the carbs.
For even fewer carbs, you can skip breading the shrimp entirely. Simply season them with the spices and air fry. They’ll still come out delicious.
Follow those tweaks and you’ll have deliciously crispy air fried shrimp that fits into a low carb, ketogenic diet!
Gluten Free Version
To make a gluten-free version of this air fryer panko shrimp recipe, there are a few simple substitutions we need to make:
Instead of regular panko breadcrumbs, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. These are made without wheat and are easy to find in most grocery stores now.
Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using a simple blend made with rice flour, tapioca flour and potato starch. Bob’s Red Mill makes a great one.
The end result will be deliciously crispy gluten-free shrimp with the same wonderful flavor. It makes for an awesome gluten-free appetizer or meal that everyone can enjoy!
Dipping Sauces
Crispy panko shrimp fresh from the air fryer are irresistible on their own, but can be taken to new heights when paired with a zesty dipping sauce. Here are 5 mouthwatering options that will bring your shrimp to life:
1. Lemony Aioli – A classic lemony garlic aioli adds a tangy creaminess to balance the crunch of the fried shrimp. The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice cuts through the rich panko coating, while the garlic and mayo lend a luscious richness. A spoonful of this sunshine-hued sauce makes the ultimate dipping partner.
2. Sweet Chili Sauce– The sweet yet savory glaze of a Thai-inspired sweet chili sauce turns up the heat on these shrimp. The ginger and garlic notes in this sauce are the ideal foil for the crispy crust, and strike a perfect spicy-sweet balance. Dunk that shrimp and let the flavor explosion begin!
3. Spicy Mayo- For those who like a little kick with their seafood, a Sriracha spiked mayo really brings the fire. The cool richness of the mayo tames Sriracha’s fervent heat, making for a dip with depth that won’t overwhelm the subtle brininess of the shrimp. Dip in if you dare!
4. Honey Mustard Honey – mustard is a celestial match for crispy seafood of any kind. Here, the sweetness of honey swirled with the zing of mustard creates the ultimate craveable condiment for breadcrumb encrusted shrimp. Tangy, sweet, and highly dippable.
5. Creamy Ranch– Cool and herbaceous ranch dressing provides the perfect foil for hot fried shrimp. The fresh taste of buttermilk and blend of garden herbs balance the crunch of the panko breading. Dunking these shrimp into a bowl of ranch makes for a match made in fried food heaven.
Storage
The breaded shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the container is covered tightly so the coating stays crispy.
To reheat, place the chilled shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer and fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
For longer term storage, the uncooked breaded shrimp can be placed in a freezer bag with all air pressed out and frozen for up to 3 months. To cook frozen shrimp, add an extra 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 pound (450g) of raw, peeled and deveined shrimp. Medium shrimp (31-40 per pound) works well, but you can use any size from extra small to jumbo. Just adjust cooking times if using larger shrimp.
2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs for the panko in this recipe. However, panko breadcrumbs will provide a lighter, crispier texture.
3. Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking the shrimp?
Preheating the air fryer is recommended for this recipe. It ensures that the shrimp cooks evenly and achieves a crispy texture. Cooking in a non-preheated air fryer might result in uneven cooking and a less crispy coating.
4. Do I need to use paprika?
Paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor, but it’s not essential. Feel free to experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, or even a touch of curry powder to personalize your shrimp.
Frozen Panko Breaded Shrimp
Some brands offer frozen panko breaded shrimp, making it very easy to make a delicious dinner in minutes. You don’t need to spend time breading the shrimp yourself, simply pop them in your air fryer and you’ll be left with a tasty dinner.
The crunchy panko breading combined with the tender shrimp is sure to become one of your family’s favorites. I personally prefer to make my own panko breading, but if you’re short on time or just want something fast and easy this is a great option.
I hope you liked my panko shrimp in air fryer recipe. This dish is so tasty and easy to make. You can also serve it for a party or as an appetizer.
The air fryer makes the shrimp extra crispy and the panko adds a nice crunch.
If you tried this air fried panko shrimp recipe, let me know how it turned out! Also, don’t forget to check out other easy air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Panko Shrimp
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp (450g) (peeled and deveined)
- 3/4 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1 Egg White
- pinch Chicken Seasoning
- pinch Salt
- pinch Black Pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Paprika (I used smoked paprika)
- Cooking Oil
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C). Then, place the shrimp in a bowl, add the seasonings and mix well.
- Add the flour, panko crumbs, and egg whites to three different small bowls.
- Dip the shrimp in the flour (coat it evenly), then lightly dab in the egg whites, and finally coat it with panko bread crumbs. Spray the shrimp with cooking oil.
- And now for the easy part. Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-5 minutes.Open the basket, flip the shrimp, and cook for 4-5 more minutes. The shrimp should be crispy.
This recipe is a keeper! Made it for a dinner party and everyone raved about it. Thanks for sharing!
OMG, these shrimp were so crispy and delicious! My whole family loved them – will make again!
Absolutely loved this recipe!