Air Fryer Butterflied Shrimp

By Olivia

These Air Fryer Butterflied Shrimp are light, crispy, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect healthy alternative to deep-fried shrimp. The shrimp are lightly breaded with seasoned flour, dipped in egg, and coated with panko breadcrumbs before being air-fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy, golden crust without the excess oil. Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping, and enjoy a delicious, low-fat treat!

Quick Benefits

Low in Oil: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, making this recipe much lighter and healthier.
High in Protein: At 28 grams of protein per serving, these shrimp are a great source of lean protein.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 17 minutes, these shrimp are perfect for a quick and tasty meal or snack.
Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy coating without the heaviness of traditional frying.

Essential Ingredients

Shrimp: The star of the dish, large shrimp are peeled, deveined, and butterflied with tails on for that perfect bite-sized texture.
Flour: Used to create a light coating for the shrimp, helping the seasoning stick.
Seafood seasoning (e.g., Old Bay®): Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick to the shrimp, enhancing the overall flavor.
Paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and color to the shrimp.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavor.
Dried Parsley: Adds a touch of herbal freshness.
Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp for a perfect crispy coating.
Panko Bread Crumbs: The key to a light, crunchy texture when air-fried.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the shrimp crisp up without sticking to the air fryer basket.

Preparation Steps

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Seasoning: In a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, combine flour, seafood seasoning, paprika, salt, parsley, and black pepper. Close the bag and shake to mix the ingredients well.
Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.
Coat the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the plastic bag with the seasoned flour and toss to coat. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are evenly covered.
Air Fry the Shrimp: Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket, butterflied-side down, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 3 minutes. Flip the shrimp over, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with cocktail sauce for dipping.

Health Benefits

High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Low in Carbohydrates: With just 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, these shrimp are a great low-carb option for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Low in Fat: The use of the air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making these shrimp lower in fat compared to deep-fried alternatives.
Minerals and Vitamins: Shrimp provides a good amount of calcium, iron, and potassium, which are important for bone health, energy production, and proper muscle function.

Serving Suggestions

With Cocktail Sauce: Serve with a classic cocktail sauce for dipping or a tangy garlic aioli for extra flavor.
On a Salad: Add these crispy shrimp on top of a green salad for a protein-packed, light meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
As a Snack: These shrimp make for a great appetizer or party snack. They’re perfect for game day or any gathering.

Creative Variations

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicier kick.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in some fresh lemon juice and minced garlic after they’re done cooking for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Coconut-Crusted Shrimp: Replace some of the panko breadcrumbs with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill to the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to restore crispiness.
Freezing: These shrimp freeze well. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer for 6-7 minutes.

Pro Tips

Avoid Overcrowding: For the best results, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Dry the Shrimp Well: Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before breading to help the coating stick and ensure they cook evenly.
Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: A light spray of nonstick cooking spray on the shrimp helps them achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller shrimp will cook more quickly than larger shrimp.

Can I make these shrimp without the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these shrimp in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a slightly less crispy version.

Can I use a different seasoning?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite seafood seasoning or customize the flavor with additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.

Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?
While these shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep and bread the shrimp ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

These Air Fryer Butterflied Shrimp are a quick, healthy, and crispy way to enjoy shrimp without the added oil. Perfect for a light meal, appetizer, or snack, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!