• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Fantabulosity logo

  • All Recipes
  • Vintage Recipes
  • Holiday
  • Dinner Theme System
  • About
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Theme Night Dinner System
  • Dinner
  • Desserts
  • Holidays
  • Contact
  • About Jessica
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

    By: Jessica · Posted: Jun 13, 2021 · Updated: Dec 16, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe 0 comments
    5 from 1 vote
    air fryer shrimp with text layer

    These easy, crispy, and juicy air fryer shrimp are one of my favorite recipes and they’re even paired with an Old Bay cocktail sauce recipe! You’re going to be surprised by how easy it is to get restaurant-quality fried shrimp from home!

    Air fryer fried shrimp is delicious and one of my favorite ways to cook shrimp but my classic fried shrimp recipe will always be a staple!

    Air fryer fried shrimp recipe

     

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Since this air fryer shrimp recipe is quick and easy, it’s perfect for busy weeknights! I know how easy it is to forget to plan dinner… I would be lost without my air fryer and my air fryer recipes! Being able to make dinner in a flash helps me and my family avoid fast food.
    • These crispy shrimp can be used in different recipes. Some examples are shrimp tacos, a shrimp salad using this side salad recipe, shrimp fried rice recipe, or even topped on pasta! There are so many creative ways to enjoy these juicy shrimp.
    • They’re healthier than traditional fried shrimp! Because these are fried in an air fryer, instead of oil, these shrimp are healthier than classic fried shrimp. If you’re looking for a healthy side dish, I would suggest roasted Brussels sprouts, canned green bean recipes, and/or air fryer asparagus.

    Ingredient Checklist

    • 1.5 – 2 lb bag Frozen Shrimp (Unthawed, XL, and Peeled)
    • 2 cups Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs
    • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
    • ½ tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
    • ½ tablespoon Garlic Powder
    • ½ tablespoon Cornstarch
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 ½ cups of Water
    Ingredients for air fryer fried shrimp

    Step by Step Directions

    1. Prepare shrimp: Make sure they are thawed, peeled, washed, and dried.
    2. Preheat Air Fryer to 375 degrees.
    3. Put the Panko Bread Crumbs in a small bowl. Set aside.
    4. In a large bowl combine the flour, Old Bay, Garlic Powder, and Cornstarch.
    5. Add the egg and water to the bowl.
    6. Whisk until it’s all thoroughly combined. You should have a thick and wet batter.
    7. Holding the shrimp by the tail, dip the shrimp individually into the beaten egg batter. Let any excess batter drip off into the bowl (Image 1).
    8. Then dip the shrimp into the Panko bread crumbs. Covering every spot except for the tail (Image 2).
    9. Place shrimp in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Shrimp should not touch in the basket of your air fryer (Image 3).
    10. Place basket in Air Fryer. Close. Set time for about 6-8 minutes. Shrimp do not take long to cook.
    11. When the coating is golden brown, that’s when they’re ready! (Image 4).
    12. Repeat until you’ve cooked all shrimp.
    Steps to make air fryer shrimp.

    Old Bay Cocktail Sauce

    If you’re serving this air fryer fried shrimp as an appetizer, you have to have cocktail sauce! If you’ve never made homemade cocktail sauce before, you’re going to be surprised by how easy it is.

    Dunking juicy shrimp or air fryer salmon patties into cocktail sauce is one of my favorite things to do! Or the boom boom shrimp sauce would be delicious with this air-fried shrimp, too!

    Air fryer shrimp with cocktail sauce

    Cocktail Sauce Ingredients Checklist

    • ¼ Cup Ketchup
    • 2 teaspoons Horseradish
    • ¾ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
    • ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika

    Cocktail Sauce Directions

    1. In a small bowl combine Ketchup, Horseradish, Old Bay Seasoning, Worcestershire, Lemon Juice, and Smoked Paprika.
    2. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
    3. Garnish with fresh Thyme if desired.
    4. Store in the fridge covered and/or in an air-tight container.
    Air fryer fried shrimp recipe

    What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

    I like to use jumbo or extra-large shrimp because they shrink while cooking. Using bigger shrimp will ensure they are a decent size when they’re ready to eat. You can use a smaller size, but do note that the cooking time may be faster.

    I find that it’s easier for me to use frozen shrimp and let it thaw rather than buying fresh shrimp. I only prefer that out of convenience and you can use fresh shrimp if desired. The important thing is that your shrimp are uncooked, peeled, with the tail on!

    What Side Dishes for Shrimp

    If you’re looking for easy side dishes that pair well with this shrimp recipe, you’ll love:

    • Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
    • Baked Potato Wedges
    • Side Salad
    • Air fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread

    Expert Tips and FAQs

    Can I store air fryer fried shrimp?

    Yes, you can store air fryer shrimp in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for no more than one day. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer or the oven. I would highly recommend eating these shrimp fresh because the breading will not be as crispy when reheated.

    What spices go well with air fried shrimp?

    The spices in this recipe are absolutely delicious but feel free to customize them in any way you’d like. Onion powder, smoked paprika, dried green onion, and cajun seasoning are all great options. Just add a ½ Tsp
    or so.

    Can I use different bread crumbs?

    I’ve found that seasoned Panko bread crumbs work best for this recipe but you can use plain or Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs. For the perfect shrimp, I would suggest using Panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs.

    Air fryer fried shrimp recipe

    How to Keep Shrimp from Sticking to the Air Fryer Basket

    Depending on what air fryer you use, you may have trouble with your shrimp sticking to the basket of the air fryer. To solve this problem, all you have to do is add a little bit of olive oil spray to the basket before cooking. This will help prevent your shrimp from sticking!

    Easy air fryer shrimp

    Related Recipes

    My husband and I love to use the air fryer for all kinds of easy recipes. Using the air fryer for a quick and easy dinner is not uncommon at our house! We love making Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer, Frozen chicken wings in the air fryer, and air fryer bratwursts!

    Or, if you love shrimp, then you’re going to really love these baked potatoes with shrimp and Cajun sauce!

    Or if copycat recipes are your things, don’t miss this shrimp on the barbie!

    Recipe

    air fryer fried shrimp on white plate

    Air Fryer Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce

    Jessica Burgess
    These easy, crispy, and juicy air fryer shrimp are one of my favorite recipes and they're even paired with cocktail sauce! You're going to be surprised by how easy it is to get resturant quality fried shrimp from home!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 25 shrimp
    Calories 72 kcal

    Equipment

    • air fryer

    Ingredients

    Air fryer shrimp

    • 1 ½ – 2 pound frozen shrimp
    • 2 cups seasoned Panko bread crumbs
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ Tablespoon old bay seasoning
    • ½ Tablespoon garlic powder
    • ½ Tablespoon corn starch
    • 1 egg
    • 1 ½ cups water

    Old Bay Cocktail Sauce

    • ¼ cup ketchup
    • 2 Tablespoons horseradish
    • ¾ teaspoon old bay seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    Instructions
     

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    • Prepare shrimp: Make sure they are thawed, peeled, washed, and dried.
    • Preheat Air Fryer to 375 degrees.
    • Put the Panko Bread Crumbs in a small bowl. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl combine the flour, Old Bay, Garlic Powder, and Cornstarch.
    • Add the egg and water to the bowl. Whisk until it’s all thoroughly combined. You should have a thick and wet batter.
    • Holding the shrimp by the tail, dip the shrimp individually into the batter. Let any excess batter drip off into the bowl.
    • Then dip the shrimp into the Panko bread crumbs. Covering every spot except for the tail. 
    • Place shrimp in the Air Fryer basket. Shrimp should not touch in the basket of your air fryer.
    • Place basket in Air Fryer. Close. Set time for about 6-8 minutes. Shrimp do not take long to cook.
    • When the coating is golden brown, that’s when they’re ready!
    • Repeat until you’ve cooked all shrimp.

    Old Bay Cocktail Sauce

    • In a small bowl combine Ketchup, Horseradish, Old Bay Seasoning, Worcestershire, Lemon Juice, and Smoked Paprika.
    • Mix well until thoroughly combined.
    • Garnish with fresh Thyme if desired.
    • Store in the fridge covered and/or in an air-tight container.

    Notes

    Can I store air fryer fried shrimp? 
    Yes, you can store air fryer shrimp in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for no more than one day. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer or the oven. I would highly recommend eating these shrimp fresh because the breading will not be as crispy when reheated.
    What spices go well with air fryer shrimp? 
    The spices in this recipe are absolutely delicious but feel free to customize them in any way you’d like. Onion powder, smoked paprika, dried green onion, and cajun seasoning are all great options. Just add a ½ Tsp
    or so.
    Can I use different bread crumbs? 
    I’ve found that seasoned Panko bread crumbs work best for this recipe but you can use plain or Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs. For the perfect shrimp, I would suggest using Panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6shrimp | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 279mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keywords air fryer, air fryer fried shrimp, Air fryer recipes, air fryer shrimp
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Two pieces of air fryer tofu on a toothpick.
      Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Recipe
    • Bratwursts cooked in the air fryer, resting on a plate.
      Air Fryer Brats
    • Close up of cooked air fryer carrot slices.
      Air Fryer Carrots
    • Easy air fryer recipes collage.
      25+ Easy Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
    Subscription Form

    Get 5 Days of Delicious & Easy Dinner Recipes!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Jessica Burgess of Fantabulosity, slicing an avocado.

    Hi, I'm Jessica! - Owner and Creator of the blog and brand, Fantabulosity.

    I’m here to teach you how to make quick and easy recipes, using simple ingredients, that your family will love.

    More about me →

    Summer Recipes

    • Close-up of pinwheel sandwiches stacked on top of one another.
      Pinwheel Sandwiches
    • Chicken macaroni salad in a bowl.
      The BEST Chicken Macaroni Salad
    • Chicken salad with grapes and apples, sitting on bread.
      Chicken Salad with Grapes and Apples
    • Serving of banana pudding on small plate.
      Quick & Easy Banana Pudding

    Popular Recipes

    • bread pudding in baking dish
      Bread Pudding Recipe: Easy Old Fashioned Recipe (With Video!)
    • Burger baked in the oven, steamed in aluminum foil, and placed on white plate.
      Burgers in the Oven
    • Oven Baked Steak with Butter and a side of potatoes
      How to Cook Steak in the Oven
    • Strawberry brownies on white marble cutting board.
      Strawberry Brownies Recipe
    • Cheeseburger Sliders
      Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
    • Baked BBQ Pork Steaks on white plate
      Pork Steaks in the Oven

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Featured In

    About

    • About Jessica
    • Contact
    • Collaborate
    • 5 Days of Delicious Dinners

    Easy Recipes

    • All Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts

    How to Cook

    • Oven-Baked
    • Stove-Top
    • No Bake
    • Slow Cooker

    Privacy Policy |Accessibility Copyright © 2025 Fantabulosity | Terms & Conditions | FTC

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.