Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura Recipe (Crispy Japanese-Style in Minutes)

You can make perfectly crispy shrimp in your air fryer. Learn how to make tempura fried shrimp in your air fryer in just minutes!

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Crispy, crunchy shrimp tempura made in an air fryer

Traditional tempura uses a delicate wet batter made with ice-cold water or seltzer. This recipe takes a different approach. Why? Gravity and cooking method.

When you place battered shrimp in hot oil, the oil immediately cooks the outer layer, sealing it to the piece of shrimp. In an air fryer, wet batter doesn’t set right away. It drips, sticks to the tray, and creates a mess instead of a crispy coating.

The solution is a three-step breading process using flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs. This creates an equally crispy exterior that stays put during air frying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need:

• Raw peeled shrimp – Provides tender, sweet seafood base that cooks quickly and stays juicy
• All-purpose flour – Creates the initial dry layer that helps egg wash adhere
• Eggs – Acts as a binding agent to hold panko breadcrumbs in place
• Water – Thins the egg wash for easier coating
• Panko bread crumbs – Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create ultra-crispy texture with large, airy flakes
• Vegetable oil – Helps breadcrumbs crisp and brown in the air fryer

How to make air fryer shrimp tempura

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare an egg wash in a shallow dish by whisking together two large eggs and two teaspoons of water.

3. Dredge the shrimp in flour, then shake off the excess flour.
4. Dip the dredged shrimp into the egg mixture and then roll in panko breadcrumbs.

5. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes in the air fryer, or until done.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Recipe tips

• Use medium shrimp. Your store may label medium shrimp as 41/50,
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer tray. You will need to cook in batches. Keep cooked shrimp in the oven on the lowest setting to stay warm.
• This recipe for fried shrimp in air fryer is versatile. Switch the Tentsuyu dipping sauce for sweet and sour sauce, and you have Chinese Sweet and Sour Shrimp!

Storage and reheating instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days. It’s essential to allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps the breading stay crispy.
• Reheating Method: Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes. Spray lightly with cooking spray before reheating for best results. Never microwave, as this will make the coating soggy.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best quality. The breading can become soggy upon thawing, and shrimp texture may become rubbery.

Love Shrimp? Try these recipes

• Japanese Tempura Shrimp
• How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Red Lobster Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
• Bubba Gump Shrimps
• Cajun Shrimp Recipe
• Fried Scampi Recipe
• Joes Crab Shack Shrimp
• Baked Parmesan Shrimp
• Shrimp Alexander
• Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Air Fried Jalapeno Popper Recipe
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts in Airfryer

Be sure to check out more of my homemade shrimp dishes and easy air fryer recipes.