Air Fryer Shrimp Cakes are full of tender shrimp seasoned with herbs, spices, hot sauce, lemon, garlic, and green onion. They’re formed into sturdy patties and air-fried until golden and crisp — perfect as a side, salad topper, or a tasty seafood snack.
These savory fritters are one of our favorites. If you enjoy them, try zucchini fritters for another delicious option.
Air Fryer Shrimp Cakes Recipe
These patties showcase bite-sized cooked shrimp mixed with green onions, egg, garlic, fresh herbs, spices, lemon juice and a touch of hot sauce. The mixture is formed into thick cakes and air-fried for a satisfying crunch without the excess oil of deep frying.
They’re flexible: add cheese and bacon for richness, toss in extra vegetables for texture, combine with crab for a shellfish mash-up, or switch herbs and spices to suit your taste. Quick enough for weeknights and elegant enough for entertaining.
What goes into homemade Air Fryer Shrimp Cakes
- Shrimp: Cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Binder: Plain bread crumbs and beaten eggs help the cakes hold together.
- Seasonings: Green onions, garlic, dried Italian herbs and fresh dill give fresh flavor. Smoked paprika and onion powder add depth; lemon juice and hot sauce brighten the mixture. Finish with salt and black pepper to taste.
How to make homemade Air-Fryer Shrimp Cakes
- Slice. Cut cooked shrimp into small, even pieces.
- Mix. Combine shrimp with bread crumbs, beaten eggs, green onions, dill, garlic, lemon, hot sauce and seasonings in a bowl. Stir gently until evenly combined.
- Shape. Portion the mixture into 8–10 round patties — an ice cream scoop helps keep sizes consistent.
- Cook. Line the air fryer basket with parchment and place patties in a single layer. Lightly brush or spritz with oil. Air-fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes until golden, flip, then cook another 4–6 minutes until crisp and heated through.
- Serve. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dip.
Recipe variations and substitutions
- Different spice blends: Try Old Bay, Cajun, taco seasoning, or a pinch of chili powder for varied profiles.
- Turn up the heat: Add red pepper flakes, extra hot sauce, or fresh jalapeños, serranos or Fresno chiles for more spice.
- Make it cheesy: Fold in shredded cheddar, pepper jack or Parmesan; tuck a cube of mozzarella into the center for a melty surprise.
- Swap herbs: Cilantro, basil, or parsley can change the overall flavor.
- Add vegetables: Finely chopped bell pepper, corn, mushrooms, or grated carrot add color and nutrition.
- Add meat: Stir in chopped bacon, diced ham, or cooked sausage for heartier cakes.
- No air fryer? Pan-fry the patties in a skillet with oil, or bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pairs well with shrimp cakes?
Light, creamy dipping sauces complement the delicate shrimp: tartar sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or a simple lemon-garlic aioli are excellent choices. Serve the cakes with roasted vegetables, polenta, herbed potatoes, salad, slaw, corn salad, or grilled avocado for a complete meal.
Best sauces for air-fried shrimp patties
- Yum Yum sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Thousand Island
- Chipotle mayo
How to store leftovers
Cool the cakes completely to avoid sogginess, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through, or bake briefly to restore crispness.
Air Fryer Shrimp Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp cooked, shelled, and deveined
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 lemon juiced, and zested
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Tartar sauce for serving
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the cooked shrimp into small cubed-like pieces.
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Add the shrimp to a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Stir gently to combine.
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Form the shrimp mixture into 8-10 patties. You can use an ice cream scoop to make each sized portion.
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Place a piece of parchment paper down inside the hot air fryer then carefully place each shrimp cake in the air fryer.
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Cook for 8-10 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Flip and cook for 5 more minutes.
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Serve.
Video
Notes
- Keep shrimp in noticeable chunks for texture, or pulse briefly in a food processor if you prefer a finer consistency — avoid overprocessing into a paste.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko add extra flavor and crunch.
- Use parchment in the air fryer to help the patties keep their shape while cooking.