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Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp (Crispy Chinese-Style)

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp

5 from 1 vote
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Crispy Chinese-style salt and pepper shrimp made in the air fryer — white pepper cornstarch coating, finished with fried garlic, fresh chili, and scallions. Ready in 20 minutes, no deep frying.

Ingredients 

For the shrimp:

  • 1 pound shrimp, large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on (or shell-on — see note)
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper, ground
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, ground
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground (optional)
  • Oil spray, avocado or vegetable

For the aromatic finish:

  • 1 tablespoon oil, avocado or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 red chili, or jalapeño, thinly sliced (deseed for less heat)
  • 2 stalks scallions, sliced

Instructions

  • Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, white pepper, black pepper, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorn (if using). Reserve a pinch of the mix for finishing.
  • Toss the shrimp in the seasoned cornstarch until lightly and evenly coated; shake off excess.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  • Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket (work in batches). Spray generously with oil until no dry cornstarch spots remain.
  • Air fry 6–8 minutes (8–10 for shell-on), flipping and re-spraying halfway, until golden, crisp, pink, and opaque. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  • Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the garlic and chili 60–90 seconds until the garlic is just golden. Turn off the heat and stir in the scallions.
  • Add the hot shrimp to the skillet and toss 30 seconds to coat with the aromatics. Finish with the reserved pinch of seasoning mix. Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

  • Shell-on (traditional): Leave shells on for the juiciest shrimp and crispy, edible shells; add ~2 minutes cook time.
  • Gluten-free as written.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 days; re-crisp at 375°F in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes. Not recommended for freezing once cooked.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 23gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 376mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 172IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 1mg