Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp Recipe

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly crunchy, this Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp is a fast, flavorful snack or appetizer perfect for game day or busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp is the ingredient list—it’s short, sweet, and absolutely fuss-free. Every item serves a purpose: creating bite-sized shrimp that are gloriously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible snack.

• Frozen breaded popcorn shrimp: These little bites are already coated and seasoned, taking care of all the prep work so you can focus on fast, delicious results.
• Olive oil spray (optional): A quick spritz ensures nothing sticks to the basket, and it can give your shrimp an extra hint of crispiness, though it’s totally optional if you’re skipping added oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Start by lightly spraying your air fryer basket with olive oil spray if you’d like—this step is optional but helps prevent any sticking, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, a little extra oil can give your popcorn shrimp an even crispier finish.

Step 2: Arrange the Frozen Popcorn Shrimp

Pour the frozen popcorn shrimp right into the air fryer basket, making sure to spread them out in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding; plenty of room means every piece gets that glorious, even crunch. No need to thaw—straight from freezer to fryer is the magic here.

Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8 minutes. Be sure to give the basket a good shake about halfway through to ensure each shrimp turns out perfectly crisp on all sides. By the end, your Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp should be sizzling golden and piping hot!

Step 4: Check and Serve

Give your shrimp a quick peek—when they’re golden, crispy, and steaming with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they’re ready. Dish them up right away and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, because nothing beats that just-cooked crunch.

How to Serve Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp with a pinch of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, or a little lemon zest for a zippy finish. If you like a little kick, a dash of smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning sprinkled over the top works wonders. A wedge of lemon on the side is always a welcome touch!

Side Dishes

Turn Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp into a full meal by serving alongside crisp coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or even sweet potato fries. For dipping, classic cocktail sauce or creamy remoulade keep things festive, but don’t hesitate to reach for honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo if you want to mix it up.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, pile the shrimp high on a platter and let guests help themselves—or tuck them into lettuce wraps with a spritz of lime for a lighter twist. For fun appetizers, skewer a few onto toothpicks and serve with a trio of dipping sauces. Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp also makes a mouthwatering addition to tacos or grain bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is pretty rare in my house!), let the Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll stay crispest if you avoid covering them while hot to prevent steam from softening the breading.

Freezing

Since this recipe starts with frozen shrimp, you can easily re-freeze leftovers—just make sure they’re cooled first. Place the cooked shrimp on a tray in the freezer until solid, then store in a zip-top bag. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within one month.

Reheating

For crispiness that rivals the first batch, pop the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy. Baking in a regular oven works as well—spread out on a sheet and heat at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I cook Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp straight from frozen?

Absolutely! No thawing needed—just place the frozen breaded shrimp right in your air fryer basket. That’s the real beauty of this recipe, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or easy entertaining.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Your Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp are ready when the coating is golden brown, crispy, and the shrimp inside are hot all the way through. If you’re unsure, a quick temperature check should read 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe with homemade breaded shrimp?

Definitely! Simply bread your shrimp as you like and follow the same cooking instructions—just keep an eye on them, as homemade breading might brown a little faster depending on what you use.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp?

The possibilities are endless! Classic cocktail sauce is always a hit, but you can also try tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy buffalo dip to complement the crispy shrimp.

Can I cook multiple batches at once?

For the best crispy results, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the basket. If you’re making lots of Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp, cook in batches so each piece has plenty of space to brown evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-stress, flavor-packed snack or party appetizer, Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp checks every box. They’re irresistible straight from the fryer and so versatile—give this recipe a try and watch them disappear before your eyes!

Print