Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp

Enjoy crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp, seasoned with classic Southern spices and perfectly cooked to golden perfection. A quick, easy, and delicious seafood dish!

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.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives these shrimp a crispy, golden texture without deep-frying, making them healthier yet still satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can enjoy a delicious Southern-style shrimp dish in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: Seasoned with a perfect blend of Southern spices, every bite bursts with bold, savory flavor.
• Versatile: These shrimp are perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even tossed in a salad for a flavorful meal.
• No Mess: Skip the hassle of deep frying and oil splatter—just pop the shrimp in the air fryer for a mess-free cooking experience!

Ingredients Needed

• Frozen Shrimp (Thawed): Seafood base for the dish and is easy to prepare.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a light, crisp coating on the shrimp when frying.
• Corn Muffin Mix: Adds a touch of sweetness and moisture.
• Cornstarch: Gives the shrimp an extra crispy texture.
• Water: Used to create the perfect batter consistency.
• Pickle Juice: Adds a tangy, zesty flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides an additional layer of crunch and texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky, rich flavor to the shrimp.
• Butter: Used to add richness and a golden finish.

How To Make Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp

Step One: 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. 

Step Two: 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. 

Step Three: 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.

Step Four: 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.

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp

Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal. You can serve it alongside a classic coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast, or with a warm cornbread to complement the Southern flavors. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette will brighten the dish.

Roasted vegetables or crispy fries are also great choices to add some heartiness, while a side of creamy grits or mashed potatoes offers a comforting, creamy element that balances the crispy shrimp.

Air Fryer 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.

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..

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

• AIR FRYER BEET CHIPS
• 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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