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Plate of crispy panko breaded shrimp with a bowl of dipping sauce and lemon wedges

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp with Spicy Mayo

Extra-crispy panko shrimp cooked in the air fryer and served with a creamy, sweet-spicy mayo. Ready in about 25 minutes for an easy appetizer or family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb large raw shrimp peeled and deveined, 21–25 count
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder divided
  • 1 tsp paprika divided
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • avocado or olive oil spray
For the Spicy Mayo
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sriracha use less for mild heat
  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • 3 Shallow bowls for breading
  • 1 Small bowl for spicy mayo
  • 1 Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the thawed shrimp very dry with paper towels. Season with the salt and black pepper.
  2. Place the flour in the first shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in the second. In a third bowl, combine the panko, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
  3. Coat each shrimp lightly in flour and shake off the excess. Dip it in egg, let the extra drip away, then press it into the seasoned panko until evenly coated.
    Raw shrimp being coated with seasoned flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes, if your model benefits from preheating.
  5. Lightly spray the basket. Arrange shrimp in one layer with space between them, then mist the tops with oil. Cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying any dry panko spots. Cook in batches if needed.
    Crispy breaded shrimp cooking with steam in an air fryer basket
  6. Remove the shrimp when the coating is crisp and golden and the centers are opaque. For food safety, shrimp should reach 145°F internally.
  7. Stir the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat.
  8. Serve the shrimp immediately with spicy mayo on the side or lightly drizzled over the top.

Notes

  • Thaw frozen raw shrimp completely and dry them well before breading.
  • Do not crowd the basket; airflow is essential for crisp panko.
  • Press the panko onto the shrimp instead of loosely rolling it through the crumbs.
  • Air fryer models vary, so begin checking at 8 minutes.
  • Store leftovers and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat shrimp at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.