There’s something about the crunch of fried shrimp that pulls you right into the kitchen, even when you’re only half paying attention to the clock. I remember the last time I made these in my air fryer — the scent of garlic and paprika lingering in the air, mixing with the faint salty ocean breeze from the shrimp. I was juggling a couple of things at once, so I didn’t realize the timer had gone off until my mouth was already watering from the golden, crispy shells waiting on the countertop. The best part? No egg involved, which means fewer dishes and a lighter coating that still delivers on that satisfying crunch.
These shrimp aren’t just about ease; they invite you to savor the moment, whether it’s a quick lunch or an after-work snack. I usually serve them with a simple dipping sauce, but honestly, sometimes they disappear so fast there isn’t even time to think about what to pair them with. The texture is just right — crunchy but tender inside, with a flavor that hints at something homemade and thoughtful.
It’s not fancy, and that’s kind of the point. The recipe cuts out the fuss and delivers a straightforward, dependable snack that fits into busy days or laid-back weekends. I haven’t tested all the variations, but this one works well every time, especially when you want something crispy without the extra steps.
- The air fryer makes frying shrimp approachable and less messy than traditional methods.
- The breadcrumb and Parmesan coating gives a satisfying crunch without using egg.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
- A light coating keeps the shrimp tender inside but crispy outside.
If you’re new to air frying seafood, don’t worry — this recipe is forgiving and straightforward. The shrimp come out golden and flavorful without much guesswork, so you can feel confident even on a busy day. And if you don’t have all the seasonings exactly right, it still works; I’ve made it with slightly different spices and it was still delicious.
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Air Fryer Fried Shrimp (No Egg)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Enjoy crispy, golden fried shrimp made in the air fryer without using any egg. This easy recipe uses a seasoned breadcrumb coating for a crunchy texture and is perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In a separate shallow bowl, pour the milk.
In a third shallow bowl, mix the plain breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Dip each shrimp first into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Next, dip the shrimp into the milk to moisten it.
Then coat the shrimp evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the shrimp lightly with olive oil spray.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Using your air fryer here means you don’t need special equipment beyond what you probably have. Just make sure the basket isn’t overcrowded so the shrimp crisp up nicely. I usually serve these with a side of lemon wedges and maybe a quick slaw or some fresh greens to balance the crunch. If you want to mix it up, sometimes I swap the Parmesan for a bit of smoked cheddar or add a pinch of chili powder for a little kick — though I’m still experimenting with those twists, so results may vary.
Some days I wonder if coating the shrimp in milk instead of egg is what really makes the difference, or if it’s just the air fryer doing its magic. Either way, the result is a snack that hits the spot without fuss.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before coating for best results.
Is the milk necessary? It helps the breadcrumb coating stick without egg, but you could try a dairy-free milk alternative if needed.
How do I keep shrimp crispy after cooking? Best to serve immediately, but you can reheat briefly in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.
Ready to try something crispy and simple? This air fryer fried shrimp recipe is waiting to become your new go-to snack or quick meal.