Popcorn shrimp is a delicious and popular appetizer that can be found on menus in many seafood restaurants. It is made by coating small shrimp in a batter and then frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. While traditionally deep-fried, popcorn shrimp can also be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier option that still delivers on taste and texture. In this article, we will explore a quick and easy recipe for cooking popcorn shrimp in an air fryer.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
– 1 pound of small shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 large eggs, beaten
For the coating:
– 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried chives
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that it is nice and hot when you are ready to cook the popcorn shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the shrimp
In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Take each shrimp and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring that it is well coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the beaten eggs. Finally, roll the shrimp in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Repeat this process with all the shrimp until they are all coated and ready to be air fried.
Step 3: Air fry the shrimp
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the shrimp, as this will prevent them from getting crispy.
Cook the shrimp in the preheated air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy when they are done.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once the popcorn shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter. Serve your popcorn shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind when making popcorn shrimp in an air fryer:
– If you prefer a spicier flavor, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
– For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
– Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your shrimp. Try adding some Cajun seasoning for a New Orleans-inspired twist.
– To make the popcorn shrimp even healthier, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs.
– If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make popcorn shrimp by deep-frying them in vegetable oil. Simply heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the shrimp in small batches until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Conclusion
Cooking popcorn shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this tasty appetizer without the guilt of deep frying. By following this simple recipe and using a few basic ingredients, you can achieve crispy and flavorful popcorn shrimp right in the comfort of your own home. So why wait? Get your air fryer ready and start cooking delicious popcorn shrimp today!