Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

Crispy, golden air fryer popcorn shrimp cooked to perfection in minutes. This easy air fryer shrimp recipe makes a delicious appetizer or main dish, served with homemade tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Perfect for quick seafood recipes and low-carb meals. Enjoy crispy shrimp with a simple tartar sauce made from mayonnaise, dill pickles, and lemon juice. 

Ingredients
For the Popcorn Shrimp

• 1 (18-ounce) box frozen popcorn shrimp

For the Tartar Sauce (Optional)

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup diced dill pickles
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the basket and lightly spray it with neutral spray oil. Pour the frozen popcorn shrimp into the basket and spread them out into one even layer.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Return the basket to the air fryer. Cook the shrimp for 3 minutes, then pause and shake the basket to toss and flip the shrimp. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Make the Tartar Sauce (Optional): While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the tartar sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, diced dill pickles, lemon juice, capers, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Check for Doneness: After 6 minutes of cooking, check the shrimp for doneness. If you prefer extra crispy shrimp, shake the basket again and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve: Once the shrimp are crispy and golden, remove the basket and carefully transfer the shrimp to a serving plate. Serve immediately with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Delicious: The air fryer makes the popcorn shrimp crispy on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe is incredibly fast, taking only about 6 minutes to cook the shrimp. It’s a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner or appetizer.
• Customizable Dips: Pair with homemade tartar sauce or any dipping sauce you love for extra flavor.

Tips

• Do Not Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, ensure the shrimp are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps ensure that the shrimp cook evenly on all sides.
• Extra Crispy Shrimp: If you prefer extra crispy shrimp, give them an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time after checking for doneness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the shrimp before cooking for a bit of heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with a sugar-free dipping sauce or try a homemade aioli for a keto-friendly alternative to tartar sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the shrimp for crispy breaded cauliflower or another plant-based option for a vegetarian twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen popcorn shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use fresh shrimp, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure to coat them in breadcrumbs or a batter if you want them to be crispy.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a dipping sauce?
A: Absolutely! The shrimp are flavorful on their own, but if you want a simple dip, ketchup or cocktail sauce works well too.

Q: Can I cook the shrimp in batches?
A: Yes, if you need to cook more shrimp than your air fryer can handle at once, simply cook them in batches for the best results.

Serving

• Appetizer: Serve these crispy shrimp as an appetizer for parties or gatherings.
• Main Course: Pair the shrimp with a side of fries, a salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Dips: Try serving with various dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even a creamy garlic sauce for extra flavor.

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