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Crispy Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp Recipe with Easy Zesty Cocktail Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy Old Bay seasoned shrimp cooked in the air fryer, served with a tangy and spicy zesty cocktail sauce. Perfect for a flavorful snack or appetizer without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
  • For the cocktail sauce:
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse raw shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  4. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat well on all sides. Set aside on a plate.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry shrimp for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy outside, opaque and pink inside. Add 1-2 minutes if needed but watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. While shrimp cooks, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  9. Serve shrimp immediately with cocktail sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning. The cocktail sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer shrimp, Old Bay shrimp, crispy shrimp, cocktail sauce, easy shrimp recipe, appetizer, seafood snack

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-air-fryer-old-bay-shrimp-recipe-with-easy-zesty-cocktail-sauce/