Published 1/27/2024 • Updated 6/7/2024 This is literally the BEST firecracker shrimp because it’s an easy recipe made in the air fryer — these shrimp are seriously so crispy, you’d never guess they weren’t deep fried. It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion and also makes a quick weeknight dinner when paired with a grain and a veggie.
Firecracker Shrimp – What You’ll Need
Gochujang: the star ingredient in this recipe. This chili paste is what gives the shrimp its irresistible heat. Large shrimp: we used large, wild-caught deveined shrimp that’s been shelled for this recipe. While you can use smaller shrimp, we prefer the larger size for a more satisfying crunch. Sesame oil: sesame oil adds a subtle nuttiness to the dish that complements the heat from the gochujang. Panko crumbs: the ultimate ingredient for achieving that perfect, crispy coating on the shrimp. White sesame seeds: sesame seeds take the texture and flavor of this dish up a notch! Honey: a yummy way to balance out the heat from the gochujang and add a natural sweetness to the dish. Rice vinegar: rice vinegar creates a tangy flavor that ties all the other flavors together. Air fryer: you’ll need an air fryer to make this recipe for a quick cook time and crispier result.
How long do you cook air fryer shrimp?
In this recipe we’re using large shrimp and recommend cooking them for 2 minutes on each side. You can learn more about safe cooking temperatures from FoodSafety.gov.
Can I use different sized shrimp?
For instance, if you’d rather use medium shrimp or jumbo shrimp for this recipe, feel free to! Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of egg wash and panko mixture accordingly. And, you’ll need to increase or decrease bake time, too.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
You can also swap the panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs if desired.
How much shrimp can I air fry at a time?
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket with the shrimp and make sure that each shrimp isn’t touching one another. This will cause them to cook unevenly and result in a less crispy texture.
A Quick Tip on Breading Your Shrimp
We highly recommend breading the raw shrimp on a plate rather than directly in the bowl with the panko mixture so the mixture doesn’t become soggy and unable to stick to the shrimp. The process takes some time, but be patient! Air Fryer
Air Frying Shrimp in the Oven
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this recipe by baking the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes or until golden. This is also a great option if you’re looking to make a large batch of firecracker shrimp to feed a crowd as you can fit significantly more shrimp on a sheet pan than in an air fryer basket.
How to Store Leftover Shrimp
Store leftover firecracker shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We recommend reheating your shrimp right in the air fryer to get it nice and crispy again! But, just do it for around 30 seconds or until warm so yo don’t overcook it!
What to Serve with Firecracker Shrimp
Make this tasty firecracker shrimp into a full-on meal and serve it over some Sticky White Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, or, if you’re low-carb, Cauliflower Rice. Add some colorful veggies to your meal, such as Rainbow Grilled Vegetables or Steamed Broccoli to create a delicious, well-rounded meal. You also can’t go wrong with a refreshing salad on the side. We highly recommend our Herby Cucumber Tomato Salad!
