Crispy Golden Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp Recipe
Transform your kitchen into a seafood paradise with these golden, crispy air fryer butterfly shrimp! This restaurant-style dish delivers all the crunch and flavor you crave without the guilt of deep frying.
Ready in just 12 minutes, these succulent shrimp are perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties. Just like our popular air fryer coconut shrimp recipe, this dish proves that homemade can beat takeout every time!
What is Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp?
Ever wondered why we call it “butterfly” shrimp? It’s not because these crustaceans learned to fly! When shrimp are cut deeply along their backs and opened flat, they resemble delicate butterfly wings. This clever technique creates more surface area for that coveted golden coating. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” – and these beauties will steal hearts at first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp:
Restaurant-Quality Results at Home
These air fryer butterfly shrimp deliver that perfect golden crunch you’d expect from your favorite seafood restaurant. The hot circulating air creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside. No more soggy breading or greasy mess – just pure perfection in every bite.
Budget-Friendly Seafood Indulgence
Skip the expensive restaurant bills and make restaurant-quality shrimp at home for a fraction of the cost. A pound of shrimp can feed a family of four, and you control the quality of ingredients. Compare this to ordering shrimp at a restaurant where you’d pay triple the price for half the portion!
Irresistible Flavor Combination
The secret lies in our perfectly seasoned breading blend featuring panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne. Each shrimp is coated in a light flour dredge, dipped in beaten eggs, then rolled in our signature breadcrumb mixture. The result? A symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Much like our air fryer fish and chips recipe, this dish proves that air frying can deliver superior results to traditional frying methods. Ready to create this seafood masterpiece in your own kitchen?
How to Make Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp:
Quick Overview
This foolproof recipe transforms ordinary shrimp into extraordinary air fryer butterfly shrimp using just your air fryer. The secret is in the preparation – properly butterflying the shrimp and creating the perfect three-step breading station.
Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Serves: 4 people
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving:
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp
Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Remove any remaining shell pieces. Using a sharp paring knife, make a deep cut along the back of each shrimp, cutting about 3/4 of the way through. Open the shrimp like a book and gently press flat – this creates the “butterfly” shape.
Set Up Breading Station
Arrange three shallow dishes in a line. Fill the first with flour. Beat eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Bread the Shrimp
Working with one shrimp at a time, dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Place on a clean plate and repeat with remaining shrimp.
Preheat Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
Cook the Shrimp
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each shrimp using tongs. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Serve Immediately
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
What to Serve Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp With:
Classic Sides:
- Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw with tangy dressing
- Corn on the cob with herb butter
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Light and Fresh Options:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli with lemon
- Rice pilaf or coconut rice
- Grilled asparagus
Beverages:
- Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- Ice-cold beer
- Sparkling water with lime
- Fresh lemonade
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp:
Choose the Right Shrimp Size
Large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) work best for butterflying. They’re substantial enough to create the classic butterfly shape while cooking evenly throughout.
Don’t Skip the Drying Step
Moisture is the enemy of crispy coating. Pat shrimp completely dry before breading, and let breaded shrimp rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better.
Avoid Overcrowding
Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Each shrimp should have space for air to circulate around it.
Temperature Matters
Don’t skip preheating your air fryer. Starting with a hot basket ensures immediate searing and helps create that golden crust we’re after.
Flip Gently
Use tongs or a thin spatula to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking. Be gentle to avoid breaking the crispy coating.
Spray for Extra Crispness
A light spray of cooking oil on top of the breaded shrimp before and during cooking helps achieve restaurant-level crispiness.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Flash freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to containers to prevent clumping.
Reheating Methods:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes for best results
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes on a wire rack
- Avoid Microwave: This will make the coating soggy
Make-Ahead Tips: You can bread the shrimp up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. This actually helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 shrimp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 445mg |
| Cholesterol | 165mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat very dry before using. Frozen shrimp often contain more moisture, so extra drying time is crucial for crispy results.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko creates superior crispiness. You can make panko-style crumbs by pulsing regular breadcrumbs in a food processor until coarser.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they’re golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F. They should be opaque throughout with no translucent areas.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The results are equally delicious.
Why are my shrimp not crispy enough?
Common causes include too much moisture, overcrowding the basket, or insufficient preheating. Make sure shrimp are completely dry and don’t skip the preheating step.
Can I prepare the breading mixture ahead of time?
Yes! Mix all dry ingredients up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pro Chef Secrets for Perfect Results
The Butterfly Technique: Cut deeper than you think – about 80% through the shrimp. This creates more surface area and helps the shrimp lay flat for even cooking.
Temperature Control: Different air fryer models vary in intensity. Start checking at 8 minutes total cooking time and adjust as needed for your specific model.
Batch Cooking: If serving a crowd, keep cooked batches warm in a 200°F oven while preparing additional batches.
Flavor Variations: Try adding lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture, or substitute 1/4 cup of the panko with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
This air fryer butterfly shrimp recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer or restaurant kitchen to create impressive, delicious seafood dishes. With the right technique and quality ingredients, your home kitchen can produce results that rival the best restaurants.
Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just craving something delicious, these crispy, golden shrimp deliver every single time!
