Air Fryer Paleo Shrimp Tempura with Sweet and Sour Sauce
Seeking a crunchy, flavorful, yet guilt-free indulgence? Our Air Fryer Paleo Shrimp Tempura with Sweet and Sour Sauce fits the bill perfectly. Dive into a symphony of crispy tempura-battered shrimp, lovingly enveloped in a tangy-sweet glaze that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
In the culinary realm, tempura holds a revered place, its origins tracing back to 16th century Portuguese missionaries venturing into Japan. Their deep-frying techniques sparked an enduring love affair with this crispy, ethereal treat, which the Japanese embraced as their own. However, for those seeking a healthier, guilt-free take on this beloved dish, the air fryer emerges as a culinary hero.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whisk together the eggs, almond flour, tapioca flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
Dip the shrimp in the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
While the shrimp is cooking, make the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Toss the cooked shrimp in the sweet and sour sauce.
Serve immediately.
Why It Works
The air fryer's exceptional airflow mimics the effects of deep-frying, delivering a remarkably crispy exterior without the added calories and greasiness of traditional deep-frying methods.
The combination of almond flour and tapioca flour creates a gluten-free, grain-free batter that adheres perfectly to the succulent shrimp, resulting in an irresistibly crunchy coating.
The homemade sweet and sour sauce strikes a harmonious balance between sweet, tangy, and bold flavors, enhancing the shrimp tempura experience with each delectable bite.