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air fryer oysters

📝 Air Fryer Oysters

These crispy Air Fryer Oysters are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. With no deep frying required, they’re a lighter, easier way to enjoy a seafood favorite at home. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 5 oysters
Course: Appetizer, Main, Snack
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 shucked oysters drained and patted dry
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup cornmeal optional, for extra crunch
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray
For serving (optional):
  • Lemon wedges
  • Tartar sauce or spicy mayo

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • 3 shallow bowls
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Set up a breading station:
  1. Bowl 1: flour (seasoned with salt and pepper)
  2. Bowl 2: beaten egg with water
  3. Bowl 3: mix panko, cornmeal (if using), paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Bread each oyster:
  1. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
  2. Place on a plate or tray and repeat with all oysters.
  3. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil. Arrange oysters in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray tops with oil.
  4. Air fry for 4–5 minutes, flip gently, spray again, and cook another 4–5 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  5. Serve warm with lemon and sauce of choice.

Notes

Freshly shucked oysters work best, but pre-shucked oysters (drained and patted dry) are fine too.
For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix.
Cook time may vary by air fryer model — keep an eye during the last few minutes.