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Crispy Air Fryer Firecracker Shrimp

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet firecracker glaze, cooked perfectly in an air fryer for a crunchy, flavorful bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with rice flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with a bit of water)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese brand recommended for best crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray or a light brush of oil for air fryer basket
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Set up dredging stations: whisk buttermilk in one bowl; mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in another; place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and finally into the panko, pressing gently to coat evenly. Set coated shrimp on a tray.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray lightly with cooking oil.
  6. Cook shrimp for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  7. While shrimp cook, whisk together sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger until smooth.
  8. Once shrimp are done, place them in a large bowl, pour the glaze on top, and toss gently to coat.
  9. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Use cooking spray lightly to develop a golden crust. Adjust sriracha to control spice level. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with coconut milk mixed with lemon juice. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer shrimp, firecracker shrimp, spicy shrimp, crispy shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, spicy glaze, appetizer

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/crispy-air-fryer-firecracker-shrimp-recipe-easy-spicy-glaze-tutorial/