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Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Cook up some delicious crispy fish tacos quickly and easily in your air fryer. Whitefish is dredged in cornmeal and seasonings and air fried until perfectly crispy.

Close up of an air fried fish taco next to a lime wedge.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

There's no need to wait til taco Tuesday, these delicious crispy fish tacos are perfect for any day of the week! Mexican is one of our favorite cuisines, and these kid-friendly tacos are always a hit!

As much as I love a crispy fish taco, I'm not always in the mood to deep fry, and oven baking just doesn't get the same results. The air fryer makes it so easy to make this street food at home in a matter of minutes and the results are more than delicious!

Topped with tangy homemade lime crema and crunchy slaw, these tacos are loaded with flavor and texture, and they are ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes!

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Chicken Tacos and Instant Pot Chicken Tacos too!

Four air fryer fish tacos served on a plate with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

How to make air fryer fish tacos

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, old bay, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  • Pat the fish dry and then dip into the cornmeal mixture, making sure all sides are coated.
  • Spray the air fryer with cooking spray. Then place the fish in the air fryer. Spray the fish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  • Cook at 400F for 8-10 minutes.
Breaded fish in the air fryer basket before being cooked.
Fried fish strips in an air fryer basket.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the lime crema.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the slaw.
Lime crema in a bowl with a spoon.
Slaw in a white bowl.
  • Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven and then layer with the desired toppings.
Fish tacos topped with slaw and lime crema.

What's the best fish to use?

I like to use whitefish for my tacos, they generally have a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness, and have a soft and flaky texture. Cod, pollock, halibut, haddock, or halibut all work great. If you want to mix things up. you could totally make these with salmon, or try them with my Crispy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp!

What toppings can you add?

I love to serve these with my lime crema and quick slaw. The flavors of the lime work so well with the crispy fish! You can of course build these any way you like, try topping them with:

Can you make these without an air fryer?

You can fry or oven bake the fish rather than air frying, but honestly, air fried is the way to go!

If you want to deep fry, fry the fish in hot oil till crispy and cooked through, this is a pretty quick way and the fish will get crispy, but you'll be using a lot more oil and it can get a little messy!

You can oven-bake the fish on a lined baking sheet at 380F for about 20 minutes. This still gives good results, but it won't be as crispy.

What do you serve them with?

These air-fried fish tacos can easily be served by themselves, or, serve them up with favorite sides like Air Fryer Corn on the Cob or Fresh Corn Salad.

Crispy soft shell fish tacos topped with slaw and cilantro.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • If using frozen fish, make sure that it is fully defrosted before using.
  • Pat the fish dry before seasoning and breading, this will help it get nice and crispy.
  • Cook the fish strips in an even layer for best results.
  • These air fryer fish tacos can be served in soft or hard shells.
  • Other toppings like tomatoes, feta cheese, or avocado can be added for extra flavor. Serve it with a side of watermelon salsa for a refreshing twist.

More Air Fried Fish Recipes

Crispy soft shell fish tacos topped with slaw and cilantro.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Cook up some delicious crispy fish tacos quickly and easily in your air fryer. White fish is dredged in cornmeal and seasonings and air fried til perfectly crispy. Served in soft flour tortillas and topped with lime crema and a crunchy slaw.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: air fried fish tacos, crispy fish tacos, fish tacos with slaw and crema
Servings: 8 tacos
Calories: 363kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Fish

  • 1 pound white fish cut into strips
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons old bay
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Lime Crema

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayo
  • Zest of 1 lime

Slaw

  • 14 ounces cole slaw mix
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup cilantro chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 teaspoons sugar

Other ingredients

  • 8 flour tortillas heated

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, old bay, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
  • Pat the fish dry and then dip into the cornmeal mixture, making sure all sides are coated.
  • Spray the air fryer with cooking spray. Then place the fish in the air fryer. Spray the fish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  • Cook at 400F for 8-10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the lime crema.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the slaw.
  • Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven and then layer with the desired toppings.

Notes

  • If using frozen fish, make sure that it is fully defrosted before using.
  • Pat the fish dry before seasoning and breading, this will help it get nice and crispy.
  • Cook the fish strips in an even layer for best results.
  • These tacos can be served in soft or hard shells.
  • Other toppings like tomatoes, feta cheese, or avocado can be added for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 645mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 3mg

by 8 Comments

Creamy Mushroom Sauce (Best Ever!)

Made with garlic, white wine, cream, and parmesan, this creamy mushroom sauce is decadent and delicious and has so many uses! Use it to top steak or chicken, or, serve over pasta or rice for a quick and easy dinner.

A wooden spoon stirring the mushroom sauce.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Mushrooms are one of my favorite veggies, with their earthy and umami flavor and meaty texture, they are always welcome on my plate! Similar to my creamy mushroom soup, this sauce is just full of flavor.

This creamy mushroom sauce comes together quickly and easily all in one skillet and is wonderfully rich and flavorful. Ready to serve in 20 minutes, so it's a great option for a weeknight dinner, but it's easily fancy enough to serve to company.

This is delicious served over freshly cooked pasta or rice for a really comforting family dinner, or serve it as a topping for steak or chicken to elevate your plate.

Be sure to try my Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms and Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Mushrooms too!

Close up of the finished mushroom sauce with fresh parsley.

How to make creamy mushroom sauce

Melt butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Then add garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds.

Butter and garlic in a skillet.

Add mushrooms and stir for about 10-15 minutes, until softened and reduced. Add thyme.

Sautéing mushrooms in a skillet.

Pour in white wine and stir, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits at the bottom of the skillet. Allow this to cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 1 minute.

White wine and broth added to the mushrooms.

Pour in chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes. Then add the heavy cream and allow to cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the heavy cream has thickened.

Cream added to the mushrooms.

Remove from heat, and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Creamy mushroom sauce garnished with fresh parsley.

Can you make it without wine?

The white wine adds a great complexity of taste and more layers of flavor to this creamy mushroom sauce. I use chardonnay, but any dry white wine will work well. If you don't want to use wine, you can swap it for some additional chicken stock. Deglaze the pan with it and let it cook down before carrying on with the rest of the recipe.

This cream of mushroom chicken recipe has a mushroom sauce that does not contain wine.

What are the best mushrooms to use?

I made this sauce with baby Bella mushrooms. They have an earthy and meaty flavor that works wonderfully with steak. They are also known as cremini mushrooms. You can also white button mushrooms or chopped portobellos too, or try it with shitake for a richer taste.

How do you serve it?

This white wine and mushroom sauce is delicious served on top of some freshly cooked pasta or brown rice for a delicious family meal. If I'm entertaining, I like to serve it over steak or chicken for some added flavor. Serve up with favorite sides like:

Sliced mushrooms in a creamy sauce.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • I use Chardonnay wine in this recipe. Any dry white wine will work.
  • I love the flavor of baby Bella mushrooms but white button mushrooms may be used as well.
  • This creamy mushroom sauce goes well over pasta, brown rice, or your favorite protein.
  • Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and a rennet-free hard cheese rather than parmesan.
  • Cook the mushrooms well and allow them to brown before adding the liquids, this is how you create the flavor.

More Sauce Recipes

Close up of the finished mushroom sauce with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe
4.89 from 9 votes

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Made with garlic, white wine, cream and parmesan, this creamy mushroom sauce is decadent and delicious and has so many uses! Use it to top steak or chicken, or, serve over pasta or rice for a quick and easy dinner.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mushroom sauce for steak, pasta mushroom sauce, white wine mushroom sauce
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 289kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves chopped
  • 16 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ cup white wine
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large 12 inch skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for about 10 seconds.
  • Add mushrooms and stir for about 10-15 minutes, until softened and reduced. Add thyme.
  • Pour in white wine and stir, using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits at the bottom of the skillet. Allow to cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in chicken broth and allow it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Then add the heavy cream and allow to cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the heavy cream has thickened.
  • Remove from heat, stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

  • I use Chardonnay wine in this recipe. Any dry white wine will work.
  • I love the flavor of baby bella mushrooms but white button mushrooms may be used as well.
  • This sauce goes well over pasta, brown rice, or your favorite protein.
  • Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and a rennet free hard cheese rather than parmesan.
  • Cook the mushrooms well before adding the liquids, this is how you create the flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1122IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 1mg

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Jamaican Saltfish Fritters

If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Jamaican dish, look no further than these saltfish fritters. These golden fried fritters are savory and full of delicious Caribbean flavor.

fritters on white pate with peppers around it

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

These saltfish fritters, also known as codfish fritters, are one of my favorite Caribbean snacks. I was able to get my mom to actually write down the steps she uses to make this recipe so I could share it with you all.

In a similar fashion to my banana fritters recipe, this recipe involves creating a loose wet batter and shallow frying on the stovetop. It's a quick and easy recipe that requires just a little prep work.

If you like saltfish, be sure to try my ackee and saltfish and callaloo and saltfish recipe too. 

Ingredients Needed for Saltfish Fritters

ingredients for saltfish fritters on white background
  • Salted Fish (Cod) - Saltfish, also known as salted cod or salt cod, is a type of preserved fish that has been dried and cured. If you can't find salted cod, you can use fresh codfish that has been cooked and flaked.
  • Flour - all-purpose flour is the base of the fritter.
  • Cold water - helps create the loose batter.
  • Fresh seasoning - green onions and tomato.
  • Scotch bonnet pepper - A popular ingredient found in many Jamaican recipes. It's optional if you want a little spice.
  • Seasoning - all-purpose seasoning and black pepper.
  • Oil - for frying. Use a high-heat oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil.

How to make Saltfish Fritters

Prepare the Salted Codfish

This recipe uses salted cod and you will need to prepare it before adding it to the fritter batter. Rinse the saltfish. Place the salt fish in a large pot and cover with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Allow the saltfish to boil in the water for 10-12 minutes and then drain the water to remove excess salt.

While boiling, foam will appear at the top. Watch closely and make sure the water does not boil over on the top of the pot. Once the excess salt is removed, flake the fish and proceed with the recipe.

You can also soak the salt cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water several times. Once it is fully soaked and tender, boil the codfish for 4-5 minutes, drain the cod, flake it into small pieces, and use it in your fritter batter.

You can also use fresh cod in this recipe. Just season and bake the codfish and allow it to cool, before flaking it and adding it to the batter.

Prepare the fritter batter

Chop your green onions, tomato, scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme and place them in a large bowl along with the prepared codfish. Add the all-purpose seasoning and black pepper and stir until combined. Add all-purpose flour and stir.

saltfish, onions, and peppers in white bowl
dry ingredients mixed for saltfish fritters in white bowl

Slowly pour in the cold water and mix. The batter should easily slide off a spoon.

wet batter for saltfish fritters

Heat 1 cup of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the batter by spoonfuls, about ¼ of a cup per fritter. Once bubbles start to appear on the top and the bottom is golden brown, flip the fritter. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.

saltfish fritters frying in pan
fritters frying in pan

Remove the fritters from the skillet with tongs or a slotted spoon. Drain them on a paper towel.

Serve them as is or serve them with a dipping sauce. I like to eat them as is.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to serve with saltfish fritters?

This popular Jamaican appetizer is usually served as a part of breakfast or a snack. You could serve them as part of a larger feast for friends and family. Serve them along with jerk chicken, jerk pork, cornmeal porridge, and more.

Can these be made in an air fryer?

In order to make these in an air fryer, you'll need to reduce the amount of liquid to make the batter a bit thicker. It won't have the exact taste or texture as the fritters that are fried in oil.

What is saltfish?

Salted codfish, or salt fish, is a type of preserved seafood made by salting and then drying fish. The salt draws out moisture from the fish, which creates a firm texture that lasts for months or even years when stored properly.

Saltfish can be found in International markets or online.

Notes on Saltfish Fritters

  • I use half a scotch bonnet pepper in this recipe, which gives it a little bit of spice. Habanero pepper can be subbed for scotch bonnet pepper or simply leave it out. You can also use a hot pepper sauce.
  • The amount of water used will depend on the end results of the fritters. Less water will give a thicker, denser fritter while more water will give a thin, crispy fritter.
  • The amount of salt added to this recipe will depend on how much salt was removed from the salted cod. Do not add additional salt until after you have fried and tasted one fritter.

Other Jamaican Classics

Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Jamaican Saltfish Fritters

If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Jamaican dish, look no further than these saltfish fritters. These golden fried fritters are savory and full of delicious Caribbean flavor.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: codfish fritters, jamaican saltfish fritters, saltfish fritters
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 335kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 12 oz dried salted fish
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1 large Roma tomato chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves removed from stem and chopped
  • ½ scotch bonnet pepper seeds removed and chopped (optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 270g
  • 1 ¼ - 1 ½ cup cold water*
  • Oil for frying about 1 cup

Instructions

Prepare the saltfish

  • Rinse the saltfish. Place the salt fish in a large pot and cover with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Allow the saltfish to boil in the water for 10-12 minutes and then drain the water to remove excess salt.
  • You can also soak the salt cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water several times. Once it is fully soaked and tender, boil the codfish for 4-5 minutes, drain the cod, flake it into small pieces, and use it in your fritter batter.

Prepare the fritter batter

  • Add prepared saltfish, green onions, roma tomato, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, black pepper, and all-purpose seasoning to a bowl and mix until combined.
  • Add all-purpose flour and stir until combined.
  • Slowly add water and stir until combined. The batter should easily slide off a spoon.
  • Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-heat. Add batter by the spoonful, about ¼ cup each.Once bubbles start to appear on the top and the bottom is golden brown, flip the fritter. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and serve.

Notes

  • While boiling the saltfish, foam will appear at the top of the pot. Watch closely to make sure the foam does not boil over the top of the pot.
  • To sub fresh fish in this recipe, season and bake the fresh codfish before using it in the fritter batter. If using fresh cod, you may need to add a little salt to the batter, about ½ teaspoon.
  • I use half a scotch bonnet pepper in this recipe, which gives it a little bit of spice. Habanero pepper can be subbed for scotch bonnet pepper or simply leave it out. You can also use a hot pepper sauce.
  • The amount of water used will depend on the end results of the fritters. Less water will give a thicker, denser fritter while more water will give a thin, crispy fritter.
  • The amount of salt added to this recipe will depend on how much salt was removed from the salted cod. Do not add additional salt until after you have fried and tasted one fritter.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal

by 57 Comments

Marinated Air Fryer Salmon

This Marinated Air Fryer Salmon recipe is a delicious quick and easy air fryer meal. Seasoned in a tangy soy sauce and mustard marinade, it's quick to prep and make.

salmon in air fryer basket

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Full Recipe/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

If I could give you one more reason to love your Air Fryer, then I think this is it! Perfectly cooked salmon in your Air Fryer each and every time. I’m a huge fan of making this Crispy Air Fryer Fish recipe, but now I’ll have to add this marinated salmon recipe to the list.  

I bet you’re wondering, why make salmon in your Air Fryer? Well, here’s why. This recipe is fast, hands-off, and results in tender flakey salmon.

The air fryer cooks this salmon dish perfectly each and every time for a tasty, healthy, and simple weeknight dinner. This recipe is so fuss-free and the clean-up is so easy. It's great for a healthy low-carb dinner, and it's one that the whole family will enjoy.

If you don't have an air fryer, no worries, you can bake this salmon in the oven too.

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Salmon Patties and Easy Teriyaki Salmon too!

How to make Marinated Salmon in your Air Fryer

Gather your ingredients. You'll need 4 salmon fillets and the marinade ingredients.

ingredients for salmon recipe

Place soy sauce, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a bowl and whisk to combine.

Pour marinade over salmon. Use a Gallon food storage bag for marinating to gently swish the marinade over all the fish or use a container and roll the fish in the marinade, making sure each piece gets fully covered. Place fish in the refrigerator and marinate for 20-30 minutes.

salmon in marinade

Remove fish from the refrigerator. Prepare the Air Fryer basket by spraying the basket with oil. You can also use an air fryer parchment paper liner.

Cook salmon in your Air Fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-12 minutes. Make sure the salmon is not touching so that the air has a chance to flow around it. 

raw salmon in air fryer basket

Once done, remove and serve with your favorite sides.

cooked air fryer salmon in air fryer basket

How long can you marinate salmon?

I find that 20 minutes is enough time for the salmon to take on the flavors of the soy sauce marinade. Because this marinade is not acidic, you can let it marinate for up to 24 hours. Seafood is very delicate, so marinades with acid, such as lemon juice, shouldn't be marinated for too long as they can start to break down the flesh.

close up photo of salmon in air fryer basket

Can you make this recipe without an air fryer?

This is hands down my favorite method of cooking salmon, but you can marinate the salmon and then either pan fry it or oven-cook it at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes.

Can you use frozen salmon?

I prefer to use fresh salmon fillets, but you can use frozen if you have those to hand. If you have thinner fillets, the cooking time will need to be reduced. If using frozen, thaw the fillets thoroughly before marinating and cooking.

Best Salmon to use in the Air Fryer

There are many kinds of salmon and all do well in the air fryer. Do note that farmed Atlantic salmon, a fattier cut of salmon can withhold longer cook times in the air fryer. If cooking wild salmon with less fat, like sockeye salmon, lower the cooking time and degrees to ensure the salmon does not overcook and dry out.

What do you serve it with?

This marinated air fryer salmon makes for one tasty and easy weeknight meal. Serve it up with salad, veggie, or potato side dishes for a full dinner. Try it with Kale Rice or these Air Fried Baked Sweet Potatoes, or try it with some of these other favorites:

Feel free to mix this up a bit and season the salmon with my fish seasoning.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • If cooking salmon with the skin on and you want crispy skin, do not use a parchment liner. Just grease the grates and add the salmon.
  • Your salmon is done if the thickest part of the fillet flakes easily with a fork. When in doubt, check the temperature with a quick read thermometer. The USDA recommends the internal temperature f cooked salmon should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If cooking the salmon for 7 minutes, your salmon will be flakey, tender, and moist and be about medium doneness. Cook longer if you prefer your salmon a bit firm.
  • Depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets, the cooking time may vary. Decrease the cooking time for thinner fillets.

More Air Fryer Recipes

pin image of cooked air fryer salmon
salmon in air fryer basket
Print Recipe
4.83 from 34 votes

Marinated Air Fryer Salmon

This Marinated Air Fryer Salmon recipe is a delicious easy and quick air fryer meal. The air fryer cooks this salmon dish perfectly each and every time for a tasty, healthy and simple weeknight dinner.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Marinate20 minutes
Total Time37 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried salmon recipe, air fryer salmon, soy marinated salmon
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 281kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets or 1 1lb fillet cut into 4 pieces
  • 6 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • ¼ cup Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ Tablespoon Minced Garlic
  • 1 Green onions finely chopped, optional

Instructions

  • Whisk soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a bowl. Pour over salmon fillets, making sure all fillets are covered. Refrigerate and marinate for 20-30 minutes.
  • Remove salmon filets from marinade and place in greased or lined Air Fryer basket. 
  • Air fry for 7-12 minutes on 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Remove from Air Fryer and top with chopped green onions. Enjoy 🙂

Video

Notes

  • If cooking salmon with the skin on and you want crispy skin, do not use a parchment liner. Just grease the grates and add the salmon.
  • Your salmon is done if the thickest part of the fillet flakes easily with a fork. When in doubt, check the temperature with a quick read thermometer. The USDA recommends the internal temperature f cooked salmon should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If cooking the salmon for 7 minutes, your salmon will be flakey, tender, and moist and be about medium doneness. Cook longer if you prefer your salmon a bit firm.
  • Depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets, the cooking time may vary. Decrease the cooking time for thinner fillets.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 1761mg | Potassium: 911mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2.2mg

Originally published March 26, 2019. Updated with new photos and additional helpful tips.

by 6 Comments

Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Cook up whole Cornish hens quickly and easily with the aid of your air fryer. Seasoned with garlic, onion, thyme, and paprika, these roasted Cornish hens have a delicious crispy skin and juicy and tender meat.

An air fryer cornish hen served with slices of lemon.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I am a huge lover of roasted chicken, but when it's just for a couple of us, I love to cook up some Cornish game hens. It's super easy to overcook them in the oven, but the air fryer produces tender meat and crispy skin every single time.

Super quick to prep, these small chickens are rubbed with oil and a simple seasoning mix before being air fried, and the cooking time is just 30 minutes and pretty much hands-off. It's such an easy recipe that you'll want to make it often.

These are a great option for date night, and they look so impressive when you serve them up with all of your favorite sides.

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Chicken Wings and Air Fryer Whole Chicken too!

A cooked cornish hen in the air fryer basket.

How to make air fryer Cornish hens

  • Gather your ingredients. I'm making two game hens and some of my favorite seasonings. Most air fryers will be able to fit 2 cornish hens in the basket.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Pat the Cornish hens dry. Then rub them with olive oil all over.
  • In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Rub the spices all over the Cornish hens
  • Place the Cornish hens in the air fryer breast side down and cook at 375 Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Then flip and cook for 10 additional minutes.
  • Once the hens are done, remove them and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Two cornish hens in the air fryer basket.

Can you prep them ahead of time?

You can season the Cornish hens an hour or two before you want to cook them. Season the with the spice mix and then keep them covered in the fridge till ready to serve. Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for 3 days, remove the meat from the bones, and store in an airtight container. The leftovers are great to add to soups, salads, and sandwiches.

What's the difference between a Cornish hen and a chicken?

A Cornish hen is a crossbreed of chicken. The main difference between a Cornish hen and a chicken is the size. A small whole chicken will easily feed four, but a Cornish hen is smaller and it is ideal to serve a whole one as a single portion. Taste-wise, they taste pretty similar and most people can not tell the difference. Cornish Hens are slightly milder in flavor, but because they are younger birds, their flesh is much more tender. Cornish hens have less fat and calories compared to chicken.

Other ways to season these hens?

You can season or marinate these little chickens any way you like. Try my chicken seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or even Italian seasoning.

What do you serve them with?

These air fryer Cornish hens are great for an occasional meal, and I love to serve them how I would usually serve roasted whole chicken, with veggie and potato sides and maybe a little gravy! Try them with some of these favorites:

Two cornish hens on a white serving plate with fresh lemon slices and herbs.

I hope you enjoy these juicy air fryer cornish hens as much as we do.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • For best results, allow the Cornish hens to come to room temperature before air frying them. I like to take them out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking them.
  • Rub the oil and seasonings all over the birds. This will help the skin to get crispy all over.
  • Cook the Cornish hens breast side down for the first part of cooking. This helps to stop the breast meat from drying out and burning.
  • Let the hens rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute making them extra tasty.
  • The chicken is done when the chicken shows an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

A cooked cornish hen in the air fryer basket.
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5 from 6 votes

Air Fryer Cornish Hens

Cook up whole Cornish hens quickly and easy with the aid of your air fryer. Seasoned with garlic, onion, thyme and paprika, these roasted Cornish hens have a delicious crispy skin and juicy and tender meat.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried cornish hens, cornish hens recipe, how to cook cornish hens in the air fryer
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 585kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cornish hens
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Pat the cornish hens dry. Then rub them with olive oil all over.
  • In small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Rub the spices all over the cornish hens
  • Place the cornish hens in the air fryer breast side down and cook on 375F for 20 minutes. Then flip and cook for 10 additional minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 585kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 227mg | Sodium: 1884mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 501IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg

by 6 Comments

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Indulgent, rich and super cheesy, these easy scalloped potatoes are a must make side dish. Simple to make, sliced potatoes are smothered in a cheesy and creamy sauce and then baked to gooey perfection. This classic recipe is always a crowd pleaser.

A serving spoon in the baking dish of cheesy scalloped potatoes.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

There is never a bad time for some indulgent cheesy scalloped potatoes! They are perfect for special occasions like Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, but honestly, I love to make these whenever I get the chance!

Made with three types of cheese (cheddar, gouda and parmesan) this is one cheesy and delicious side dish. The cream sauce is wonderfully seasoned and perfectly rich, and the sliced potatoes come out so tender.

Baked in the oven, the cooking time is totally hands off, and they are easy to prep with just a few basic ingredients. Find out why this recipe is a favorite with my family!

Be sure to try my Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Air Fryer Baked Potatoes too!

Close up of a serving spoon in the scalloped potatoes.

How to make cheesy scalloped potatoes

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk. Once the milk is warm, stir in ½ cup of cheddar, ½ cup gouda, and the Parmesan. Then stir in the garlic powder, dried mustard, salt, and pepper.
Milk and butter melted together.
Cheese and seasonings added to the milk.
  • Layer half the potatoes in a greased 2-quart baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Then layer the other half of the potatoes and top with the remaining cheese sauce Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded gouda and cheddar cheese.
Cream sauce poured over sliced potatoes in a white baking dish.
Shredded cheese placed on top of the cram and potatoes.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The total bake time is about 1 hour.
  • Once done, remove and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Baked scalloped potatoes in a white dish.

What are the best potatoes to use?

Without doubt, to make scalloped potatoes you need to use a starchy variety of potato. I love to use Yukon Gold and Russets will work well too. When baked in the cheesy creamy sauce, the potato slices get wonderfully tender and fluffy. If you use waxy potatoes like reds, they will remain fairly firm.

Can you make them ahead of time?

If you are planning to serve these cheesy scalloped potatoes as part of a big feast, then making them ahead of time is a great option. You can prep the whole dish an hour or two before you are ready to bake and keep covered in the fridge. I don't recommend you do this too early as the potatoes will start to brown.

You can bake the whole dish up to 2 days ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at 350F for 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with foil so that the cheese doesn't burn.

What's the best way to slice the potatoes?

For the best texture, the potatoes should be thinly and evenly sliced.I like to use a mandolin for speed and ease, though you can cut them by hand too.

What do you serve them with?

These cheesy scalloped potatoes are great with chicken, beef, seafood and pretty much anything! Try them with these favorite recipes:

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a white dish garnished with fresh herbs.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Stir the sauce together using a whisk. This will quickly help the dry ingredients to incorporate into the milk.
  • The potatoes should be sliced as finely as possible. Thicker sliced potatoes will take longer to cook through.
  • Add more salt to taste if desired
  • Check the potatoes for doneness around the 45-minute mark. If they are not tender, cover the potatoes with foil and continue to bake until tender.

More Side Dish Recipes

Overhead shot of scalloped potatoes in a white baking dish.
Print Recipe
4.50 from 2 votes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Indulgent, rich and super cheesy, these easy scalloped potatoes are a must make side dish. Simple to make, sliced potatoes are smothered in a cheesy and creamy sauce and then baked to gooey perfection. This classic recipe is always a crowd pleaser.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked scalloped potatoes, creamy scalloped potatoes, how to make scalloped potatoes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 401kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar divided
  • 1 cup gouda divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk. Once the milk is warm, stir in ½ cup of cheddar, ½ cup gouda, and the Parmesan. Then stir in the garlic powder, dried mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Layer half the potatoes in a greased 2-quart baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Then layer the other half of the potatoes and top with the remaining cheese sauce Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded gouda and cheddar cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Once done, remove and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Stir the sauce together using a whisk. This will quickly help the dry ingredients to incorporate into the milk.
  • The potatoes should be sliced as finely as possible. Thicker sliced potatoes will take longer to cook through.
  • Add more salt to taste if desired
  • Check the potatoes for doneness around the 45-minute mark. If they are not tender, cover the potatoes with foil and continue to bake until tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 667mg | Potassium: 756mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 641IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 457mg | Iron: 1mg

by 4 Comments

Air Fryer Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwiches

Make up a batch of shrimp po'boy sandwiches quickly and easily in your air fryer. Shrimp are dredged in buttermilk and cornmeal before being air fried to crispy perfection and loaded into sandwiches with remoulade sauce and fresh lettuce and tomato. This is one tasty bite!

Two air fryer shrimp po'boy sandwiches in red serving baskets lined with parchment.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I am such a seafood lover, and if there is a shrimp po'boy on the menu then I am all in! I love them so much, I just had to make some at home in the air fryer. My friends, the results are amazing! You are going to love these!

These air fryer shrimp po'boy sandwiches are perfect for when you want a tasty treat with not too much effort. Easy to prep and quick to cook, they are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. The shrimp come out so juicy and crispy, one sandwich may not be enough!

Serve them up as a tasty Friday night family dinner, or, the recipe is easily doubled if you are feeding a crowd! There's no bad time for these beauties!

Be sure to try my Crispy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp and Southern Style Shrimp and Grits too!

A shrimp po'boy sandwich served in a red basket.

How to make air fryer shrimp po'boy sandwiches

  • Gather your ingredients to make the air fryer shrimp and build the sandwiches.
Ingredients to make the air fryer shrimp.
Ingredients to make the sandwich.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Season shrimp with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Set aside.
Seasoned shrimp on a piece of parchment.
  • Create a dredging station by placing flour in one shallow pan, buttermilk in another, and cornmeal in a third shallow pan. Take seasoned shrimp and add it to the flour, coating both sides. Then add the shrimp to the buttermilk, draining off any excess. Then place the shrimp in the cornmeal.
Raw shrimp in bowls of flour, buttermilk and cornmeal.
  • Grease the bottom of the air fryer basket by spraying it with a little oil. Then place the breaded shrimp in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket.
  • Close the basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-10 minutes, flipping and lightly spraying halfway through.
The dredged shrimp in an air fryer basket.
The air fried shrimp ready to put in the sandwich.
  • Once done, remove shrimp from the air fryer basket and compose sandwiches. Place tomato slices, shredded lettuce, and cooked shrimp on the split french bread loaves. Top each sandwich with remoulade sauce. Enjoy.
Air fryer po'boy shrimp sandwiches next to bowls and plates with the sandwich sauce and toppings.

What is the sauce on shrimp po'boy sandwiches?

I am in no doubt that a creamy remoulade sauce, with a bit of heat and tang, is the most perfect addition to these sandwiches. I use my homemade remoulade sauce for this recipe, it's wonderfully flavorful but not too spicy, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes. It only takes a few minutes to make, but you can of course use store bought too.

How do you prep the shrimp?

I prefer to use fresh shrimp, if using frozen, make sure that they are fully thawed before you start. The tails and shells should be removed, and they will need to be de-veined (remove the black line that runs down the back of each shrimp). Lightly pat the shrimp with kitchen paper to remove any excess water as this will help them to get nice and crispy. Then season, dredge and air fry!

Can you make them ahead of time?

These sandwiches are best built just before serving, but you can make the shrimp ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer to serve. Once cooked, let the shrimp cool before storing in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 360F for 4 to 4 minutes to get them nice and crispy again.

What do you serve them with?

These air fryer shrimp po'boy sandwiches are nice and filling by themselves, but you can easily serve them with favorite sides like:

Crispy air fryer shrimp served in sandwiches.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • For best results, preheat the air fryer before adding the shrimp. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, let it run at 400F for 5 minutes to heat up.
  • Fully coat each shrimp in the flour, buttermilk and cornmeal.
  • Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking and spray with a little oil to get them extra crispy.

More Shrimp Recipes

Two air fryer shrimp po'boy sandwiches in red serving baskets lined with parchment.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwiches

Make up a batch of shrimp po'boy sandwiches quickly and easily in your air fryer. Shrimp are dredged in buttermilk and cornmeal before being air fried to crispy perfection and loaded into sandwiches with remoulade sauce and fresh lettuce and tomato. This is one tasty bite!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Sandwich
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer po'boy recipe, air fryer sandwiches, air fryer shrimp
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 549kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

For shrimp:

  • 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • ¾ cup cornmeal
  • Oil for spraying canola, avocado, etc.

For Sandwich

  • 4 small french bread loaves split in half
  • 1 tomato sliced thinly
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup remoulade sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Season shrimp with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Set aside.
  • Create a dredging station by placing flour in one shallow pan, buttermilk in another, and cornmeal in a third shallow pan. Take seasoned shrimp and add it to the flour, coating both sides. Then add the shrimp to the buttermilk, draining off any excess. Then place the shrimp in the cornmeal.
  • Grease the bottom of the air fryer basket by spraying it with a little oil. Then place shrimp in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket.
  • Close the basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-10 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through.
  • Once done, remove shrimp from the air fryer basket and compose sandwiches. Place tomato, shredded lettuce, and cooked shrimp on the split french loaves. Top each sandwich with remoulade sauce. Enjoy.

Notes

  • For best results, preheat the air fryer before adding the shrimp. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, let it run at 400F for 5 minutes to heat up.
  • Fully coat each shrimp in the flour, buttermilk and cornmeal.
  • Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking and spray with a little oil to get them extra crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 1468mg | Potassium: 413mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 6mg

by 4 Comments

Different Types of Onions and the Best Ways to Use Them

There are many types of onions and knowing which type of onion to use and when will add flavor and dimension to your cooking all season long! 

all onions on white background

Onions are a versatile ingredient used in everything from roasted meats and pasta to soups and stews. They’re even added to some cocktails! They can be sweet and mild, or savory and intense. There are dozens of types of onions out there, and each onion variety has its own unique flavor profile, and purpose in the kitchen. 

Knowing which type of onion to use, and when, will give you the perfect flavor every time. Take a look at this quick guide to help you navigate onions with ease.

Sweet onions

sweet onions on white background

Sweet onions are mild onions, and they’re wildly popular in the kitchen. Different types of sweet onions include Walla Walla, Vidalia, and Texas Sweet. The softer, sweeter flavors found in sweet onion varieties are due to the lack of sulfur in these onions. The more sulfur an onion has, the more pungent its flavor - and scent.

Chefs love adding sweet onions to relish recipes, onion dips, or caramelizing them for hamburgers, roast chicken dishes, or game day hot dogs. This sweet onion dressing is also a delicious salad dressing where the sweet onion is the star.

Red onions

red onions on white background

Red onions have a distinct flavor that’s intense and slightly peppery. To achieve a mellower flavor, many people make pickled red onions, or grill them for vegetable platters and sandwiches. Raw red onions can also be used in side dishes like cabbage slaws. The bright red and purple coloring of red onions doesn’t just give a flavor boost to leafy salads, it adds a nice pop of color too.

White onions

white onions on white background

The first thing you may notice when you cut into a white onion is its crispness, which comes from this onion’s high water content. Like red onions, white onions can be pickled for use in vinaigrettes, added to Mexican dishes like guacamole and tacos, or used as a base in soups, and stir-fries. White onions are also the best onions to use for onion rings.

White onions can also be substituted for yellow onions in most recipes.

Yellow onions

yellow onions on white background

Next to white onions, yellow onions are the most popular cooking onion. You’ll find them piled high at nearly every grocery store. Like white onions, yellow onions have a higher sulfur content but, when cooked, they become sweet and mellow. This makes yellow onions great for recipes that require caramelized onions.

Yellow onions are kind of a jack-of-all-trades, so if you’re ever unsure which onion to use in a recipe, a yellow onion is the safest bet. They are great in soups, stews, and chilis, like this chicken chili.

It’s worth noting that in some places, yellow onions are called brown onions.

Pearl onions

pearl onions on white background

These small onions just might be the only onion that can do double duty in the kitchen, and the home bar, if you happen to enjoy a classic Gibson Martini.

They are small, bulb onions that have a soft, sweet taste. White pearl onions are the most common type of pearl onion, but you may also find red or yellow pearl onions periodically. 

If you have a recipe that calls for pearl onions, but you’re short on time, you can typically find frozen packages of pearl onions at your local grocery store. These pre-peeled onions can quickly and easily be added to just about any recipe that requires pearl onions.

These onions are a crucial ingredient in everyone's favorite French bistro dish, coq au vin. These onions can also be pickled, caramelized, or creamed and served as a side dish.  

Shallots

shallots on white background

Milder and sweeter than most onion varieties, the shallot is a kitchen staple every home cook should have in their pantry. Slice shallots and serve them on top of grilled steak, or dice them for salad dressings. Shallots are frequently used in French recipes and you’ll see them in red and white wine sauces, tartins, and vinaigrette dressings.

What’s great about this type of onion is that when they’re stored properly, shallots have a long shelf life: up to two months! Place them in a cool dry area of your kitchen that gets plenty of air circulation. A cupboard or pantry shelf works great.

Scallions (aka Green Onions)

green onions on white background

Scallions are long-necked onions with a small bulb at the end of the stalk. These onions are the result of harvesting other types of onions early. Unlike their onion counterparts, scallions are sold in bunches. Both the green shoots (or neck), and the small onion bulb, are edible and useful in the kitchen. 

The bulb of the scallion has a flavor similar to a mild white onion, while the shoots have an aromatic, almost herbaceous taste.

You'll find scallions in many Caribbean-based recipes. Scallions can be slow-cooked or braised whole and served alongside chicken or fish dishes. Green scallion shoots can be sliced and added to a ton of recipes like stir-frys, soups, dips, and ramen noodles.  

types of onions on a white background with name of onion
Type of OnionBest Uses
Sweet OnionCarmelized. Great roasted.
Red OnionPickled. Raw in salads or as a garnish.
White OnionPickled, Raw salsas, and stir fry dishes.
Yellow OnionAll types of cooking. Great for soups and stews.
Pearl OnionPickled, Carmezed, or Slow Cooked.
ShallotSalad Dressings or as a garnish.
ScallionsRaw garnish. Slow-cooked, or braised.

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Crispy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

Making perfectly crispy fried shrimp in the air fryer is so easy and the results are delicious! Ready to serve in 20 minutes, they are easy to prep and made with a few simple ingredients.

Air fryer shrimp on a white plate

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I'm so excited to bring you this new air fryer shrimp recipe! This recipe makes delicious crunchy shrimp that is perfectly cooked and juicy, and the panko breadcrumbs add a wonderful crunch to each bite!

They are great to serve as a simple appetizer with your favorite dips or make it a fuller meal and serve with a fresh salad or veggie or turn it into a Southern Po'boy sandwich. This recipe takes only a couple of minutes of prep and results in the most delicious shrimp and tender seafood.

If you love this crispy air-fried shrimp, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp.

How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

Prepare a dredging station by placing ¾ cup of flour, ½ teaspoon seasoning salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in one bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, and in a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs at this stage too.

The reaw shrimp next to a dredging station

Place each shrimp in the flour, then the beaten eggs, and then the panko, making sure to shake off any excess flour and eggs before placing it in the panko.

Place the shrimp in a greased air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the shrimp are not overlapping. Do not spray the shrimp at this point.

The uncooked shrimp in the air fryer basket

Air Fry on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-9 minutes, flipping and spraying with cooking spray halfway through.

Oil being sprayed o the shrimp

Remove when the shrimp is golden. Salt and pepper to taste.

Close up of the shrimp in an air fryer basket

Can you use frozen shrimp?

I find it's best to use fresh raw shrimp for this recipe so that they cook all the way through and the coating isn't overcooked. If you have frozen shrimp then defrost them and pat them dry before dredging them.

Do you keep the tails on?

I prefer to keep the tails on as they add more flavor and they are easier to dredge and dip in your sauce of choice! You can remove the tails if you prefer.

Make sure that the shrimp are shelled and deveined before dredging them.

Can you reheat air-fried shrimp?

These cooked shrimp are best served as soon as you've made them, but if you have leftovers they can be reheated in the air fryer and all that good crispiness will come right back!

Reheat the air fryer to 400F and cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes until they are nice and crispy again.

Leftover fried shrimp will keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Other recipes this can be used in

This is a base recipe and can be changed to your liking. You could use smaller shrimp and make crispy popcorn shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit and cook for less time so the shrimp does not overcook.

The same goes with jumbo shrimp. Just increase the cooking time but 1 or 2 minutes for large shrimp.

You can also serve this as an appetizer or use tail-off shrimp and add these crispy shrimp to salads, shrimp and grits, or make shrimp tacos.

Crispy fried shrimp on parchment

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • For best results, wait until the halfway mark to spray your shrimp. This will help it get super crispy.
  • Cook the shrimp in batches if they cannot all fit in your air fryer basket. The second batch will cook much faster than the first. If you overcrowd the basket, the shrimp will steam rather than fry and won't be as crispy.
  • Make these breaded shrimp gluten-free by using GF panko breadcrumbs.
  • This shrimp is great served with your favorite dipping sauce, like homemade tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade sauce. You could even just sprinkle on some hot sauce.
  • I use my own seasoning mixture for this shrimp, but feel free to use your favorite seasoning, like lemon pepper seasoning, old bay, or cajun seasoning.

More Easy Shrimp Recipes

More of my great air fryer recipes.

Watch this video tutorial and see how I make these shrimp from start to finish.
Air fryer shrimp on a blue plate
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Shrimp

Making perfectly crispy and juicy shrimp in the air fryer is so easy and the results are delicious! Ready to serve in 20 minutes, they are easy to prep and made with a few simple ingredients.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried shrimp, crispy air fryer shrimp, how to cook shrimp in the air fryer
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 272kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 oz medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ cup of Japanese panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for spraying Canola, avocado, etc
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare a dredging station by placing the flour, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in one bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, and in a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  • Place each shrimp in the flour, then the egg, and then the panko, making sure to shake off any excess flour and eggs before placing it in the panko.
  • Place in a greased air fryer basket, making sure the shrimp are not overlapping.
  • Air Fry on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-9 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through.
  • Remove when the shrimp is golden. Salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

  • Wait until the halfway mark to spray your shrimp. This will help it get super crispy.
  • Cook the shrimp in batches if they cannot all fit in your air fryer basket. The second batch will cook much faster than the first.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 296mg | Sodium: 1155mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 4mg

This post was originally published on 7/9/2020 and has been updated with new photos and helpful tips.