Air Fryer Spicy Fried Shrimp

These crispy, golden-brown shrimp are coated in a flavorful, spicy breading and served with a creamy, zesty jalapeño chili dipping sauce that makes for the perfect appetizer. Quick and easy, this air fryer recipe delivers shrimp that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the jalapeño cream chili sauce adds a refreshing, spicy kick. Perfect for a party or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Spicy Fried Shrimp are crispy, savory, and packed with flavor, all thanks to the perfect combination of spices and panko breading. The air fryer makes cooking quick and convenient, while still delivering that perfect crunch. The creamy jalapeño chili sauce provides the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making each bite even more irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these shrimp are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Shrimp:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder

• 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 3 eggs, whisked

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce:

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon Frank’s RedHot sauce

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (about 4 stalks)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dredging Station:

In a small bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, white pepper, and ancho chili powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and red pepper flakes.

2. Coat the Shrimp:

Add the shrimp to the flour mixture and toss to coat evenly. Next, dip the shrimp into the eggs, letting any excess egg drip off, then coat in the panko bread crumbs.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

4. Make the Jalapeño Cream Chili Sauce:

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the firecracker sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced jalapeños, sweet chili sauce, sour cream, hot sauce, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

5. Air Fry the Shrimp:

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with canola oil or nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 3 minutes, flip the shrimp, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until golden and crispy.

6. Serve:

Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and transfer them to a platter or bowl. Serve with the jalapeño cream chili sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and additional jalapeños if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 5 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• More Heat: If you prefer spicier shrimp, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the breading.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shrimp with crispy cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version of this dish.

• Different Sauces: You can swap the jalapeño cream chili sauce with your favorite dipping sauces, like garlic butter, ranch, or a simple lemon aioli.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before coating and cooking them. You can thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight or under cold running water.

Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the jalapeño cream chili sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Yes, feel free to substitute Frank’s RedHot with your favorite hot sauce, such as Sriracha or Tabasco, to adjust the heat level to your liking.

How do I get the shrimp extra crispy?

For even crispier shrimp, spray the shrimp with a little extra oil before cooking. You can also increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Spicy Fried Shrimp with Jalapeño Cream Chili Sauce are a must-try appetizer that’s quick, crispy, and full of flavor. The shrimp are perfectly coated in a spicy, crunchy breading, and the creamy, zesty sauce complements them beautifully. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a casual snack, or a fun meal, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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