Appetizer

Air Fryer Crispy Rice Topped with Spicy Shrimp

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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels gourmet but is secretly easy to make, this Air Fryer Crispy Rice with Creamy Spicy Shrimp is your new go-to recipe. Inspired by the popular sushi restaurant favorite, this dish combines crunchy rice squares with a rich, spicy shrimp topping for an irresistible bite-sized snack. And the best part? You can make it at home using just your air fryer, no deep frying required.

This crispy rice recipe is perfect for anyone who loves texture. Each rice square is golden and crunchy on the outside, yet soft and sticky on the inside. The creamy spicy shrimp mixture, made with Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and sesame oil, adds bold flavor and a little heat that pairs perfectly with the crispy base. Whether you’re making these for a party appetizer or an easy weeknight treat, they are sure to impress.

Using an air fryer to make crispy rice is a total game changer. It eliminates the mess of oil while still delivering that restaurant-style crunch. Simply shape your cooked rice, chill it, and then air fry until golden. It is faster, cleaner, and healthier than traditional frying methods, making this recipe a great option for fans of Asian inspired air fryer recipes.

The spicy shrimp topping is quick to prepare and totally customizable. You can use sushi grade fish or cooked shrimp, chop it finely, and mix it with a creamy spicy sauce that hits all the flavor notes such as umami, heat, tang, and richness. You can even substitute with canned tuna, salmon, or tofu for a different twist on this seafood appetizer.

Whether you’re searching for the best air fryer appetizer, a viral TikTok inspired seafood snack, or just want to recreate a sushi style dish at home, this air fryer crispy rice with spicy shrimp delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Save this recipe for your next dinner party or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality bite right from your kitchen.

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Air Fryer Crispy Rice Topped with Spicy Shrimp

Recipe by Julia Vuong
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: AppetizerCuisine: Japanese
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

50

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups 1.5 uncooked sushi rice (or short-grain rice)

  • 2 cups 2 water

  • 2 tbsp 2 rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp 1 sugar

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 salt, to taste

  • oil spray or neutral oil to brush on the rice

  • Spicy Shrimp Mixture

  • 1 lb 1 peeled and deveined shrimp

  • 3 tbsp 3 kewpie mayo

  • 1 tsp 1 sriracha (adjust for spice level)

  • 1 tbsp 1 soy sauce

  • 1 tsp 1 sesame oil

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 sugar

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 cayenne pepper

  • 1 tbsp 1 sliced green onions

  • Toppings

  • avocado

  • serrano pepper

  • cayenne pepper

Directions

  • Cook the rice: Rinse 1.5 cups of sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions or on the stove (usually 1.5 cups rice to ~2 cups water).
  • Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Pour over the cooked rice and mix.
  • Shape the rice: Use a sheet pan or mold (I used a spam musubi mold) to shape your rice, 1 inch thickness is ideal. Press down firmly to create an even surface. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 2hrs to firm up before cutting. Wipe the knife with oil or water prior to cutting to prevent sticking. Cut into desired size. Brush each rice square with oil or spray with oil before placing into the air fryer. Air fry at 400F for 18-20 mins or until golden brown. Flip halfway through.
  • Prepare Shrimp: Peel and devein your shrimp. Add shrimp to a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Dry shrimp with paper towel. Chop up shrimp into small pieces. In a bowl, mix shrimp, mayo, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, sugar, sliced green onions, and cayenne pepper.
  • Assemble: Place thinly sliced avocados on top of the crispy rice, scoop the shrimp mixture on top, garnish with a sliced serrano pepper and more cayenne pepper.
  • Enjoy!

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