This Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo is a crispy, flavorful, and healthier take on fried shrimp, made without the mess of deep frying. Perfectly breaded shrimp are cooked in the air fryer, resulting in a golden, crispy texture while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender inside. Paired with a homemade sriracha mayo that offers a perfect blend of spicy and creamy, this dish is ideal as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is a must-try for shrimp lovers and anyone craving a healthier fried food option

Ingredients

For the Sriracha Mayo:

¼ cup mayonnaise
½ tablespoon sriracha (add more to taste, up to 1 tablespoon)
½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic (minced)
Salt (to taste)

For the Fried Shrimp:

½ cup all-purpose flour (see Notes)
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
2 large eggs (whisked)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (see Notes)
1 pound large, uncooked shrimp (peeled, deveined)

Instructions

Prepare the Sriracha Mayo:

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prepare the Shrimp: 3. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and Old Bay seasoning together until well distributed. Set aside. 4. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. Set aside. 5. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. Set aside. 6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Bread the Shrimp: 7. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate. Repeat the process until all shrimp are breaded.

Air Fry the Shrimp: 8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray. 9. Cook for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, check the shrimp. If they need more time, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. 10. Remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Repeat the process with any remaining shrimp.

Serve: 11. Serve the crispy air fryer shrimp immediately with the prepared sriracha mayo for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful: These air fryer fried shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor from the Old Bay seasoning.
Healthier Option: With the air fryer, you get all the crispy goodness of deep-fried shrimp but with less oil, making this recipe a healthier alternative.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal preparation time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or appetizer.
Sriracha Mayo: The homemade sriracha mayo is a perfect balance of creamy and spicy, elevating the shrimp with its bold flavor.

Tips

Pat Dry the Shrimp: Be sure to pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: For the crispiest shrimp, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the mayo to suit your taste. You can make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.
Breadcrumb Tip: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Spices: Swap out Old Bay seasoning for Cajun seasoning or your favorite seafood seasoning blend for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.
Sauce Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of sriracha, try using buffalo sauce, chipotle mayo, or even a tangy garlic aioli as a dipping sauce.
Shrimp Substitutes: This recipe also works well with other types of seafood, such as scallops or even fish fillets.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before patting them dry and breading them. Frozen shrimp tend to release more water, so drying them well is essential.

Q: How long should I cook the shrimp?
A: Shrimp usually cook in 6-8 minutes in the air fryer, depending on their size. Be sure to check for a golden brown color and that they’re opaque in the center.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: While it’s best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can bread the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a Side: Serve these crispy shrimp with a fresh side salad, coleslaw, or fries for a full meal.
Tacos or Wraps: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos or wraps, topped with fresh veggies and a squeeze of lime.
Appetizer: These shrimp make a fantastic appetizer for your next gathering or party, especially when served with the spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
Garnish: Garnish the shrimp with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for added color and flavor.