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Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Name: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined); 4 tablespoons Cornstarch; 2 teaspoons Salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons Black pepper (or adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Paprika; 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: September 2, 2023

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Air-Fried Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp—Calling all seafood lovers: This air-fried salt and pepper shrimp recipe will have you returning for more!

This deliciously easy-to-make dish will be ready in just about 10 minutes, giving you the perfect opportunity to create a flavorful meal that’s sure to please.

We know that sourcing fresh ingredients can make cooking difficult, but with only five simple ingredients from your pantry and fridge, this dish brings flavor and convenience straight to your kitchen table.

Spend five minutes prepping and let the air fryer do the rest while you take time out for yourself. Let’s dive into making salty-sweet air fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp hits!

Easy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our sensational Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp recipe, cooked to perfection in the air fryer! If you love this popular dish at your local Chinese restaurants, you will love it, and it’s so much better than making it on the stovetop!

Brace yourself for a delightful culinary adventure as we take succulent shrimp, coat them with a flavorful blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic spices, and transform them into irresistibly crispy bites. Follow along as we share the step-by-step process to achieve a dish that’s easy to make and cooked to golden perfection!

Your air fryer is about to become your new favorite tool for creating restaurant-quality seafood delights in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the magic of flavor and crunch!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp

With a few simple ingredients, you can make air-fried salt and pepper shrimp that remind you of your favorite Chinese restaurant dish!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Shell On Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp with tails left for presentation.
Cornstarch coats the shrimp and creates a light, crispy texture; you can also use potato starch.
Salt: To enhance the shrimp’s natural flavors. Use simple salt or sea salt.
Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth of flavor. While white pepper is traditionally used, you can also use black pepper.
Garlic Powder: Imparts a savory and aromatic element to the dish.
Onion Powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor.
Paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and color.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Cayenne pepper can be added to taste for those who enjoy some heat.
Cooking Oil: A neutral oil, such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or canola, coats the shrimp for air frying.
Favorite Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, cocktail sauce, or fresh ginger.

How To Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp In Air Fryer

Follow the step-by-step directions below for a great batch of air-fried salt and pepper shrimp.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for a few minutes.

Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them according to package instructions. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Coat with Cornstarch: Lightly coat the shrimp with cornstarch in a bowl. This helps create a crispy texture when air-fried.

Season the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix the seasoning well.

Toss in Seasoning: Add the cornstarch-coated shrimp to the seasoning mixture and toss to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices.

Add Cooking Oil: Drizzle some cooking oil over the seasoned shrimp and toss to coat. The oil helps promote crispiness. Or spray with cooking spray.

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, or air fryer tray. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air Fry the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should turn pink, opaque, and crispy on the outside.

Check for Doneness: To ensure the shrimp are fully cooked, cut one open until it’s no longer translucent in the center. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C).

Pro Tips

Creating delectable Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp is about mastering the balance of flavors and achieving that perfect, crispy texture. Here are some pro tips to help you elevate this classic dish:

Choose Quality Shrimp: Opt for fresh or properly thawed, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking. Use jumbo shrimp for best results!
Keep the Shells On: Cooking the shrimp with shells on can help lock in moisture, keeping them juicy and adding flavor. You can remove them after cooking or serve them as is depending on your preference.
Dry Thoroughly: Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning or coating them. Removing surface moisture is key to a crispy finish in the air fryer.
Season Well: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. The simplicity of salt and black pepper allows the shrimp’s natural flavor to shine through, complemented by the heat and aroma of freshly ground pepper.
Use a Light Coating: If you use a flour or cornstarch coating for extra crispiness, keep it light. A heavy batter can become soggy rather than crisp in the air fryer.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures the shrimp starts cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Cooking in batches may be necessary, but it’s worth it for evenly cooked, crispy shrimp.
Shake or Turn Halfway Through: Gently shake the basket or turn the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp evenly on all sides.
Watch the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly and can easily become overcooked and rubbery. Depending on their size, they usually need only 6-10 minutes in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions: For added flavor, serve your salt-and-pepper shrimp with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, or a dipping sauce.
Instant Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, sprinkle the cooked shrimp with more salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

By incorporating these pro tips into your cooking process, you can serve up perfectly seasoned, crispy Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp that’s bound to impress your guests or make for a delightful treat any day of the week.

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy. YOu can also thaw the frozen shrimp in cold water.

Should I peel the shrimp before cooking? It’s optional. Cooking shrimp with the shell on can enhance the flavor and keep the shrimp juicy. However, for easier eating, you might prefer to peel them first, leaving just the tail for easy handling.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery? Watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer, usually in about 6-10 minutes, depending on their size.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely. The essential salt and pepper shrimp recipe doesn’t require any gluten-containing ingredients. If adding a coating, use gluten-free flour (or rice flour) or cornstarch.

What’s the best way to season the shrimp? Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking? Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. The tails will curl, and they’ll be slightly firm to the touch. Using a digital thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the shrimp? Yes, adding vegetables like red bell peppers, red chillies, zucchini, Sichuan peppercorns, serrano pepper, jalapeno peppers, or asparagus can make it a complete meal. Just ensure the vegetables are cut to a size that allows them to cook in the same timeframe as the shrimp.

How long should I preheat the air fryer? Preheat the air fryer to the cooking temperature for a couple of minutes. This ensures the shrimp start cooking as soon as they hit the basket.

What dipping sauces complement salt and pepper shrimp? Soy sauce, chili sauce, or a simple aioli. You can also serve them with a squeeze of lemon or lime for a fresh, zesty kick.

Can I stack the shrimp in the air fryer? For the crispiest shrimp, it’s best not to stack them. Cook in a single layer, possibly in batches, to ensure even cooking and airflow around each shrimp.

How to store leftover shrimp: Let the cooked shrimp cool to room temperature, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.

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