There’s something about the sizzle and aroma of shrimp that instantly makes any evening feel a bit more special. I remember the last time I tried these shrimp cakes — the air fryer buzzing quietly in the background while I chopped the last bits of red pepper. The kitchen smelled like a tiny seaside bistro, with hints of garlic and lemon teasing my senses. I wasn’t exactly sure how the timing would go. I had a quick dinner to pull together, and the shrimp cakes seemed like a gamble that might pay off. The first bite was warm and crisp, the kind of satisfying crunch that makes you pause just long enough to enjoy the moment. I wasn’t perfectly neat forming the patties, and a few edges were a little rough, but honestly, that made them feel homemade and authentic. It’s funny how a simple recipe can turn a rushed night into something to look forward to.

They come together quickly, making them a solid choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
The air fryer delivers a golden crunch without the extra oil or mess of frying — it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
Fresh shrimp and zesty seasonings create a flavor profile that’s both bright and comforting, perfect for pairing with a crisp salad or tangy dipping sauce.
While the recipe calls for specific seasonings, it’s forgiving enough to swap in what you have on hand without losing much of the magic.

If you’re worried about overcomplicating things, this recipe is pretty straightforward. The patties hold together well, even if your chopping isn’t perfect, and the air fryer does most of the heavy lifting. Plus, leftovers reheat nicely if you want to save some for the next day.

Air Fryer Shrimp Cakes

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Crispy and flavorful air fryer shrimp cakes made with fresh shrimp, breadcrumbs, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these shrimp cakes are quick to prepare and cook to golden perfection in the air fryer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Place the raw shrimp in a food processor and pulse 6-8 times until coarsely chopped but not pureed.
Transfer the chopped shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
Add panko breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with shrimp.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 2.5 inches in diameter.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Brush both sides of each shrimp cake lightly with olive oil.
Place shrimp cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry the shrimp cakes for 6 minutes, then carefully flip them over and air fry for an additional 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the shrimp cakes from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Using an air fryer makes this recipe approachable, even if you’re new to the gadget. Just a quick preheat and a careful flip halfway through, and you’re set. I usually serve these with something crisp — maybe a simple slaw or a lemon-dressed green salad — to balance the richness. Sometimes, I’ll add a little heat, like a drizzle of sriracha mayo, but that’s just my personal twist. If you want to change it up, tossing in some finely chopped herbs or swapping the Old Bay for smoked paprika can shift the flavor without losing the essence of those crispy cakes. I haven’t tested every variation, but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp? You can, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry first to avoid soggy cakes.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can pan-fry them, though it may take a bit more oil and attention.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Are these spicy? Not by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Give these air fryer shrimp cakes a chance next time you want dinner done fast but still crave something with a little crunch and a lot of flavor. You might just find yourself reaching for the air fryer more often than you thought.