If you’re craving something that’s crispy, flavorful, and a little bit spicy, then look no further than this Crispy Air-Fried Shrimp with Homemade Sriracha Mayo. The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a favorite for anyone who loves seafood with a kick. The shrimp are air-fried to a golden, crunchy perfection, sparing no juiciness inside, while the homemade Sriracha mayo adds a creamy, spicy note that will leave you wanting more. Plus, using an air fryer makes this dish a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, without compromising on taste or crunch!
This recipe isn’t just about the taste; it’s about the ease and speed of whipping up something truly gourmet in the comfort of your own kitchen. With a few simple steps that include setting up a series of coating stations for the shrimp and crafting a quick, spicy dip, you can achieve restaurant-quality results effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer for a dinner party or an exciting twist on a weeknight meal, this recipe is designed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy shrimp like never before.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air-Fried Shrimp
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Healthier Option: Enjoy the crispy texture of fried shrimp without the excess oil.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer, ready in just a few minutes.
- Flavorful: The combination of seafood seasoning and Sriracha mayo provides a flavor explosion.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking with the chili sauce in the Sriracha mayo.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using an air fryer keeps the mess to a minimum.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to ensure your kitchen is prepped and ready. Start by laying out all your ingredients and tools. For this recipe, you’ll need an air fryer, three shallow dishes for the coating stations, and some non-stick cooking spray. Having everything within reach will streamline the process and make coating the shrimp a breeze.
First, prepare the workspace by setting up your coating stations. You’ll need three shallow dishes: one for the flour combined with seafood seasoning, another for the beaten eggs, and a third for the breadcrumbs. This setup is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy coating. Also, check if your air fryer is in good condition and ensure the basket is clean and ready to use.
When it’s time to coat the shrimp, make sure they are thoroughly dried off with a paper towel. This aids the flour in adhering properly, which is an important step before they get their egg and breadcrumb layers. Once everything is in place, you’re ready to start cooking!
Ingredients
To make this delicious appetizer, you will need:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp seafood seasoning
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Non-stick cooking spray, as needed
- For the Sriracha Mayo:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ to 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sriracha Mayo
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with chili sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while you prepare the shrimp. This allows the flavors to meld into a harmonious, spicy dip that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Step 2: Set Up Coating Stations
Prepare three shallow dishes: the first with flour and seafood seasoning, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. This arrangement is key for achieving a professional-quality coating on each shrimp.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, then dip it into the eggs, followed by a generous coating of breadcrumbs. Set them aside until all shrimp are prepared.
Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a consistently crisp outer layer. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray, then carefully arrange the shrimp in a single layer. For added crispness, mist the tops lightly with more non-stick spray.
Step 5: Cook
Air fry the shrimp for 6 minutes. If they haven’t reached that golden, crunchy perfection, continue cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes. Rotate them as necessary to ensure even browning.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve them hot with the chilled Sriracha mayo on the side. Enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the shrimp for chicken tenders or tofu to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the mix, coated and fried alongside the shrimp.
- Spices: Mix up the flavor profile by adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure shrimp are patted dry for better adherence of coating and even cooking.
- Consider seasoning the breadcrumbs with extra herbs or spices for more flavor depth.
- Keep the shrimp layer in the air fryer single and separated to prevent sticking and ensure an even crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Serve as a party appetizer alongside a platter of sliced veggies and additional dipping sauces.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the spice level of the Sriracha mayo to your taste by varying the amount of chili sauce.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: Around 25g per serving
- Sodium: Estimated 680mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before starting the coating process to ensure the best results.
What can I substitute for Sriracha sauce?
If Sriracha isn’t available, try using another hot sauce of your preference or combine chili flakes with a bit of vinegar as an alternative.
How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off?
Ensure the shrimp are dry before coating, and press the breadcrumbs onto the shrimp firmly to help them adhere better. Additionally, chilling the coated shrimp for a few minutes before air frying can help secure the crust.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
This dish is best served immediately for maximum crispiness, but you can prep the shrimp and Sriracha mayo in advance and cook just before serving.
Conclusion
Here’s your go-to recipe for when you desire something crispy, quick, and satisfying without the guilt of deep frying: the Crispy Air-Fried Shrimp with Homemade Sriracha Mayo. It’s versatile, offering various customization options based on your taste preferences. This dish elevates your typical shrimp experience into a tantalizing flavor adventure that leaves little to clean up afterward. Whether serving this as a crowd-pleaser at a gathering, or as a treat for your family’s dinner, it’s bound to have everyone reaching for seconds.
Don’t forget to share your experiences with this recipe, and why not experiment with the spices or dipping options to make it uniquely yours? We would love to hear about your creative takes and any success stories you have with this comprehensive, yet straightforward, recipe!
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Crispy Air-Fried Shrimp with Homemade Sriracha Mayo
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re craving something that’s crispy, flavorful, and a little bit spicy, then look no further than this Crispy Air-Fried Shrimp with Homemade Sriracha Mayo.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp seafood seasoning
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Non-stick cooking spray, as needed
- For the Sriracha Mayo:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ to 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with chili sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while you prepare the shrimp.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: the first with flour and seafood seasoning, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
- Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, then dip it into the eggs, followed by a generous coating of breadcrumbs. Set them aside until all shrimp are prepared.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a consistently crisp outer layer. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray, then carefully arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
- Air fry the shrimp for 6 minutes. If they haven’t reached that golden, crunchy perfection, continue cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes. Rotate them as necessary to ensure even browning.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve them hot with the chilled Sriracha mayo on the side. Enjoy the contrast of flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are patted dry for better adherence of coating and even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Protein: 25 g