Air Fryer Shrimp Toast (Homemade, From Scratch)

Air Fryer Shrimp Toast is the homemade, from-scratch version of the classic dim sum appetizer — a savory shrimp paste spread thick over bread, coated in sesame seeds, and air-fried until golden and crackly. It tastes like Chinese takeout, but you control every ingredient, and there’s no pot of frying oil to deal with.

If you’ve only ever made the frozen shortcut version, this is worth the extra ten minutes — the flavor is fresher, the shrimp is plump and juicy, and you can season it exactly the way you like.

What Is Shrimp Toast?

Shrimp toast (also called prawn toast, or har cheung on dim sum menus) is a Cantonese appetizer of seasoned minced shrimp spread onto bread, pressed with sesame seeds, and fried until crisp. Traditionally it’s deep-fried, but the air fryer gives you the same shatter-crisp exterior with just a spritz of oil — the same trick that works for homemade potstickers and crispy panko shrimp.

Making it from scratch means the shrimp filling stays juicy and you can dial the ginger, garlic, and sesame up or down to taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresher than frozen. A homemade shrimp paste beats anything from a box — and you skip the preservatives.
• Crispy without deep frying. A light oil mist and the air fryer do all the work, with none of the mess or splatter.
• Make-ahead friendly. Assemble the toasts, then air fry just before guests arrive.
• Customizable. Adjust the seasoning, swap in black sesame seeds, or add a pinch of chili for heat.

Ingredients

For the shrimp topping:

• Raw shrimp: peeled, deveined, and patted very dry before blending.
• Egg white: binds the shrimp paste and keeps it light.
• Cornstarch: helps the filling hold together and stay tender.
• Toasted sesame oil: adds that signature nutty, deeply savory aroma.
• Soy sauce: seasons the paste; swap fish sauce for depth.
• Fresh ginger: grated fine for a warm, aromatic background note.
• Garlic: minced small so it blends smoothly into everything.
• Green onions: finely chopped and folded in for fresh bite.
• Sugar: just a pinch to balance the savory seasonings.
• White pepper: the classic dim sum spice, subtle and warm.
• Salt: seasons the filling so every bite tastes complete.

For assembly:

• White sandwich bread: day-old and crusts removed for the crispiest base.
• Sesame seeds: white, black, or both, pressed on for crunch.
• Oil spray: a light mist for golden, deep-fried-style crispiness.

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Toast

Step 1: Make the shrimp paste. Pat the shrimp very dry, then add them to a food processor with the egg white, cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar, white pepper, and salt. Pulse to a coarse paste — leave a little texture rather than pureeing it smooth. Stir in the green onions by hand.

Step 2: Prep the bread. Trim the crusts from each slice for the cleanest edges.

Step 3: Spread and coat. Spread the shrimp paste thickly and evenly over each slice, mounding it slightly. Press the shrimp side firmly into a plate of sesame seeds so they stick.

Step 4: Cut into triangles. Slice each piece into 4 triangles for bite-sized appetizers.

Step 5: Air fry. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the toasts shrimp-side up in a single layer, without overlapping, and mist lightly with oil. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Toast

• Dry the shrimp well. Excess water makes a loose paste that won’t crisp — pat the shrimp thoroughly before blending.
• Use day-old bread. Slightly stale bread absorbs less moisture and fries up crispier than fresh.
• Don’t overprocess. A coarse paste with a little shrimp texture beats a smooth puree.
• Single layer only. Give each piece room so the hot air can crisp all sides — cook in batches if needed.
• Press the sesame seeds in. A firm press keeps them from flying around the basket during cooking.
• Serve right away. Like all air fryer appetizers, shrimp toast is at its crunchiest straight out of the basket.

Best Dipping Sauces for Shrimp Toast

Homemade shrimp toast pairs with the same crowd-pleasing dips you’d set out for any Asian appetizer spread:

• Sweet chili sauce — the classic pairing
• Sriracha mayo — creamy with a kick
• Soy-ginger dipping sauce — savory and bright
• Hoisin — sweet and salty
• Duck sauce — light and tangy

How to Store and Reheat

Let leftover shrimp toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. To bring back the crunch, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 4 minutes — the microwave will make it soggy.

You can also freeze the assembled, uncooked toasts: freeze them flat on a tray, transfer to a freezer bag, and air fry straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cook time — the same freezer-to-basket approach that makes frozen egg rolls and frozen spring rolls so convenient.

Make It a Spread

For a full dim sum-style appetizer platter, serve shrimp toast alongside homemade potstickers, air fryer crab sticks, and crispy panko shrimp. And when you’re short on time, the frozen shrimp toast version gets you the same craving satisfied in under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make shrimp toast in the air fryer?

Yes. Spread homemade shrimp paste on bread, press in sesame seeds, and air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and cooked through. It’s crispier and far less messy than deep frying.

What kind of bread is best for shrimp toast?

Plain white sandwich bread is traditional, and slightly stale (day-old) bread crisps up best because it absorbs less moisture. Remove the crusts for clean edges.

Do you need a food processor?

A food processor makes the shrimp paste fastest, but you can finely mince the shrimp by hand and mix in the seasonings for a slightly more rustic texture.

Can I make shrimp toast ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the toasts, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours, or freeze them uncooked. Air fry just before serving for the crispiest result.

What shrimp should I use?

Any raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp works. Fresh or frozen is fine — if frozen, thaw completely and pat very dry so the paste isn’t watery.