Quick Answers
Air frying tempura shrimp requires a temperature between 360-400°F. The exact temperature depends on the size of the shrimp and thickness of the batter. Smaller shrimp and thinner batter require lower temperatures around 360°F, while larger shrimp and thicker batter benefit from higher temperatures around 390-400°F. Air frying gives tempura shrimp a light, crispy crust without deep frying.
Tempura shrimp is a classic appetizer or main dish consisting of shrimp coated in a light, airy tempura batter and then deep fried for a crispy exterior. While delicious, deep frying requires a lot of oil and can be time-consuming. Air frying is a great alternative that produces a similar crispy, crunchy tempura coating without all the oil. But what temperature should you use when air frying tempura shrimp?
Factors That Affect Air Fry Temperature
There are a few factors that impact the ideal air fry temperature for tempura shrimp:
Shrimp Size
Smaller shrimp fry faster and at lower temperatures compared to larger shrimp. Jumbo shrimp may require slightly higher air fryer temperatures around 390-400°F to fully cook through without burning the outside. Medium or cocktail shrimp can be cooked at lower temps around 360-370°F.
Batter Thickness
A thinner tempura batter coating will fry faster and at lower temperatures than a thicker coating. Light tempura batter fries nicely at 360-370°F. Heavier tempura batters should be air fried around 380-390°F to fully cook and crisp the coating without burning it.
Amount of Shrimp
The more shrimp you add to the air fryer basket, the more the temperature may need adjusting. A few shrimp spread out in the basket will fry faster than a crowded basket. For larger batches, increase the temperature by about 10-20°F.
Recommended Air Fry Temperatures
Based on these factors, here are some general recommendations for air fry temperatures when cooking tempura shrimp:
Small Shrimp with Light Batter
360-370°F
Small shrimp like popcorn shrimp or medium shrimp with a light, thin tempura batter will fry up crispy and delicious around 360-370°F. This lower temp gives time for the interior to cook through before over-browning.
Large Shrimp with Heavy Batter
390-400°F
Larger jumbo shrimp with a thicker or heavier tempura coating will benefit from a higher air fry temperature around 390-400°F. This ensures the batter fully crisps and the shrimp cooks through.
Mixed Batch of Shrimp
380-390°F
For a mixed batch using both smaller and larger shrimp, aim for the middle ground around 380-390°F. Monitor closely and adjust if needed. The key is fully cooking the inside while crisping the batter.
Tips for Air Frying Tempura Shrimp
– Pat shrimp dry before battering to prevent splattering
– Allow battered shrimp to rest 5-10 minutes before air frying so coating adheres
– Spray basket with oil for even browning and to prevent sticking
– Flip shrimp halfway during cooking time for even frying
– Check doneness at minimum cook time before adjusting temp or time
– Brush cooked shrimp with extra sauce or mayo for added flavor
Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp Recipe
This easy recipe for air fryer tempura shrimp uses medium shrimp and a light, crispy batter.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1⁄2 cup cornstarch
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 egg
– 1 cup cold seltzer water
– Oil for misting or brushing (vegetable, canola, etc)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, egg, and seltzer water until a smooth, thin batter forms.
3. Dip shrimp into batter to evenly coat, letting any excess drip off.
4. Arrange battered shrimp in a single layer in air fryer basket. Mist or brush lightly with oil.
5. Air fry at 370°F for 5 minutes. Carefully flip and mist with oil again if needed.
6. Cook 5-7 minutes more until batter is crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve immediately with desired dipping sauces.
The Bottom Line
Air frying temps for tempura shrimp generally range from 360-400°F. Smaller shrimp and lighter batters need lower temps around 360°F. Bigger shrimp and thicker batters do better at 390-400°F. Consider the shrimp size, batter thickness, and batch size when setting the ideal temperature for perfectly crispy air fried tempura shrimp.