Make ebi fry (Japanese panko crusted shrimp) in your air fryer! Ebi fry is normally deep fried, and it does not bake very well. However, the air fryer crisps the shrimp up perfectly and without any oily mess. This ebi fry recipe is super easy and leftovers make perfect bento foods for a packed lunch.
What is Ebi Fry?
As the title describes, ebi fry is shrimp that’s been breaded in Japanese panko bread crumbs and then typically deep fried. It’s a common dish in casual dining and popular with kids. In America, I’ve often seen ebi fry in kids menus at Japanese restaurants. I typically make ebi fry on Japanese holidays like Children’s Day and on New Years. I’d love to make it more often, because my 3 year old can devour practically half a pound of shrimp by herself, but I hate dealing with deep frying. GOOD THING I HAVE AN AIR FRYER NOW! LIFE CHANGING!
Ebi Fry vs. Tempura
On the other hand, shrimp tempura refers to shrimp that gets dipped in a wet batter and then deep fried. Achieving a crisp and light tempura crust is actually very difficult to achieve at home. Many Japanese home cooks do cook tempura at home, but we all have this unspoken understanding that we leave tempura perfection to the restaurant chefs. AKA we have very low expectations for ourselves. The best way to feel good about yourself is to… set the standard very low. (JK. But not really.)
Anyway, ebi fry = casual food. Tempura = little bit more fancy. And more difficult. But both are delicious!
Making Ebi Fry in the Air Fryer
The great thing about ebi fry is that it is SO EASY to make in the air fryer. You literally can take whatever ebi fry recipe you normally make and stick it in the air fryer without any modifications. I air fry about a pound of medium sized shrimp at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
In contrast, tempura requires some modifications to make it air fryer ready, but I do have a recipe for that too if you like.
The only step that you may want to include differently in an air fryer ebi fry recipe is to toast the panko before you bread your shrimp. As with baking in the oven, when you air fry panko crusted foods, they won’t turn the same golden brown as when deep frying. This step is COMPLETELY OPTIONAL, though. It does not make any significant change to the taste of the food.
Preparing Shrimp for Ebi Fry or Tempura
Have you ever noticed that Japanese shrimp dishes like ebi fry and tempura are completely straight? The shrimp isn’t curled! I don’t really know if straightening the shrimp does anything for the taste, but I suppose you can get better crust for breading that way.
In any case, in order to straighten your shrimp, lightly score the underside of the raw shrimp with a knife. Then gently straighten with your fingers. That’s it!
Some Japanese cooks like to soak the shrimp in sake before cooking, too. They say it gets rid of the “fishy” smell, but I figure under all that breading you don’t really taste too much fishiness anyway, so I skip that step.
How to Get the Thickest, Crunchiest Ebi Fry Crust
YOOOO, now we get to the REAL SECRET of my ebi fry. The thick, crispy, crunchy crust!
The key to getting a thick crust is to mix your eggs and flour PRIOR to dredging instead of dipping them in each ingredient separately. Plus, you save yourself from washing an extra dish! Win win!
If there’s two things I hate in life, it’s flimsy crusts and washing dishes. So just trust me and mix your eggs and flour!
More Asian Air Fryer Recipes
As you can probably tell, I am unnecessarily excited about my air fryer. If you’re looking for more Asian air fryer recipes, feel free to check out my air fryer karaage, air fryer mochiko chicken, and air fryer sweet potato recipes! Don’t forget to find me on Instagram and let me know if you make any of my recipes! Use #mochimommyrecipes if you post! Happy air frying!
Air Fryer Ebi Fry
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, tail on
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/4 cups panko
- oil spray
Instructions
- Place panko in a frying pan and toast on the stovetop over medium heat until it's turned lightly brown, about 5 minutes. This step is optional and purely for the color. Remove the panko from heat while you prepare the rest of your shrimp.
- Score the underside of the shrimp in three places. Then with your hands, gently uncurl the shrimp until it lies in a straight line.
- In a bowl or shallow dish, beat the two eggs and flour together until you have a smooth batter.
- Bread the shrimp by dredging it in your egg+flour batter and then dipping in your toasted panko, being sure to press the panko firmly into the shrimp.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Place breaded shrimp into air fryer without overlapping any pieces. Spray with oil. Then air fry at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. If your shrimp are very large, you may need an extra minute or two.
- Ebi fry goes well with katsu sauce, rice, and cabbage salad, or as a side to curry. About one pound of shrimp can serve 2-3 adults as a main dish or more as a side.