Air-Fried Shrimp Fritters

Air-Fried Shrimp Fritters are a delicious and lighter version of traditional fried shrimp fritters. Made with succulent shrimp, aromatic herbs, and a light batter, these fritters are air-fried to crispy perfection without the need for excessive oil. The result is a crunchy, flavorful bite with juicy shrimp inside, making them an excellent appetizer or snack. The air fryer ensures that the fritters are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for the perfect treat!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into small pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:
Chop the peeled and deveined shrimp into small pieces. Place the shrimp in a bowl and set aside.
Make the Fritter Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir in the buttermilk and egg until the batter is smooth. Add the chopped shrimp and fresh parsley, and mix gently until well combined.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Shape the Fritters:
Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the batter and form into small patties or fritters. You should be able to make about 12-15 fritters depending on size. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Fritters:
Place the fritters in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fritters are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the shrimp fritters from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges or a dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a creamy aioli.

Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes (per batch)
Total Time: 18-20 minutes

Serves

Makes about 3-4 servings (depending on portion size).

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 220-250
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 600mg

Key Notes

Shrimp Size: Make sure to chop the shrimp into small pieces so they blend well with the batter. Larger shrimp will require more cutting and may not hold together as well in the fritter.
Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds a nice crisp texture to the fritters. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can substitute it with more flour.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. If you like heat, you can also add a little hot sauce into the batter.
Air Fryer Tips: Ensure that the fritters are not overcrowded in the air fryer to allow even cooking. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in batches to maintain crispness.
Dipping Sauces: These shrimp fritters pair wonderfully with tangy sauces such as cocktail sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli.
Storage: Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply air fry for 2-3 minutes at 375°F for a crispy finish.
Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal.

Air-Fried Shrimp Fritters are a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried shrimp fritters. They’re light, crispy, and packed with shrimp, making them a fantastic appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a party appetizer or a weeknight treat, they’re sure to impress!