Zesty Air Fryer Shrimp with Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe

Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor, these air fryer fried shrimp with sriracha mayo dance between spicy and succulent.

The light, crunchy coating seals in delicate shrimp perfectly for a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home.

Seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible exterior that shatters with each bite.

Tangy sriracha mayo adds a zesty kick that complements the tender seafood.

Quick and simple, this recipe turns ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making these shrimp a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind spicy flavors, choose a high-quality, smooth brand for best results.
• Sriracha: Brings vibrant heat and tangy punch, select a classic Thai-style sauce for authentic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity to cut through richness, fresh squeezed gives the best taste.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, aromatic depth, use fresh minced for maximum flavor intensity.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances spicy notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates first crispy layer, helps egg and breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Introduces classic seafood flavor profile with subtle spice blend.
• Eggs: Acts as binding agent to help breading stick, ensure they're fresh and room temperature.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers ultra-crispy, light exterior with exceptional crunch, Japanese-style works best.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures even browning and prevents sticking in air fryer basket.

• Shrimp: Star of the dish, select large or jumbo size for best texture, look for fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp with firm, translucent appearance.

Tools for Crisping Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo

• Air Fryer: Essential for crispy, oil-free shrimp cooking.
• Shallow Bowls (3): Perfect for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating stages.
• Whisk: Crucial for mixing eggs and sriracha mayo smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Helps dry shrimp for better breading.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures crispy exterior and prevents sticking.
• Small Bowl: For preparing sriracha mayo.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helps transfer and flip shrimp in air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo at Home

Crispy Seafood Delight

• Flavor Base Preparation

Mix together a creamy, spicy spread using tangy mayo, zesty hot sauce, bright citrus juice, aromatic garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust heat to your comfort level. Chill until serving time.

• Coating Station

Create three shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the last with crunchy breadcrumbs. This setup will transform plain shrimp into a golden, crispy treat.

• Air Fryer Prep

Heat the air fryer to a sizzling 400°F. Gently pat the seafood dry to ensure maximum crispiness. Each shrimp will get a luxurious three-part dip: flour, egg, then breadcrumb coating.

• Breading Technique

Carefully dredge each piece through the seasoned flour, letting excess fall away. Dunk into beaten eggs, allowing any drips to disappear. Finally, roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create a perfect crunchy armor.

• Cooking Magic

Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated seafood without crowding. A light spray on top ensures ultimate golden brownness. Cook for 6-8 minutes until they reach a gorgeous crisp and are cooked through.

• Serving Moment

Plate the hot, crispy morsels immediately alongside the chilled, spicy sauce. Each bite promises a perfect blend of crunch and flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips for Juicy Shrimp and Tangy Mayo Sauce

• Modify sriracha mayo by adding roasted garlic, chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, or a dash of smoked paprika for deeper flavor profiles.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before breading to help coating adhere better and achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
• Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for consistent cooking and easiest preparation. Wild-caught shrimp often provide more robust flavor compared to farm-raised options.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper with holes for easier cleaning and preventing potential sticking during cooking.

Serving Ideas for Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo

• Beachside Appetizer Platter: Create a stunning coastal-inspired spread by arranging crispy shrimp on a large wooden board with fresh lemon wedges, green herb sprigs, and small ramekins of sriracha mayo for dipping.
• Taco Night Twist: Transform these air fryer shrimp into mouthwatering tacos by tucking them into warm corn tortillas with crunchy cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, and an extra drizzle of spicy mayo.
• Party Snack Extravaganza: Serve these golden shrimp as crowd-pleasing finger food during game nights or gatherings, accompanied by colorful dipping sauces and fresh vegetable crudités for a balanced and exciting appetizer selection.
• Salad Protein Boost: Top a crisp mixed green salad with these air fryer shrimp, adding a delightful crunch and protein-packed element to create a light yet satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Best Way to Store Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Restore the crispy texture by warming shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the breading soggy and compromise the delightful crunch.
• Batch Preparation Magic: Create larger quantities of breaded shrimp ahead of time. Arrange uncooked, breaded shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. These pre-prepared batches stay fresh for up to one month.
• Sauce Storage Solution: Keep the sriracha mayo refrigerated in a sealed container for 3-5 days. Stir briefly before serving to restore its smooth consistency and vibrant flavor profile.

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy golden Cajun-spiced shrimp create an unforgettable air fryer fried shrimp with sriracha mayo experience. Zesty sriracha mayo complements the perfectly seasoned seafood, delivering restaurant-quality flavors right from home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (1 pound) large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (tablespoon) Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ tbsp (tablespoon) sriracha (or more to taste, up to 1 tablespoon)
• ½ tsp (teaspoon) lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Sriracha Mayo Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust spiciness. Refrigerate until serving.
2. Breading Station Setup: Create three shallow dishes – first with seasoned flour and Old Bay, second with whisked eggs, third with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure stations are organized and accessible.
3. Shrimp Coating Process: Thoroughly dry shrimp with paper towels. Dredge each piece in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into eggs, allowing drips to fall. Coat completely in panko, pressing gently to create an even, crisp exterior.
4. Air Fryer Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Cooking Technique: Arrange breaded shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Mist tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure uniform golden crispiness and complete cooking.
6. Serving: Immediately transfer crispy shrimp to serving plate. Serve alongside chilled sriracha mayo for dipping, ensuring maximum temperature and crunch are preserved.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat shrimp completely dry before breading to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Breading Technique: Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto shrimp to create a thick, even crust that locks in moisture and delivers extra crunch.
• Spacing Matters: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure hot air circulates freely, resulting in uniformly golden and crispy shrimp.
• Temperature Precision: Watch shrimp closely during last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg