Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura Recipe

Flour: The base of the tempura batter, providing structure and crispiness.

Cold water: Essential for creating a light and airy batter.

Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the batter.

Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing a succulent and flavorful bite.

For a crispier texture, make sure the shrimp are thoroughly dried with a paper towel before dipping them into the tempura batter. This helps the batter adhere better and prevents excess moisture from making the tempura soggy.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour will give a lighter and crispier texture, which is more traditional for tempura.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can make the batter extra crispy and is a good gluten-free option.

• cold water - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water can make the batter lighter and airier due to the carbonation.

• cold water - Substitute with beer: Beer can add a unique flavor and also help in making the batter light and crispy.

• beaten egg - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs and helps in binding the batter.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg, suitable for a vegan option.

• peeled and deveined large shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a vegetarian alternative, providing a similar texture when fried.

• peeled and deveined large shrimp - Substitute with chicken tenders: Chicken tenders can be used for a non-seafood option, offering a similar shape and cooking time.

• Allow the shrimp tempura to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tempura soggy.
• Place the cooled shrimp tempura in an airtight container. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the shrimp tempura within 2-3 days. For longer storage, proceed to freezing.
• To freeze, arrange the shrimp tempura in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the shrimp tempura to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen shrimp tempura in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp tempura in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through.

• Use an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the shrimp tempura on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until they regain their crispiness.

• For a quick fix, use a microwave. Place the shrimp tempura on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as the other methods.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the shrimp tempura on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are hot and crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp tempura and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the shrimp tempura, ensuring they become golden and crispy without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the flour, cold water, and beaten egg to create the tempura batter.

• Whisk: Essential for mixing the batter ingredients until smooth.

• Tongs: Useful for dipping the shrimp into the batter and placing them in the air fryer basket.

• Measuring cup: Needed to accurately measure the flour and water for the batter.

• Small bowl: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the batter mixture.

• Air fryer basket: The component of the air fryer where the battered shrimp are placed in a single layer for cooking.

• Serving plate: For presenting the cooked shrimp tempura once they are done.

• Dipping sauce bowl: To hold your favorite dipping sauce for serving with the shrimp tempura.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Purchase pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time on preparation.

Cold batter trick: Keep the batter cold by placing the mixing bowl over a bowl of ice.

Batch cooking: Cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

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