Crispy Panko Old Bay Air Fryer Shrimp
Make the best air fryer shrimp in just 6 minutes. These crispy air fryer shrimp are coated in Panko and Old Bay, served with a zesty lemon-garlic aioli.
If you aren't using your air fryer shrimp to achieve a golden, shatteringly crisp crust without the mess of a deep fryer, you are missing out. This recipe turns jumbo shrimp into a high-protein snack or dinner centerpiece in exactly six minutes of cook time.
The secret to this easy air fryer shrimp is a double-hit of flavor: Old Bay seasoning for that classic coastal heat and a handful of freshly grated parmesan for a salty, savory crunch. Unlike heavy beer batters that get soggy in the basket, this Panko coating stays light and airy.
Serve these crispy air fryer shrimp immediately with my quick lemon-garlic aioli. It cuts right through the spice and provides that essential creamy dip every fried seafood dish deserves.
Ingredients
The Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1/2 cup (30g) Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- Olive oil spray
Lemon-Garlic Aioli
- 1/2 cup (115g) mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust.
- 2
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mix of Panko, Parmesan, and Old Bay.
- 3
Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg, and finally press firmly into the Panko mixture until well coated.
- 4
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 3 minutes.
- 5
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.
- 6
Spray the tops of the shrimp generously with olive oil spray to help the Panko brown.
- 7
Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving a second light spray of oil, until the shrimp are opaque and the coating is golden brown.
- 8
Whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and salt while the shrimp cook.
- 9
Serve the hot shrimp immediately with the aioli and extra lemon wedges.
Tips
- → Don't crowd the basket. If the shrimp are touching, they will steam rather than crisp. Cook in two batches if necessary.
- → Keep the tails on. They act as a natural handle for dipping and help the shrimp hold their shape during the high-heat blast.
- → Use a high-quality oil spray (like avocado or olive oil) rather than aerosol cans with propellants, which can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but they must be completely thawed and patted dry before you begin the breading process. If they are even slightly wet, the flour will turn into a paste and the coating will fall off.
How do I know when the air fryer shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook very fast. At 400°F, 6 minutes is usually perfect for jumbo shrimp. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the flesh has turned from translucent to opaque white/pink.
Why is my breading not getting crispy?
This usually happens if you didn't use enough oil spray or if you overcrowded the basket. The Panko needs a little fat (the spray) to fry and turn golden in the circulating air.
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