When the craving for something crispy yet light hits, these air fryer shrimp balls step up better than expected. They’re the kind of snack that feels a little fancy without needing hours in the kitchen. The mix of fresh shrimp, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil blends into flavorful bites that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. It’s a healthier spin on the usual fried treats, but with all the satisfying crunch you want.
I remember the first time I tried making these — I was halfway through chopping the shrimp when my phone buzzed, distracting me just enough to make the mixture a bit wetter than usual. But, honestly? It didn’t matter. The balls still held together, and the final texture had this unexpectedly tender center with a crispy outside, like a little surprise in every bite. That minor slip-up felt like a secret advantage rather than a mistake.
- They come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for quick lunches or impromptu guests.
- The air fryer does the heavy lifting, making cleanup easier and cutting down on oil.
- The texture balances crispy and tender, but fair warning: they’re best eaten fresh or reheated carefully to keep that crunch.
- Using fresh shrimp and green onions adds layers of flavor that frozen or dried alternatives just can’t match.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just honest ingredients.
If you’re thinking about making these ahead, just know they don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy them within a day or two. Reheating in the air fryer brings back some crispness, but fresh is always the way to go.
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Air Fryer Shrimp Balls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer shrimp balls made with fresh shrimp, garlic, and seasonings. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these shrimp balls are easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Cooking spray
Instructions
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
Transfer the chopped shrimp to a mixing bowl.
Add the minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to the bowl with shrimp.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined and sticky enough to form balls.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a plate.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the shrimp balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
Air fry the shrimp balls at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the shrimp balls from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Don’t worry about fancy equipment here — your air fryer is all you need to get that perfect golden crust. These shrimp balls pair surprisingly well with a tangy dipping sauce or even a light salad if you want to keep things simple. I’ve played around with swapping in different herbs or a touch of chili flakes, but honestly, the original mix is hard to beat. If you want to go a little different, maybe try adding a small amount of grated ginger or swapping green onions for chives, but I haven’t tested all these tweaks thoroughly.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Fresh tends to work best for texture, but if you use frozen, thaw thoroughly and pat dry to avoid soggy balls.
What if my shrimp balls fall apart? A wetter mixture can be tricky—make sure you pulse the shrimp finely and don’t skip the breadcrumbs and egg, which help bind everything.
Can I bake instead of air fry? Yes, baking works but you might lose a bit of the crispness the air fryer provides.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently in the air fryer.
Ready to turn simple shrimp into a snack that feels like a treat? Give these air fryer shrimp balls a try and see how quickly they disappear from your plate.