Easy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo Recipe for Tonight

Crispy air fryer fried shrimp promises a culinary adventure that upgrades ordinary seafood into an extraordinary feast.

Seafood lovers constantly seek innovative cooking techniques that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

These golden, perfectly seasoned morsels promise a delightful crunch without excessive oil or complicated preparation methods.

Succulent shrimp become irresistibly crisp when blasted with hot circulating air, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

The magical combination of tender protein and crackling exterior makes this recipe a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners.

Spicy sriracha mayo adds a bold, tangy kick that elevates the entire eating experience from mundane to magnificent.

Lean into this simple yet impressive technique that guarantees restaurant-style results with home-cooked comfort.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

• Maximize Crispiness: Pat shrimp completely dry before breading to achieve a super crispy exterior that stays crunchy.
• Perfect Breading Technique: Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto shrimp to create an even, thick coating that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook shrimp in single layers to ensure each piece gets perfectly golden and crisp, preventing steaming instead of frying.
• Spray for Extra Crunch: A light coating of cooking spray helps breadcrumbs turn deep golden brown and become extra crispy in the air fryer.
• Temperature Check: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm shrimp are fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F for safe and succulent results.

Reheating & Storing Fried Shrimp with Mayo

• Refrigerate: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place leftover shrimp in a single layer and warm for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Prevent Sogginess: Avoid using microwave, which can make breading soft. Stick to air fryer or oven to maintain crunchiness.

Side Ideas for Sriracha Shrimp

• Craft a Zesty Seafood Feast: Pair the crispy air fryer shrimp with a chilled, citrusy sauvignon blanc that cuts through the spicy sriracha mayo and complements the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Elevate with Fresh Sides: Serve alongside a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the richness of the fried shrimp and provide a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Create Texture Harmony: Add a small portion of crisp coleslaw with a tangy dressing to enhance the crunchiness of the panko-breaded shrimp and add a bright, acidic note to the dish.
• Build a Complete Meal: Round out the plate with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the spicy sriracha mayo and create a satisfying, well-rounded dining experience that brings together multiple flavor profiles.

Shrimp and Mayo Twist Ideas

• Coconut Crunch Shrimp: Replace panko breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical flavor profile. Add a hint of ground ginger to the flour mixture for extra warmth and complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and basil into the breadcrumb coating. Swap sriracha mayo for a tzatziki-style dipping sauce with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill.
• Cajun Spice Shrimp: Replace Old Bay seasoning with homemade Cajun spice blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Create a remoulade sauce using mayonnaise, mustard, and Cajun spices for dipping.
• Asian Sesame Shrimp: Add sesame seeds to the panko breadcrumb coating. Prepare a complementary dipping sauce using soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a sweet-savory finish.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo

• Supercharge Crispy Textures: Air fryer technique creates an incredibly crunchy exterior while keeping shrimp tender and juicy inside, delivering restaurant-quality crispiness without deep-frying.
• Zap Flavor Explosions: Sriracha mayo adds a tangy, spicy kick that perfectly complements the mild sweetness of shrimp, creating a bold and exciting taste experience in every bite.
• Speed Up Dinner Magic: Quick 6-8 minute cooking time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, providing a gourmet-style meal that's faster than ordering takeout and much healthier than traditional frying methods.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: Simple seasoning technique allows you to adjust heat levels by tweaking sriracha amount, making it friendly for both spice lovers and those with milder preferences.

Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo Ingredient List

• Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp with sweet ocean flavor and tender texture, preferably deveined and peeled for easy eating.

• Flour, Old Bay Seasoning: Classic combination providing initial crispy coating and bold, zesty seafood seasoning.
• Eggs: Helps breading adhere to shrimp and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light, airy breadcrumbs that create an extra crunchy texture for fried shrimp.

• Mayonnaise, Sriracha: Creamy and spicy base for dipping sauce with balanced heat and rich texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor to balance the richness of mayo and shrimp.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic, sharp flavor to elevate the sriracha mayo.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out the natural flavors.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures shrimp don't stick and helps achieve golden, crispy exterior in air fryer.

Cooking Steps for Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo

Step 1: Create Zesty Sriracha Mayo

• In a small mixing bowl, combine
• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha sauce
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until smooth. Adjust spice level to taste. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Step 2: Gather Breading Station Supplies

• First bowl: Flour mixed with Old Bay seasoning
• Second bowl: Whisked eggs
• Third bowl: Panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Prepare Shrimp

Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels. Remove any excess moisture to ensure crispy coating.

Step 4: Coat Shrimp

• Dust with seasoned flour, shake off excess
• Dip thoroughly in whisked eggs
• Roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create even coating

Step 5: Preheat Air Fryer

Set air fryer temperature to 400°F. Allow 2-3 minutes for complete preheating.

Step 6: Load Air Fryer

• Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray
• Arrange breaded shrimp in single layer without overcrowding
• Lightly spray shrimp tops with additional cooking spray

Step 7: Cook Shrimp

Air fry for 6-8 minutes, checking at 6-minute mark. Shrimp should be golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Remove shrimp immediately. Plate with chilled sriracha mayo for dipping. Enjoy while crispy and warm.

Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer fried shrimp bring Louisiana coastal flair to dinner tables with minimal effort. Spicy sriracha mayo adds zesty complexity that completes this quick seafood favorite for home cooks wanting restaurant-quality flavor without deep-frying complications.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning

Sauce Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste, up to 1 tablespoon)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sriracha mayo by blending mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small mixing bowl. Taste and adjust heat level as desired. Refrigerate the condiment until serving time.
2. Arrange three separate shallow dishes for the breading process: one with seasoned flour and Old Bay, another with whisked eggs, and the third filled with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Thoroughly pat shrimp dry using paper towels to ensure a crisp coating.
4. Dredge each shrimp first in the seasoned flour mixture, gently shaking off excess. Immediately dip into the whisked eggs, allowing any surplus to drip away.
5. Roll the egg-coated shrimp in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create an even, adherent crust on all sides.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.
7. Arrange breaded shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Mist the tops with additional cooking spray.
8. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
9. Transfer the hot, crispy shrimp to a serving plate and immediately accompany with the chilled sriracha mayo for dipping.

Notes

• Spice Up Your Mayo: Create a zesty sriracha mayo by whisking mayonnaise with sriracha, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a tangy, creamy dipping sauce.
• Breading Technique Matters: Use a three-step coating process with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy, golden exterior on your shrimp.
• Air Fryer Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket by cooking shrimp in batches, ensuring each piece gets perfectly crisp and evenly cooked.
• Seasoning Secrets: Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood flavor that perfectly complements the delicate shrimp.
• Cooking Precision: Cook shrimp for 6-8 minutes at 400°F, checking for a golden-brown color and ensuring they’re fully cooked through.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the shrimp hot and crispy straight from the air fryer for the best texture and flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 200mg