My crispy air fryer shrimp tempura gives you that deep-fried flavor you love in less than 10 minutes using simple ingredients. These crunchy shrimp make a quick meal or a delicious appetizer served with your favorite dipping sauces.
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Air frying is not just for cooking frozen food or making air fryer french fries; it's also a great way to make juicy shrimp with crispy breading.
This air fryer breaded shrimp is delicious paired with garlic rice with cilantro.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Alternative: Crispy without having to use a deep fryer.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, in sushi, tacos, or as a main dish.
Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp Ingredients
- Shrimp. Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, with tails on. You can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to defrost it fully first.
- Panko breadcrumbs. The key ingredient to get that super crispy coating.
- Corn starch. The secret to adding puffiness and crispiness.
- Egg. Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the shrimp.
- Parmesan. Adds extra flavor to the breading.
- Avocado oil is perfect for crispy shrimp, but you can also use olive oil. You can use a spray bottle or a reusable oil sprayer.
Watch Me Make it in this Quick Video
How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura
This recipe is super simple and quick, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Step 1: Prepare the Coatings
- Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk egg, corn starch, and a bit of water.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In another bowl, combine Panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and seasoning salt.
- Flour: Place all-purpose flour in a third bowl.
Step 2: Dredge Shrimp
- Lift the shrimp by the tail and coat in flour. Shake off excess flour.
- Dip the shrimp in the egg mixture.
- Press the shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Place shrimp in a single layer and lightly spray the tops with avocado oil.
- Cook for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with oil again. If you want the shrimp crispier, air fry them for a couple of minutes longer. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve air fryer shrimp tempura with your favorite dipping sauce or:
- Fresh Salad: For a light, refreshing meal.
- Steamed Rice: Classic and simple. (Make my Instant Pot Jasmine Rice).
- Dipping Sauces: Sweet chili sauce, Hoisin peanut sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli.
Make Ahead Directions
Prepare the shrimp as directed, but instead of cooking them, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners even easier. If layering the shrimp in a container, separate each layer with parchment paper.
Top Tips
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in small batches.
- Ensure the shrimp is fully thawed as the batter will not stick well to frozen shrimp.
- Leave space between the shrimp in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation.
- The shrimp are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Related Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp FAQs
Cook at 360°F for best results.
About 8-9 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.
Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for a few minutes until crispy.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More of my Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
More Shrimp Recipes
If you are looking for more tasty shrimp recipes, try my air fryer shrimp kabobs, creamy coconut shrimp, smoked shrimp, or frozen shrimp in air fryer.
Did you make this air fryer shrimp recipe? If you did, can you do me a big favor and leave a rating and review letting me know how you liked it? This helps my website grow so I can continue to publish free recipes. Thank you! 😊
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 pounds shrimp peeled, deveined, tail-on - medium to jumbo recommended
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, cornstarch, and cold water.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In another shallow bowl, combine Panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the Flour: Add all-purpose flour to a small bowl.
- Dredge the Shrimp: Lift the shrimp by the tail and dredge it in the all-purpose flour, ensuring it's fully covered. Shake off any excess flour. Dip the shrimp in the egg wash, making sure to coat all sides, including the top end. Dredge the shrimp in the Panko mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs into the shrimp. Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet or plate until ready to air fry.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 360°F.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil and place the battered shrimp in a single layer. Lightly spray the shrimp with avocado oil. Air fry the shrimp for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with avocado oil again. Cook in small batches if needed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the shrimp to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Video
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Recipe Notes:
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
- Ensure the shrimp is fully thawed as the batter will not stick well to frozen shrimp.
- Leave space between the shrimp in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation.
- The shrimp are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
**This post was originally published in January 2023. It has been recently updated with more information and helpful tips, but the recipe remains the same.
About Jeri Walker
Jeri Walker is the founder and CEO of Winding Creek Ranch. She is a self-taught home cook who specializes in easy family-friendly recipes. Jeri is also a food writer who regularly writes articles for MSN. Read about Jeri's journey and connect with her on your favorite social media channels!
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