Don’t forget to check out our Shrimp Chow Mein if you are a seafood fan! This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. I often think that some Asian takeout favourites are better to leave to the professionals. But when I examine this feeling I realise it’s only because I detest deep frying. I am willing to re-create any recipe at home as long as it doesn’t involve vats of hot oil. This classic Chinese American takeout recipe falls in that category. Delicious but deep fried. Well… great news is I am one of those air fryer fans. I believe you can make anything you want in it. So I decided to make salt and pepper shrimp a bit healthier and easier. And it worked! Here is what I did.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp (Prawns)
I can’t be the only one slightly intimidated by the deep frying process. Don’t get me wrong I can do it but I also feel terrified the whole time of the hot oil splashing on me. Or my kids randomly walking into the kitchen and getting burned. That’s why I’ve been avoiding any recipes, that involve deep frying. Well not anymore! Ever since I bought my first This is an affiliate link.air fryer a few years ago, I’ve made countless dishes healthier! Scroll to the recipe card to see the one I use. Salt and pepper shrimp is an extremely simple recipe, which could be enjoyed as a starter or a main dish. Shrimp is coated in a light layer of cornstarch, which gives the cooked shrimp a pleasant crispy exterior and juicy flesh. After it’s been fried, the shrimp is seasoned with salt and pepper. Yes, it is that simple. However, there are also various garnishes, which add loads of flavour to the star of the dish. I decided to fry thinly sliced red chillies, garlic and fresh ginger, cut into small matchsticks. The mix of the aromatics plus sliced green onions made my garnish. Although traditionally the fried shrimp is tossed in salt and pepper seasoning after it’s been cooked, I incorporated salt and pepper into the coating. It works better when using an air fryer.
Cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper creates the coating. Because we are using an air fryer and only an oil spray I suggest to use little cornstarch to avoid chalky texture. To achieve that, dip the shrimp in cornstarch, then shake lightly to avoid excess. Make sure you spray the cornstarch coated shrimp until it’s completely covered in spray and looks wet. Otherwise the cornstarch will remain powdery when cooked. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flip half way through and spray with a cooking spray again for the best results. Don’t skip the garnish. It adds so much flavour. Without it, the shrimp might be a bit plain.
Favourite Air Fryer Recipes:
Chicken Katsu Curry Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Asian Air Fryer Chicken Wings Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
