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This flavourful dish features succulent shrimp coated in a crispy salt and pepper batter. Learn how to make this delicious Chinese-inspired dish in your air fryer with our easy recipe. The same taste as the takeout favourite but with much less oil!

Don’t forget to check out our Shrimp Chow Mein if you are a seafood fan!

I often think that some Asian takeout favourites are better to leave to the professionals. But when I examine this feeling I realise it’s only because I detest deep frying. I am willing to re-create any recipe at home as long as it doesn’t involve vats of hot oil.

This classic Chinese American takeout recipe falls in that category. Delicious but deep fried. Well… great news is I am a huge air fryer fan. I believe you can make anything you want in it.

So I decided to make salt and pepper shrimp a bit healthier and easier. And it worked! I started with the original recipe and adapted it slightly to get the same crispy shrimp without needing my wok.

(For something with a little more sauce, how about trying Bang Bang Shrimp?)

raw shrimp and ginger, garlic and sliced chillies

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Shrimp (Prawns)

I can’t be the only one slightly intimidated by the deep frying process. I can do it but I’m also feel terrified the whole time of the hot oil splashing on me. Or my kids randomly walking into the kitchen and getting burned.

That’s why I’ve been avoiding any recipes that involve deep frying. Well not anymore! Ever since I bought my first This is an affiliate link.air fryer a few years ago, I’ve made countless dishes healthier!

Salt and pepper shrimp is an extremely simple recipe, which could be enjoyed as a starter or a main dish. The shrimp are coated in a light layer of cornstarch, which gives them a pleasant crispy exterior and juicy flesh.

After it’s been fried, the shrimp is seasoned with salt and pepper. Yes, it is that simple. However, there are also various garnishes which add loads of flavour to the star of the dish.

I decided to fry thinly sliced red chillies, garlic and fresh ginger, cut into small matchsticks. The mix of the aromatics plus sliced green onions made my garnish.

Although traditionally the fried shrimp is tossed in salt and pepper seasoning after it’s been cooked, I incorporated salt and pepper into the coating. It works better when using an air fryer.

Recipe Tips and Notes

For starters, make sure you use the highest quality jumbo shrimp/prawns you can find. Since the recipe is so simple, the quality of your ingredients will make all the difference.
Traditionally, salt and pepper shrimp is fried in the shell. The deep frying makes the shell crispy and edible. However, I personally prefer my shrimp shell free and so do my kids. You can leave tails on, by which you can pick them up and pop in your mouth! Alternatively, you can take the entire shell off.
Cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper creates the coating. Because we are using an air fryer and only an oil spray I suggest to use little cornstarch to avoid chalky texture. Using a large bowl can help when it’s time to coat the shrimp.
Don’t skip the garnish. It adds so much flavour. Without it, the shrimp might be a bit plain. Just make sure not to burn it as this can happen quickly.
To achieve that, dip the shrimp in cornstarch, then shake lightly to avoid excess.
Make sure you spray the cornstarch coated shrimp until it’s completely covered in spray and looks wet. Otherwise the cornstarch will remain powdery when cooked.
Cook for 7-8 minutes, flip half way through and spray with a This is an affiliate link.cooking spray again for the best results. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer with shrimp. Depending on the size of the one you are using, it may be better to make in batches.

top down view of salt and pepper prawns on a dark platter, one shrimp being picked up by chopsticks

Serving suggestions

Since this is a crispy shrimp recipe with no sauce, I like it best as a starter. Serve it alongside a noodle dish like Dan Dan Noodles, or something saucy like Chinese Chicken Curry, which is served with rice to make a full and filling meal.

Of course, it can definitely be served as a main course. Try it with a side like Asian Noodle Salad or Coconut Rice.

Storage and leftovers

Any leftover shrimp can be kept in a fridge for up to 4 days, stored in an This is an affiliate link.airtight container.

When it’s time to reheat, use your air fryer again to get some of the crispiness back to the shrimp. It should only 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye so they aren’t overdone.