Benihana Tempura Shrimp Copycat Recipe

Learn how to make Benihana Tempura Shrimp Copycat Recipe at home! Crispy, golden shrimp with a light tempura batter—perfect for appetizers or Japanese-inspired dinners.

If you love Benihana’s tempura shrimp, you’ll adore this easy copycat recipe you can make at home. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy batter that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, part of a Japanese-inspired dinner, or a fun party snack, this recipe is sure to impress.

If you are looking for some other amazing snacks that you can make right in your air fryer, some of my favorites are: AIR FRYER NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS, AIR FRYER SWEET POTATO FRIES, AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED JALAPEÑO POPPERS, and AIR FRYER FROG LEGS.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Restaurant-quality at home: Get the same crunch and flavor as Benihana without leaving your kitchen.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
• Versatile: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or add to a sushi platter.
• Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Needed For Benihana Tempura Shrimp

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, ready to cook
• All-purpose flour: Versatile all-purpose flour for light, crispy batter
• Cornstarch: Fine cornstarch to enhance tempura crispiness
• Baking powder: Baking powder for airy, crunchy tempura coating
• Ice-cold water or sparkling water: Chilled water or sparkling water for crisp batter
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper to season shrimp perfectly
• Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral vegetable oil for deep, even frying

How To Make Benihana Tempura Shrimp Copycat Recipe

Step One: Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually whisk in ice-cold water until smooth and slightly thick.

Step Two: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting excess drip off. Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

Step Three: Cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Enjoy with tempura dipping sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo.

Benihana Tempura Shrimp Copycat Recipe Tips

• Keep the batter cold: Use ice-cold or sparkling water to make the batter light and crispy.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; a few lumps in the batter are okay.
• Use fresh, large shrimp: Firm shrimp hold up better to frying or air frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan or basket: Fry in small batches to maintain crispiness.
• Lightly oil for air fryer: Spraying shrimp lightly with oil ensures a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Serve immediately: Tempura is best eaten hot for maximum crispiness.
• Experiment with dipping sauces: Try soy sauce, tempura sauce, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
• Optional seasoning: Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the batter for extra taste.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover tempura shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from sauces to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: Place cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.

Benihana Tempura Shrimp Copycat Recipe Faqs

What type of shrimp should I use? Use large, fresh or thawed shrimp that are peeled and deveined. They hold up best to frying and stay tender inside.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time? It’s best to mix the batter just before frying to keep it cold and ensure a light, crispy coating.

How do I keep the tempura shrimp crispy? Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket, fry in small batches, and serve immediately after cooking.

Can I freeze the shrimp? Yes, freeze cooked tempura shrimp in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

What sauces go well with this shrimp? Serve with tempura dipping sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo for the classic Benihana-style experience.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for dipping.

More Copycat Benihana Recipes

Benihana Fried Rice

Copycat Benihana Edamame Recipe

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