Keep Breading On Shrimp With One Extra Step

We've all been there: you're testing out a new recipe, eager to give it a taste test after all of your dedicated hard work. Then, one misstep leads to the whole dish falling apart. It hurts even more when you realize that an easy adjustment at some point in the process would've prevented the problem. Take fried shrimp, for example. It can be a small labor of love to prepare perfectly, but it comes together (and stays together) much more efficiently when you add just one simple step to the process.

We spoke to Pierre Albaladejo, Executive Chef at Park Hyatt Aviara to get his expert insight on how to best bread shrimp to ensure the coating stays on. Albaladejo recommends simply "dusting them lightly with starch, flour, or corn starch to absorb the excess moisture that stays on top." This moisture reduction in turn helps the coating stick better to the shrimp. 

Albaladejo's quick trick, which is easily incorporated into your frying procedure, allows for extra crispy breaded shrimp. It even gives you the opportunity to double coat the shrimp in batter, since it can adhere to the seafood more easily. And before you ask, yes, this trick works for other proteins like fish filets and chicken.

Another hack to make your breaded shrimp in a snap is to toss it in the air fryer. Unlike deep frying in oil where you can lose valuable coating and seasoning, cooking in the air fryer may also help keep the breaded shrimp neat and cohesive.

To make breaded shrimp in the air fryer start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees. Prepare your shrimp, then place flour or corn starch in your first bowl. Flour and seasoning go in a second bowl, while whisked eggs make up the contents of a third bowl. Dip your shrimp in the first bowl to help the shrimp's breading adhere, as recommended by Albaladejo. Then, dip the shrimp in the second bowl in your first pass at seasoning and breading.

Follow up with a dip in the third bowl to coat the shrimp in egg before dredging the shrimp one final time in the second bowl to properly coat the seafood in batter. Place the result in your air fryer, being careful not to make the common mistake of overcrowding it. Lightly coat the tops withoil or non-stick spray and cook for 6-8 minutes, checking halfway to flip or to add another light spritz of oil, if desired. Keep in mind that seasoning your shrimp too early can dry it out, unlike steak which is best seasoned upfront, and vegetables, which are more of a mixed bag. Toss a serving of Brussels sprouts in your air fryer next and you're set for a crispy, tasty dinner.