Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp

Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp — Do you love shrimp? If so, then this recipe is for you. Read on to learn how to make air fryer southern-style shrimp that are crispy and delicious!

Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp is a lightly battered shrimp with a crispy coating, and it’s fantastic! It is so crispy and delicious, and you don’t even need any of the oil you would have with traditional deep frying.

But you get the same results. In less than 10 minutes from start to finish, you have a delicious plate of southern fried shrimp in air fryer.

Are you looking for more Air Fryer Seafood Recipes? Some of my favorites include AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED SHRIMP, AIR FRYER FISH & CHIPS, AIR FRYER LOBSTER CAKES, and AIR FRYER HONEY MUSTARD CRUSTED SALMON.

Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp

Being from New England, I have always loved seafood. We had it in abundance when I was growing up. And shrimp is genuinely so easy to prepare. When I started having my own family, I adapted many of my mom’s and grandmother’s recipes.

But deep-fried shrimp is something I never got into. It’s messy and unhealthy, so I avoided it until I started using an air fryer. Then entered the air fryer, and it was shrimp and life-changing!

These fried shrimp are amazing, the coating is light and airy, and my kids love it. There is something great (and don’t forget healthy) about a snack or appetizer of shrimp!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp

Here are the simple ingredients you will need:

• Frozen Shrimp (Thawed)
• All-Purpose Flour
• Corn Muffin Mix
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Pickle Juice
• Egg
• Bread Crumbs
• Smoked Paprika
• Butter

How To Make Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp

Here are the step-by-step directions, the full recipe is below in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of the post:

Thaw shrimp. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, Air Fryer Setting. Combine flour, corn muffin mix, cornstarch, water, pickle juice, and the egg in a large bowl. Mix well. This will be your batter bowl. 

In a smaller bowl, combine the bread crumbs and smoked paprika. Mix and set aside. Hold it by the tail, dip each shrimp into the batter, and let any excess batter drip off. And then dip it into the bread crumb bowl. 

Place each shrimp in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap.  Melt about one tablespoon of butter in the microwave. Then drizzle a tiny bit of melted butter on the top of each shrimp.

Place the air fryer basket in the air fryer and cook the shrimp for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. 

Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh or Thawed Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp or properly thawed frozen shrimp.
• Seasoning: Use a blend of Southern seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a touch of salt and pepper.
• Coating: For a crispy coating, dip the shrimp in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and seasonings. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Check for Doneness: The shrimp should be opaque and pink with an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become rubbery.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

Air Fried Southern Style Shrimp Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and coating.

How do I make the shrimp crispy? To achieve a crispy texture, ensure that the shrimp are well-coated with the breading mixture and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Can I use a different seasoning blend? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices or seasoning blends to customize the flavor to your liking.

How long should I air fry the shrimp? Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What should I do if the shrimp are not crispy enough? If the shrimp are not crispy enough, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer without overcrowding.

Can I make these shrimp ahead of time? While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them in advance and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

What dipping sauces go well with Southern-style shrimp? Southern-style shrimp pair well with dipping sauces such as cocktail sauce, remoulade, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli.

How do I store leftover shrimp? Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Can I use a different coating besides flour and cornmeal? Yes, you can use other coatings like panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even a gluten-free alternative if you prefer.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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• AIR FRYER PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CALZONES
• EASY AIR FRYER GREEN PEAS RECIPE
• AIR FRYER GINGER PORK DUMPLINGS
• AIR FRYER 2 INGREDIENT OREO MUG CAKE

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