Crispy & Creamy Air Fryer Shrimp
A Festive Air Fryer Cream Shrimp Recipe Perfect for Christmas Parties
We’ve made ‘crispy outside, tender inside’ cream shrimp using plump frozen shrimp, perfect for your Christmas party! This recipe uses an air fryer, making it a healthier and easier alternative to deep-frying, resulting in a delightful texture that’s sure to impress.
Shrimp Ingredients
- Cocktail shrimp (frozen) 300g
- 1 Tbsp Sake (to remove shrimp odor)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 3 Eggs (2 for coating, 1 yolk for sauce)
- Panko breadcrumbs (generous amount)
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil (for coating breadcrumbs)
Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Egg yolk
- 5 Tbsp Heavy cream
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Bell pepper (use a colorful one for presentation)
- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Egg yolk
- 5 Tbsp Heavy cream
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 Bell pepper (use a colorful one for presentation)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thaw the frozen cocktail shrimp in cold water. Rinse them lightly with 1 Tbsp of sake to remove any fishy odor. Drain them thoroughly on a sieve, ensuring no excess water remains. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Properly drying the shrimp is crucial for the coating to adhere well.
Step 2
Place the seasoned shrimp into a plastic bag with 3 Tbsp of cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake gently until the shrimp are evenly coated. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour works as a substitute. Cornstarch will give you a crispier finish.
Step 3
In a bowl, crack 2 eggs and whisk them well to prepare the egg wash for coating. (Remember, you’ll need a total of 3 eggs: 2 for the coating and 1 yolk for the sauce.) A smooth egg wash ensures an even coating.
Step 4
In another bowl, add a generous amount of panko breadcrumbs and mix in 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are fluffy and slightly moistened. The olive oil prevents the breadcrumbs from drying out and helps them fry up extra crispy in the air fryer. This step is highly recommended for the best texture!
Step 5
Now, coat the cornstarch-dusted shrimp. First, dip each shrimp into the whisked egg wash, ensuring it’s fully covered. Then, press the shrimp firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure the crumbs adhere well. Don’t be shy with the breadcrumbs; a good coating is key!
Step 6
Arrange the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes, then flip the shrimp and air fry for another 10 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and your air fryer model. Check for a golden-brown, crispy finish and adjust time as needed.
Step 7
While the shrimp are cooking, let’s prepare the creamy sauce. Finely dice the bell pepper into small, even pieces. Remove the seeds and membranes before dicing.
Step 8
Dice the onion into small, similarly sized pieces as the bell pepper. The onions and bell peppers will add flavor and texture to your sauce.
Step 9
In a small saucepan, combine 3 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp egg yolk, and 5 Tbsp heavy cream. Whisk together until smooth. Add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook over medium heat until it starts to simmer, then reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Be careful not to scorch it.
Step 10
Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Add the freshly air-fried crispy shrimp to the sauce and gently toss until all the shrimp are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Air Fryer Shrimp!
