Popcorn shrimp has been a yummy finger food for decades, traditionally cooked deep in fatty oils. Nowadays, many people seeking flavor with more health benefits may ask, “Can you air fry popcorn shrimp? Does it come out the same?”
Luckily, you can air fry popcorn shrimp to get the same yummy and crunchy shrimp bites as you would with conventional frying methods. You just need to put the prepared shrimp in your air fryer at 400℉, cook the shrimp for four minutes, shake the basket, and then cook them for four more minutes.
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How to Air Fry Popcorn Shrimp
Air frying popcorn shrimp is done in three easy steps.
First, prepare your uncooked breaded popcorn shrimp. You can buy this ready-to-cook at your local grocery store – usually in the frozen section – or make them by hand using a classic popcorn shrimp recipe.
Second, lightly spray your air fryer with a bit of olive oil spray, if you desire. Add your popcorn shrimp to the air fryer, making sure not to overpack the appliance. The shrimp should create an even single layer on the bottom of the basket.
Then, Turn the air fryer on to 400℉ and cook the shrimp for four minutes, shake the basket, and then continue to cook for four more minutes.
Read also >> How Long to Cook Coconut Shrimp in Air Fryer? (Frozen, Healthy)
How to Air Fry Frozen Popcorn Shrimp
If you’re frying your shrimp straight out of the freezer, you may need to tag on two extra minutes of cooking time.
The shrimp should look golden and crispy when done.
Differences Between Air-Fried and Fried Popcorn Shrimp
Air fryers use rapidly circulating hot air and little to no oil to fry foods, whereas conventional frying uses heat oil or fat at high temperatures for cooking.
It’s easy to see that air-fried foods are going to be healthier than fried foods, with fewer calories and fat.
On the other hand, it’s hard to get the level of crunch and taste given by conventional frying methods. While the latter is less healthy, those oils give the foods the distinct taste that makes fried foods so yummy to begin with!
It’s best to stick with traditional deep frying for wet or thick batters. Plus, if your food needs to be deep-fried, an air fryer tends to pale in comparison.
Whether or not air-fried popcorn shrimp tastes as good as normally fried shrimp is up to you, but air-fried popcorn shrimp can certainly make a tasty and healthier addition to any kitchen table.
The Pros of Air Frying Popcorn Shrimp
Air fryers have become all the rage over the past few years and for good reason. Cooking popcorn shrimp in an air fryer has the following benefits:
- It’s fast: In less than ten minutes, you could have crunchy, crispy, and healthier popcorn shrimp ready to eat.
- It’s easy: Unlike preheating an oven or lathering your pans with frying oil, an air fryer has a quick preheating period and most include an easy timer to let you know when your food is good to go.
- A cheaper alternative to an oven: Air fryers use less energy than conventional ovens and less oil compared to regular frying. This means you could have 70%-80% fewer calories in your popcorn shrimp.
- Versatility: Your air fryer could be used to create many side dishes for your popcorn shrimp, from pasta to desserts. You can also use it to easily heat up any leftover popcorn shrimp the day after.
The Cons of Air Frying Popcorn Shrimp
- Can overcook food: Since air fryers heat up quickly and reach temperatures between 300-400℉, you’ll have to monitor your food to avoid overcooking or burning it. Food could also get dried out if not monitored properly.
- Can’t cook large batches: Most air fryers are small appliances that can only hold enough popcorn shrimp for a couple of servings. If you need to feed more mouths, you’ll need to cook them in batches.
- While air fryers use less oil than conventional frying, it is still made for fried foods, so use them in moderation.
Tips for Air Frying Popcorn Shrimp
These easy tips will help make sure your popcorn shrimp come out crispy, crunchy, and tasty as ever!
- For cooking premade shrimp, cook about half a standard bag at a time for 8-10 minutes. The more shrimp you add, the longer the cooking time.
- You can make sure your popcorn shrimp are ready by reading the internal temperature and making sure it has reached at least 165℉
- If making your popcorn shrimp from scratch, buy the smallest shrimp to ensure they cook as evenly as possible
- Serve your popcorn shrimp on its own, on rice or noodles, in tacos, or with a classic dip like tartar, spicy mayo, or a smoky BBQ sauce
Air Fry Frozen Popcorn Shrimp FAQs:
How long should I air fry popcorn shrimp?
Non-frozen popcorn shrimp should be air fried for eight minutes total. Halfway through, shake the basket to move around the shrimp. Shrimp should be golden and crunchy when done.
Can you air fry frozen popcorn shrimp?
Frozen shrimp can be air fried by adding 2 minutes of cooking time to the directions above, although you should first adhere to the directions on the bag.
What’s the best temperature to air-fry popcorn shrimp?
Most small popcorn shrimp should be air fried at 400℉. Be sure to watch your shrimp to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Popcorn shrimp makes for a delicious addition to any meal or dinner on its own. While it has been classically fried in oil, the latest trend of air fryers has made it possible to cook popcorn shrimp more healthily– while keeping that tasty crunch we all love.
You can cook your popcorn shrimp in your air fryer by setting it in the basket in an even layer. You could also add a spray of olive oil if you prefer. After cooking it for about eight minutes at
400℉, you’ll have a crispy batch of shrimp ready to enjoy!
References
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/air-fryers
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/274432/air-fryer-popcorn-shrimp/