Air Fryer Butterflied Shrimp Recipe

Butterflied large shrimp: These are peeled and deveined shrimp, perfect for quick cooking and easy eating.

Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the shrimp.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.

Olive oil: Used to lightly spray the shrimp for a crispy finish.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the coating.

Paprika: Gives a mild, smoky flavor and a hint of color.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Beaten eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the shrimp.

When preparing butterflied shrimp for this recipe, ensure that each shrimp is evenly coated with the breadcrumb mixture. To achieve this, press the shrimp gently into the mixture, making sure the coating adheres well. This will help create a uniform, crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; this allows hot air to circulate properly, ensuring each shrimp cooks evenly and becomes perfectly golden.

• butterflied large shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and cook quickly, making them a good alternative for air frying.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.

• breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture and can be a gluten-free option if needed.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it ideal for air frying.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor to garlic powder.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp and adds a slight tangy flavor.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to maintain their crispiness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
• To freeze, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
• When ready to reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy. If reheating from the refrigerator, reduce cooking time to 3-5 minutes.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover butterflied shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the shrimp in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and regain their crispiness.

• If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• For a microwave option, place the shrimp on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly warmed. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• To reheat using a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on the toaster oven tray in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the shrimp to a golden and crispy finish without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Small bowl: Used to hold the beaten eggs for dipping the shrimp.

• Tongs: Used to handle the shrimp while dipping in the eggs and coating with the breadcrumb mixture.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

• Olive oil spray: Used to lightly spray the shrimp before cooking to help achieve a crispy texture.

• Plate: Used to hold the coated shrimp before placing them in the air fryer.

• Spatula: Used to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and spices ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use pre-butterflied shrimp: Purchase butterflied shrimp to save time on preparation.

Organize your workspace: Set up a dredging station with beaten eggs and breadcrumb mixture for efficient coating.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple shrimp at once in the air fryer to reduce overall cooking time.

Quick cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup.