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Air Fryer Kung Pao Shrimp

Air Fryer Kung Pao Shrimp: Quick, Healthy & Bursting with Flavor

Air Fryer Kung Pao Shrimp is a quick, healthy dish full of flavor, combining succulent shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb Shrimp Medium to large, thawed and patted dry
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch Helps create a crispy exterior
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Can substitute with fresh garlic
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Feel free to use fresh onions
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to taste
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Red Pepper Can substitute with other bell peppers
  • 1 cup Baby Corn Can be replaced with green beans or carrots
  • 2 tbsp Dried Chili Pods or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Adjust based on heat preference
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Can be replaced with chives or omitted
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Low sodium options available
  • 2 tbsp Sugar Can use honey or agave as alternatives
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider or white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil Can use olive oil for a lighter touch
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce Vegetarian substitutes include mushroom stir-fry sauce
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil Any cooking oil can be used
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, can swap with garlic powder
For Topping
  • 1/4 cup Peanuts Can replace with cashews or omit

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Dice the red bell pepper and slice the baby corn. Add the vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  2. In a bowl, toss the thawed shrimp with cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until evenly coated.
  3. After the vegetables have finished, add coated shrimp to the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil, dried chili pods, and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour the sauce into the skillet with aromatics, cook for 30 seconds, then toss in cooked vegetables and shrimp.
  7. Transfer to a platter and top with crushed peanuts and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Pat dry shrimp before coating for best texture. Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

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