Ultimate 5-Minute Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo (Crispy & Flavorful)

If you love shrimp but want a healthier, quicker way to cook it, Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo is the answer. This crispy, golden shrimp is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, offering all the crunch of deep-fried shrimp with a fraction of the oil. Paired with a spicy, creamy sriracha mayo dipping sauce, it’s an irresistible combination that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a savory snack.

Not only is this air fryer shrimp recipe easy, but it also takes less time than traditional frying, making it the perfect option for anyone on a tight schedule. Whether you’re new to air frying or already a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy it is to create crispy shrimp without the mess and excess calories that come with deep frying. Plus, you get the added bonus of a delicious sriracha mayo dipping sauce to elevate the flavor even more!

Looking for other air fryer seafood recipes? Check out our Crispy Air Fryer Fish for another tasty dish you can make with minimal effort.

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What Makes Air Fryer Fried Shrimp So Delicious?

Air fryer fried shrimp offers all the flavor and crunch you crave, but without the guilt. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, which makes it crispy without needing to soak it in oil. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Crispy texture: The breading gets perfectly golden and crispy, giving you the satisfaction of deep-fried food without all the extra fat.
• Tender shrimp: The shrimp stays juicy and tender inside while the outside remains crispy. It’s the perfect balance.
• Spicy and creamy dipping sauce: The sriracha mayo adds a creamy, spicy kick that complements the crispy shrimp perfectly.
• Quick and easy: The air fryer cooks the shrimp in just 10 minutes, making this a perfect dinner when you’re short on time.

Whether you’re making it for dinner or serving it as a snack, this shrimp recipe for dinner will become one of your favorites.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo

The great thing about Air Fryer Fried Shrimp is that it requires only a handful of ingredients, and it’s simple to put together. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (with or without tails on)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crunchy texture)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Cooking spray (to help the shrimp crisp up)

For the Sriracha Mayo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Salt to taste

These ingredients come together to create crispy shrimp that’s perfectly seasoned on the outside with a tender interior. The sriracha mayo adds the right amount of heat and creaminess to balance out the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

Making Air Fryer Fried Shrimp is incredibly easy and quick. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures the breading sticks to the shrimp and helps them crisp up better.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. In another bowl, beat the egg.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, making sure it’s well-coated, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the shrimp is evenly coated. Repeat for all shrimp.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the shrimp cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded shrimp in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry the shrimp for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy on the inside.

Step 6: Make the Sriracha Mayo Sauce

While the shrimp are cooking, make the sriracha mayo. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and honey. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more sriracha if you like it spicier.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Drizzle the shrimp with the sriracha mayo or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful shrimp!

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Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

• Use large shrimp: Larger shrimp will give you the best texture, and they won’t overcook as easily.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: For the crispiest shrimp, make sure to leave space between each piece so the hot air can circulate around them evenly.
• Spray with oil: For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded shrimp with olive oil or cooking spray before air frying. This helps them crisp up without excess oil.
• Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha in the recipe to suit your personal heat preference.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh panko breadcrumbs tend to give a crispier texture than store-bought breadcrumbs.

For another great shrimp recipe, try our Crispy Shrimp Scampi for an easy, garlicky seafood dish.

Healthier Alternatives for Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

While air fryer shrimp recipes are already a healthier option compared to traditional frying, there are some simple swaps you can make for a lighter dish:

• Use almond flour: If you’re following a gluten-free or low-carb diet, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
• Skip the mayo: For a lighter dipping sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You’ll still get a creamy texture with added protein and less fat.
• Add more veggies: Serve your shrimp with a side of air-fried vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to make it a more balanced meal.

How to Customize Your Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

One of the best things about air fryer shrimp recipes is how easy they are to customize. Here are some ideas for making your shrimp unique:

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add Cajun seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for a bold, Southern-inspired flavor.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: After air frying, toss the shrimp in a garlic butter sauce made with melted butter, garlic, and parsley.
• Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Season the shrimp with lemon zest and black pepper before breading, and serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Coconut Shrimp: For a tropical twist, dip the shrimp in a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs before air frying.

No matter how you customize your shrimp, the air fryer ensures that they cook perfectly every time.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great serving suggestions:

• With a salad: Serve your shrimp on top of a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw for a lighter meal.
• In tacos: Use the shrimp to make shrimp tacos with cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime.
• With rice: Pair your shrimp with a side of jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying dinner.
• As an appetizer: Serve the shrimp with a tangy dipping sauce like cocktail sauce or a garlic butter sauce at your next party.

For a refreshing drink pairing, try serving these shrimp with a crisp white wine or a cold glass of lemonade.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Fried Shrimp

Storage:
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For the best texture, store the shrimp and dipping sauce separately.

Reheating:
To reheat the shrimp and keep them crispy, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the shrimp soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

• Overcrowding the basket: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking and soggy shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are in a single layer with enough space for the hot air to circulate.
• Not drying the shrimp: Excess moisture on the shrimp can cause the breading to slide off and prevent them from getting crispy.
• Using the wrong breading: Panko breadcrumbs are best for a crispy, airy texture. Avoid using regular breadcrumbs for this recipe.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They should be golden and crispy but still tender inside.

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FAQs About Air Fryer Fried Shrimp and Other Shrimp Recipes

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are thawed completely and patted dry before breading.

Can I make these shrimp without breading?
Yes, for a lighter option, you can skip the breading and simply season the shrimp with spices. Air fry them as-is for a flavorful, low-carb version.

What if I don’t have sriracha?
If you don’t have sriracha, you can substitute with any hot sauce you prefer or make a similar spicy mayo by mixing mayonnaise with cayenne pepper.

Conclusion + Call to Action

If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, and flavorful seafood dish, Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo is the perfect recipe. It’s quick, crispy, and absolutely delicious—perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Plus, the spicy mayo takes it to the next level, making every bite more irresistible.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it, save it for later, and subscribe to our blog for more air fryer shrimp recipes and easy, healthy dinner ideas. Want more crispy shrimp recipes? Try our Shrimp Scampi for another crowd-pleasing seafood dish!

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