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Shrimp Tempura Recipe in an Air Fryer

How to Make Japanese-Style Shrimp Tempura in an Air Fryer

There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of crispy, golden shrimp tempura—light, airy, and incredibly delicious. Traditionally, shrimp tempura is deep-fried, but what if I told you that you could achieve the same crunchy perfection using an air fryer?

As a busy mom and food lover, I always look for ways to simplify cooking without compromising on flavor. This easy homemade shrimp tempura recipe brings the authentic Japanese flavors to your kitchen while keeping things light and mess-free. Plus, I’ll share some dipping sauces, side dish ideas, and my favorite air fryer-friendly Amazon product recommendations to make your cooking experience effortless.

So, let’s dive into how to make shrimp tempura in an air fryer—without deep-frying but still full of crunch and flavor!

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

How to Make Japanese-Style Shrimp Tempura in an Air Fryer

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp/prawns (fresh or frozen, large or jumbo-sized)

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder (for lightness)

  • 3/4 cup cold sparkling water

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • Cooking spray (for air frying)

    • Equipment

  • Air fryer

  • Mixing bowls

  • Chopsticks or tongs

  • Parchment paper (optional)

    • Step-by-Step: How to Make Shrimp Tempura in an Air Fryer

    Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

    If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them by running under cold water for a few minutes. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tail on for a restaurant-style look. To achieve the straight tempura look, make a few shallow cuts on the shrimp’s belly and gently press to straighten them.

    Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter

  • In a mixing bowl, combine:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 3/4 cup cold sparkling water

  • 1 egg yolk

    • Mix lightly with chopsticks (don’t overmix, lumps are okay!) and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

    Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

    Dip each shrimp in flour, then in the batter, and finally into panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.

    Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

    Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer and lightly spray with oil. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crispy.

    Amazon Product Recommendations

    1. Cosori 12-in-1 Air Fryer

    This air fryer is my go-to for making tempura. It has a large capacity, perfect for cooking multiple batches, and features precise temperature control.

    Get it here:

    Grab this air fryer to make your tempura crispy and hassle-free!

    2. Kikkoman Tempura Dipping Sauce

    A must-have for that authentic Japanese flavor! This ready-made tempura dipping sauce is slightly sweet and savory, making it perfect for your tempura.

    Get it here

    Don’t forget the sauce—order now and elevate your tempura game!

    3. Japanese Panko Breadcrumbs

    Using authentic Japanese panko makes all the difference! These extra-light and crispy breadcrumbs ensure your shrimp tempura turns out just like in restaurants.

    Get it here

    Upgrade your pantry with authentic panko for the crispiest tempura ever!

    The Best Dipping Sauces for Shrimp Tempura

    Now that your shrimp tempura is crispy and golden, let’s talk about sauces!

    Classic Japanese Tempura Sauce

  • 1/2 cup dashi stock

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger (optional)

    • Mix everything in a small pot and heat until warm. Serve with tempura!

    Other Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas

  • Spicy Mayo: 1/4 cup mayo + 1 tbsp sriracha

  • Ponzu Sauce: Citrus-based soy sauce with a tangy kick

  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Perfect for a fusion twist

    • Serving Ideas for a Complete Japanese-Style Dinner

    Want to turn this into a full meal? Pair your air fryer shrimp tempura with:

  • Steamed white rice or sushi rice

  • A side of miso soup

  • A fresh cucumber and seaweed salad

    • Final Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keep the batter cold: This is key to getting that airy, crispy texture.

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches for even crispiness.

  • Use the right panko: Authentic Japanese panko makes a huge difference.

    • Can You Reheat Shrimp Tempura?

    Yes! Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for the best results.

    Conclusion

    This shrimp tempura recipe air fryer version is proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy crispy, delicious Japanese tempura. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it’s a recipe that never fails!

    Now, it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know in the comments how it turned out. And don’t forget to check out the recommended products above to make your cooking experience even easier. Happy cooking!

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