How to Air Fry Shrimp Without Breading: A Step-by-Step Guide

Air frying shrimp results in perfectly cooked shrimp with a light, crispy exterior without needing any breading. This cooking method is easy, quick, and allows the natural flavor of the shrimp to shine through. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to air fry shrimp without using any breading.

Benefits of Air Frying Shrimp Without Breading

• Reduced fat and calories Air frying without breading avoids the extra calories and fat that come from deep frying battered shrimp The small amount of oil used for air frying makes it a lighter yet still crispy alternative

• Shorter cook time: Shrimp breading can increase the cooking time. Air frying peeled, deveined shrimp directly cuts down the time spent prepping and cooking.

• More flavorful shrimp: Skipping the batter or breading keeps the focus on the natural sweet brininess of the shrimp. Seasonings and spices come through better without a coating.

• Easier preparation: There’s no need for dredging shrimp in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs when air frying. Simply season and pop them in the air fryer basket.

• Healthier option: Breading adds unnecessary carbs and fat. Air frying plain shrimp gives you a high protein, keto-friendly, gluten-free meal when following a special diet.

How to Choose Shrimp for Air Frying Without Breading

• Size Opt for medium to jumbo shrimp, Very small shrimp may overcook quickly in the air fryer before the exterior gets crispy, Larger shrimp hold up better

• State: Thawed, peeled, and deveined frozen shrimp work great to save time on prep. Use fresh shrimp if you don’t mind peeling/deveining.

• Amount: Figure approximately 5-8 medium shrimp per serving or 3-5 jumbo shrimp per serving depending on appetite. Adjust amount as needed.

• Type: Almost any shrimp variety works including black tiger shrimp, white shrimp, wild caught, etc. Avoid pre-breaded shrimp.

Ingredients Needed

• Shrimp (thawed, peeled, deveined – amount depending on servings needed)
• Oil (olive, avocado, vegetable – about 1-2 Tbsp)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, etc.)
• Lemon or lime juice (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely first. Peel, devein, and pat dry fresh or thawed shrimp.

2. Choose your desired seasonings. Good options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cajun seasoning, or an Italian blend.

3. Drizzle 1-2 Tbsp oil over shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle seasonings generously over both sides and toss to coat evenly.

4. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding if needed.

5. Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes until shrimp are pink and lightly charred on the outside, shaking basket halfway through.

6. Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over cooked shrimp once out of the air fryer for extra flavor.

7. Enjoy immediately as a main dish or addition to salads, tacos, pasta, or bowls!

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches to ensure even crisping.
• Adjust cook time slightly up or down based on size of shrimp.
• Shaking the basket midway through prevents sticking.
• Brush basket with oil for optimal crispy texture.
• Add a spritz of oil or nonstick spray before adding shrimp if not tossing in oil.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about breading-free air fried shrimp is experimenting with global flavors.

• Cajun – Cajun seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano
• Italian – Lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes
• Mexican – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice
• Asian – Rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chili sauce
• Jerk – Jerk seasoning, allspice, thyme, brown sugar

What to Serve with Shrimp

The possibilities are endless when it comes to what to pair air fried shrimp with!

• Grains – rice, quinoa, pasta, couscous
• Vegetables – asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini
• Sides – ranch dip, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, guacamole
• Bread – rolls, biscuits, garlic bread
• Lettuce – butter lettuce cups or wraps

Air fried shrimp also shines as the protein on salad entrees. It can be added to tacos, sandwiches, flatbreads, pasta dishes, and more.

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Shrimp

Properly stored, leftover air fried shrimp will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheating them in the air fryer again at 400°F for 1-2 minutes brings back the crispness. They can also be briefly microwaved until heated through.

Freezing is another great option for preserving cooked air fried shrimp. Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw before reheating to serve again.

More Tips for Air Frying Shrimp

• Brush shrimp with melted butter or olive oil before air frying for even more flavor.
• If shrimp come out too soft and not crispy enough, try coating very lightly in corn starch before air frying.
• For spicier shrimp, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
• Smoked paprika and onion powder also make tasty additions to the spice mix.
• Air frying shrimp takes even less time when cut into bite-sized pieces before cooking.

FAQs

Do you have to flip shrimp when air frying?

Flipping halfway through is recommended for even cooking, but not absolutely necessary. Shrimp cooked in a single layer without overcrowding will get crisp on both sides even without flipping.

How long does it take to cook shrimp in an air fryer?

Cook time can vary slightly based on size of shrimp and air fryer model. In general, peel-on shrimp takes 6-10 minutes while peeled shrimp takes just 4-8 minutes at 400°F in most air fryer models.

Can you put raw shrimp in the air fryer?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw, peeled shrimp directly in the air fryer. The hot circulating air will cook the shrimp all the way through until opaque. Just be sure to arrange in a single layer and adjust time accordingly.

What temperature do you cook shrimp in an air fryer?

The optimal air fryer temperature for shrimp is 400°F. This high heat helps sear the exterior while thoroughly cooking the interior. Adjust cook time based on the size of your shrimp.

Do you have to oil shrimp before air frying?

It’s not absolutely necessary, but tossing the shrimp in a small amount of oil before air frying helps promote browning and a crisp texture. You can also use oil cooking spray.

Air frying shrimp without breading is one of the easiest ways to put a flavorful, healthier meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Following this simple guide ensures tender, juicy shrimp encased in a deliciously crispy shell. Once you get the basics down, have fun trying out global spice blends and new ways to serve your air fried shrimp.