You’ll love these crispy Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp made with a simple panko coating and Old Bay seasoning. They cook without added oil, have a crunchy crust and require only five main ingredients.
I’m on a seafood kick with my air fryer and loving every crunchy bite. For mains I often make air fryer cod, and for appetizers air fryer crab cakes are a favorite. These breaded shrimp combine the crisp panko texture with the savory Old Bay seasoning for a delicious result.
This recipe gives the satisfaction of deep-fried shrimp without the oil. It’s quick, flexible and works well as an appetizer, snack or part of a main course.
Why you’ll love this air fryer breaded shrimp
- Super crispy exterior without added oil.
- No need to heat the oven—your air fryer does the work.
- Only five ingredients and bold flavor from Old Bay seasoning.
- Versatile: serve as an appetizer, in tacos, or alongside a salad or rice.
Details on the ingredients
- Shrimp – This recipe uses about 400 grams (roughly 32–34 large) peeled, deveined shrimp. You can leave the tails on or remove them.
- Flour – A light dusting of flour helps the egg and crumbs adhere. Whole wheat or all-purpose works fine.
- Eggs – Two large eggs, beaten, form the wet binder for the panko.
- Panko crumbs – White or whole wheat panko gives the crunchy coating that air-fries up nicely.
- Old Bay seasoning – Adds a salty, slightly spicy seafood-friendly flavor to the panko.
How to bread shrimp
Set up a simple breading station before you start: flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with Old Bay in a third. Pat the shrimp dry first so coatings adhere evenly.
Lightly coat each shrimp in flour and shake off excess. Dip into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip away, then press into the panko mixture so the crumbs adhere. Work in small batches to keep the process efficient and tidy.
Tip: Use one hand for the dry ingredients and the other for the wet to avoid getting flour, egg and crumbs stuck to the same fingers.
How to cook breaded shrimp in the air fryer
If your air fryer recommends preheating, preheat it first. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket and air fry at 400°F (about 200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Shrimp cook quickly, so check near the end of the time to avoid overcooking.
Depending on your air fryer size you’ll likely cook the shrimp in 2–3 batches until all are golden and crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Use raw shrimp—peeled and deveined saves prep time. Shell-on shrimp can be used if you prefer, but remove shells for an even coating. Both tiger and white shrimp work well.
Large shrimp are used here, but any size works. Smaller shrimp cook faster; jumbo shrimp may need a minute or two more.
Yes—thaw completely first, drain and pat dry so the breading sticks properly.
Panko gives the lightest, crunchiest result. Regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture will be different—less airy and crisp.
Shrimp are done when opaque throughout and firm to the touch. USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to prevent chewiness.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp the coating again. Microwaving will make the breading soggy and can dry the shrimp.
What type of air fryer was this recipe tested in?
- Tested in Philips 2.75‑quart and Cosori 5.8‑quart basket-style air fryers.
- Smaller air fryers may require three batches (about 8 minutes each at 400°F); larger units may do two batches (about 6 minutes each at 400°F).
- Preheat functions and unit size affect cook time, so adjust temperature and time as needed for your model.
Additional recipe tips
- Single layer: Cook shrimp in a single layer for even browning.
- Flip halfway: Turn shrimp once to brown both sides evenly.
- Avoid overcooking: Shrimp can become rubbery when overcooked—watch the time closely.
- Light flour dusting: Shake off excess flour so the egg stays fluid and the panko adheres smoothly.
- Keep a towel handy: Breading gets messy; a towel helps keep hands and workspace tidy.
More air fryer seafood recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties
- Air Fryer Scallops
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
- Air Fryer Tilapia
If you try this breaded shrimp recipe, please leave a comment to share how it turned out.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
Crispy air-fried shrimp with panko and Old Bay seasoning. Oil-free, crunchy and simple to prepare with just five ingredients.
Ingredients
- 400 grams raw shrimp (approx. 32–34 large shrimp)
- ¼ cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Set up three shallow dishes: flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with Old Bay.
- Lightly coat each shrimp in flour and shake off excess.
- Dip shrimp into the beaten eggs, then press into the panko mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Timing varies by air fryer model and shrimp size.
- Repeat in batches until all shrimp are cooked and golden.
Notes
- Work with one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to keep the process tidy.
- Cook in single layers and flip halfway for even browning.
- Shrimp are done when opaque and firm; internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Carbohydrates: 12 g |
Protein: 13 g |
Fat: 3 g