Simple Shrimp Recipe That Tastes Like a Restaurant Meal
Simple Shrimp Recipe That Tastes Like a Restaurant Meal is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Dada’s FoodCrave Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $27.97 total, $6.99 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (shell on, deveined, rinsed and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (light coating)
- 1 tablespoon Homemade Knocker Seasoning (see Dada’s FoodCrave Kitchen knocker seasoning video for recipe)
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Adobo Seasoning (Filipino-style adobo blend)
- 1 cube Maggi Seasoning Cube (or any umami seasoning cube)
Instructions
Prepare Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water, keep the shells on for extra flavor, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Season Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the homemade knocker seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, adobo seasoning, and crumble the Maggi cube over the top. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Pre‑heat Air Fryer (Steam‑Crisp Mode)
Set the air fryer to the Steam‑Crisp function at 400°F. If your model lacks this button, pre‑heat to 400°F and later spray a light mist of water on the basket.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 400°F
Air Fry Shrimp
Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes, then open, flip the shrimp with tongs, and continue cooking for another 6 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and the edges are golden‑brown.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 400°F
Serve
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer, transfer to a serving platter, and enjoy hot as an appetizer. Serve with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free seasoning
Allergens: Shellfish, Soy (Maggi cube)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Shrimp: peeled shrimp, medium shrimp
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Homemade Knocker Seasoning: store‑bought Cajun seasoning, creole seasoning
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced fresh onion
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Adobo Seasoning: soy sauce + garlic + bay leaf mixture
- Instead of Maggi Seasoning Cube: soy sauce (1 tsp), fish sauce (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the shrimp evenly so every bite is flavorful.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures proper crisping.
- Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to achieve uniform color and texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Leaving the shells on adds extra flavor and helps keep the shrimp moist.
- A quick splash of lemon juice right before serving lifts the heavy spices.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds after cooking.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp are rubbery or overcooked.
Reduce the cooking time by 2‑3 minutes and check for translucency; shrimp cook quickly and should be just pink.
Seasoning is uneven.
Toss the shrimp in a larger bowl or use a zip‑top bag to massage the seasoning evenly before cooking.
Shrimp are soggy instead of crispy.
Make sure the shrimp are thoroughly dried before seasoning and avoid crowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, seasoned shrimp in a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the shrimp up to 30 minutes ahead and keep refrigerated; this deepens the flavor.
- If you need to serve later, reheat the cooked shrimp in the air fryer for 2‑3 minutes at 350°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of shrimp appetizers in Filipino cuisine?
Shrimp appetizers, often called "hipon" dishes, are popular in Filipino gatherings and fiestas. They showcase the Philippines' abundant coastal resources and are typically seasoned with bold flavors like adobo, garlic, and local spice blends.
What are traditional regional variations of shrimp appetizers in the Philippines?
In the Visayas, shrimp are often grilled with calamansi and soy sauce, while in Luzon they may be sautéed with ginger and patis. The use of a knocker‑style seasoning blend is a modern twist that blends traditional adobo flavors with a Cajun‑inspired kick.
How is shrimp typically served in Filipino celebrations?
Shrimp appetizers are served hot on a platter, sometimes with a side of vinegar dip or sliced chilies. They are a staple at birthday parties, weddings, and holiday feasts, offering a quick, crowd‑pleasing bite.
What occasions or celebrations is this Air Fryer Shrimp Appetizer traditionally associated with in Filipino culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, shrimp appetizers are common at family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and as a finger food during Christmas and New Year parties in the Philippines.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Filipino shrimp appetizers versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include fresh shrimp, garlic, onion, soy sauce or patis, and native adobo seasoning. Substitutes like Maggi cubes, onion powder, or a homemade knocker blend work well for home cooks who lack the exact spices.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with this Air Fryer Shrimp Appetizer?
Serve alongside lumpia (spring rolls), pancit bihon (stir‑fried rice noodles), or a fresh cucumber salad with vinegar dressing for a balanced Filipino‑style spread.
What makes this shrimp appetizer special or unique in Filipino cuisine?
The use of an air fryer with a steam‑crisp function creates a light, crispy texture while retaining juiciness, and the homemade knocker seasoning adds a bold, smoky depth not typically found in classic Filipino shrimp dishes.
How has the air‑fryer shrimp appetizer evolved over time in Filipino cooking?
Traditional fried shrimp required deep‑frying, which is messier and less healthy. Modern Filipino home cooks now use air fryers to achieve similar crispness with less oil, reflecting a shift toward quicker, healthier cooking methods.
What are common misconceptions about making shrimp appetizers in an air fryer?
Many think shrimp will steam only and stay soggy, but using the steam‑crisp setting and flipping halfway produces a truly crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Air Fryer Shrimp Appetizer?
Avoid overcrowding the basket, over‑cooking the shrimp, and forgetting to dry the shrimp before seasoning. Each mistake can lead to soggy or rubbery shrimp.
Why does this recipe use a homemade knocker seasoning blend instead of plain salt and pepper?
The knocker blend combines smoky, spicy, and umami notes that elevate the shrimp beyond basic seasoning, delivering a flavor profile reminiscent of both Filipino adobo and Southern Cajun influences.
Can I make this Air Fryer Shrimp Appetizer ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can season the raw shrimp up to 30 minutes ahead and keep them refrigerated. Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in the air fryer.
What does the YouTube channel Dada’s FoodCrave Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dada’s FoodCrave Kitchen focuses on easy, family‑friendly Filipino recipes, quick appliance‑based cooking hacks, and homemade spice blends like the knocker seasoning.
How does the YouTube channel Dada’s FoodCrave Kitchen's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
Dada’s FoodCrave Kitchen emphasizes modern kitchen gadgets such as air fryers and instant pots, while still honoring traditional flavors, offering viewers fast yet authentic Filipino meals compared to more traditional, labor‑intensive methods on other channels.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
