Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura is made with flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ice-cold sparkling water; air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes to serve 4. 260 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Equipment
Steps
- 1
Make shallow cuts along the belly of each shrimp to prevent curling. Press flat.
- 2
Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Stir in ice-cold sparkling water — lumps are OK.
- 3
Dust shrimp with flour. Dip in tempura batter, letting excess drip off.
- 4
Spray generously with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until light golden and crispy.
- 5
Serve immediately with tempura dipping sauce and steamed rice.
Tip: The batter must be ICE cold — this is the secret to light, crispy tempura. Don't overmix; lumps create a more textured coating. Sparkling water adds extra lift. The belly cuts straighten the shrimp and prevent them from curling into a ball.
Why Air Fry This?
- 🫒Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, bringing this down to 260 calories per serving.
- ✨Achieves the same golden, crispy texture without submerging food in oil.
- 🧹No splatter, no lingering oil smell — cleanup is just a quick basket wipe.
How did it turn out?
Share your result and inspire others
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura at 400°F for 8 minutes. The batter must be ICE cold — this is the secret to light, crispy tempura. Don't overmix; lumps create a more textured coating. Sparkling water adds extra lift. The belly cuts straighten the shrimp and prevent them from curling into a ball.
You need: 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup ice-cold sparkling water, Pinch of salt, 1 lb large shrimp, peeled with tail on, deveined, 1/4 cup flour for dusting, Cooking spray, Tempura dipping sauce (or soy sauce with grated daikon), Steamed rice. This recipe serves 4 with 260 calories per serving.
Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura takes 8 minutes total at 400°F. Serve immediately with tempura dipping sauce and steamed rice.
This recipe is rated Medium. It serves 4 and takes just 8 minutes at 400°F.
More Seafood
Coconut Crusted Shrimp
Coconut Crusted Shrimp features jumbo shrimp coated in shredded coconut and panko; air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until golden and snappy with sweet chili sauce.
Miso Glazed Salmon
Miso Glazed Salmon is made with salmon fillets, white miso paste, mirin, and brown sugar; air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes until deeply caramelized and silky.
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp
Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp is made with large shrimp, panko, Parmesan, and smoked paprika; air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes until golden and snappy.