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Crispy Air-Fryer Firecracker Shrimp Recipe

Crispy Air-Fryer Firecracker Shrimp Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 33-55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Firecracker Shrimp delivers a zesty punch that’ll wake up your taste buds with crispy, golden-brown goodness. Grab some plump shrimp, coat them in a spicy sauce, and get ready for a flavor explosion that brings restaurant-quality excitement right to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Toss 1 pound of large shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until each shrimp is evenly coated.
  2. Allow the seasoned shrimp to rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Whisk ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ginger powder, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
  4. Combine 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish.
  5. Create an egg wash by whisking 1 large egg with ¼ cup milk in a separate shallow dish.
  6. Pour 1 cup panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow dish for coating.
  7. Coat each shrimp by first dredging in flour mixture, then dipping in egg wash, and finally rolling in panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Arrange breaded shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help breading stick.
  9. For air frying, preheat to 400F and cook shrimp for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through until golden and internal temperature reaches 145F.
  10. Alternatively, heat vegetable oil to 350F in a skillet and fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
  11. Transfer hot shrimp to a large bowl and gently toss with prepared firecracker sauce until completely covered.
  12. Plate the sauced shrimp and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  13. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side for extra zest.

Notes

  • Chilling the breaded shrimp helps the coating stick better and creates a crispier texture that won’t fall off during cooking.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and ensure they are completely dry before breading to prevent soggy results.
  • Adjust the sriracha sauce amount to control the heat level, making the dish as mild or spicy as your taste preferences demand.
  • When air frying or baking, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each shrimp gets crispy and golden brown on all sides.
  • Prep Time: 25-40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-15 minutes
  • Category: Shrimp
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg