Are you ready for a crispy, flavorful treat that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle? This Air Fryer Keto Fried Shrimp recipe brings together the crunch you crave with the low-carb goodness you need. The shrimp are seasoned to perfection, coated in a crispy, golden coating, and cooked to tender, juicy perfection—all without the extra carbs. If you’ve been searching for a satisfying keto-friendly seafood dish that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, this one is for you!
What makes this dish even better is that it’s made in the air fryer, so you can enjoy that fried texture without the heavy oils or mess of traditional frying. This quick, simple recipe makes for a great appetizer or even a light main course. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a meal that will leave you wanting more!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this dish! They’re naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making them an excellent choice for keto. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, just be sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
Almond Flour: Almond flour is the perfect keto substitute for regular breadcrumbs. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a fine texture that creates a crispy coating. This ingredient ensures the shrimp gets that golden, crunchy exterior without the carbs.
Parmesan Cheese: This savory, salty cheese adds a boost of flavor and enhances the crispiness of the shrimp coating. Parmesan also helps bind the almond flour, making sure it sticks perfectly to the shrimp.
Eggs: Eggs are used to create a batter-like coating for the shrimp. They help the almond flour and parmesan adhere to the shrimp while giving it a light and crispy texture when cooked.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the shrimp, giving it that irresistible garlic taste. A little goes a long way, so just a pinch is enough to enhance the overall dish.
Paprika: Paprika brings a subtle smoky sweetness to the shrimp. It also adds a beautiful color to the crispy coating, making it even more tempting.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential to bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp. Don’t skip these—they’ll make all the difference in the final taste of the dish.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Keto Fried Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better. Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the breading station.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, whisk together the eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll the shrimp in the almond flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat until all the shrimp are coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure to arrange the shrimp in a single layer for the crispiest result. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture: While frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
- Season well: Adjust the amount of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for a twist.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating mixture for a spicy kick.
- Check for doneness: The shrimp should be opaque and firm when cooked. If they’re not quite done, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While these shrimp are best served fresh, you can prepare the breaded shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before air frying.
What dipping sauces go well with keto fried shrimp? Keto-friendly dipping sauces like homemade ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy aioli are perfect for this dish. Avoid high-carb options like traditional ketchup.
Can I use other coatings instead of almond flour? Yes, you can try using coconut flour or crushed pork rinds as a substitute for almond flour if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.