Few things compare to the satisfying crunch of perfectly golden shrimp — crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. This Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Aioli delivers all the indulgence of deep-fried shrimp but without the excess oil or mess. Using an air fryer gives you that deliciously crisp texture with a fraction of the fat, making it a healthier yet equally tasty alternative.
The shrimp are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, air-fried until golden, and served with a creamy, tangy garlic aioli that complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, light lunch, or a main dish with sides, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make you rethink what “fried” shrimp can be.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines simplicity, flavor, and texture in one irresistible bite. The shrimp cook up beautifully crisp without any heavy oil, while the air fryer ensures even browning every time. The garlic aioli — made with just a few ingredients — adds a luxurious, garlicky creaminess that takes the shrimp to the next level.
It’s also one of those dishes that looks impressive but is secretly super easy to make. The cleanup is minimal, the ingredients are simple, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance between gourmet taste and everyday convenience.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Aioli is a must-try because it’s:
- Crispy without deep frying — you’ll get all the crunch without greasy residue.
- Healthy and light, thanks to the air fryer’s minimal oil usage.
- Versatile — works great as an appetizer, party snack, or dinner entrée.
- Bursting with flavor — the garlic aioli elevates each bite with zesty richness.
It’s the perfect example of how easy, modern cooking methods like air frying can deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Preparation and Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving (including aioli)
- Course: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
For the Garlic Aioli:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Directions
- Preheat your air fryer:
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. - Prepare the breading station:
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a second bowl.
- Combine panko, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Coat the shrimp:
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Air fry:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Make the garlic aioli:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve immediately:
- Serve hot shrimp with a side of garlic aioli for dipping.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Clean and prep shrimp: Peel, devein, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat air fryer: Ensures crisp results right from the start.
- Set up coating station: Use three bowls for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
- Coat shrimp: Work one at a time for even coverage.
- Arrange in air fryer: Keep them in a single layer for even crisping.
- Cook: Air fry until golden and cooked through (internal temp 145°F / 63°C).
- Prepare aioli: Mix ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy hot.
How to Serve
Serve Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Aioli hot and fresh straight from the air fryer.
Perfect serving ideas:
- As an appetizer with lemon wedges and aioli for dipping
- As a main dish with a side of fries, salad, or coleslaw
- Inside tacos or sliders with lettuce and aioli drizzle
- On top of pasta or rice bowls for a crunchy protein boost
Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold lemonade for the ultimate experience.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches to ensure even crisping.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: They make the shrimp extra crispy.
- Pat shrimp dry: Helps the coating stick better.
- Preheat the air fryer: It ensures an even golden crust.
- For extra flavor: Add a touch of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix.
Variations
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp:
Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. - Coconut Air Fryer Shrimp:
Replace half of the breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical twist. - Gluten-Free Version:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. - Asian-Style Shrimp:
Replace paprika with sesame seeds and serve with sweet chili sauce instead of aioli. - Lemon Herb Shrimp:
Add lemon zest and chopped parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty version.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it softens the coating. - Freezing (Before Cooking):
Bread the shrimp, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time. - Freezing (After Cooking):
Store cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer until crispy.
Special Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (any model with temperature control)
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dredging trays or plates
- Tongs
- Small bowl for aioli
Conclusion
This Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Aioli is a true celebration of texture and flavor — crispy, juicy shrimp paired with creamy, garlicky dip that’s utterly irresistible. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, game days, or when you simply crave something special yet simple.
Once you taste the golden crunch and feel how light and satisfying it is, you’ll understand why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious — it’s comfort food with a modern twist that never disappoints.
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Aioli
Description
Few things compare to the satisfying crunch of perfectly golden shrimp — crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp:
For the Garlic Aioli:
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
-
Prepare the breading station: Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. Combine panko, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
-
Coat the shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs. Then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
-
Air fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
-
Make the garlic aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
-
Serve immediately: Serve hot shrimp with a side of garlic aioli for dipping.
