Air Fryer Cooking Guides
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp and Grits Bites
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished May 5, 2026 · Updated Jun 19, 2026
Southern American
25 mins
air-fryer-friendlyhealthyeasygluten-freehigh-proteincrispsavoryfamily-friendlysnackablebudget-friendly30-minutes-or-lessv2
Enjoy these crispy, high-protein Southern style shrimp and grits bites made quickly in the air fryer. Gluten-free and family-friendly, they are a savory, snackable appetizer bursting with classic Southern flavors.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Southern American
Ingredients
Servings
12
- 12 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
-
Prepare the grits according to package instructions using 3/4 cup water. Once thickened, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
-
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
-
While the grits cool, season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
-
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the cooled cheesy grits, chopped cooked shrimp, egg, and milk. Mix until the mixture holds together but is still moist. Add a little more milk if needed to loosen the batter slightly.
-
Spread the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs on a plate.
-
Form the mixture into 12 small, 1-inch diameter balls. Roll each ball lightly in the breadcrumbs to coat.
-
Arrange the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding (work in batches if necessary).
-
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
-
Remove and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
-
Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm with lemon wedges for extra zest.
Tips
Air Fryer Model Notes
Cook Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp and Grits Bites in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.
Crispiness Control
Pat the shrimp dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.
Doneness Cues
Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a thermometer instead of relying only on color.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp and Grits Bites ahead of time?
- You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
- How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?
- Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
- How do I know the shrimp is done?
- Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.
Ingredient Replacements
Customize your Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp and Grits Bites with these ingredient substitutions to meet dietary needs or ingredient availability:
- Shrimp: Substitute with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based seafood alternatives for vegetarian or vegan options, keeping texture and umami flavor.
- Grits: Use polenta or instant cornmeal as gluten-free alternatives with similar texture and taste.
- Cheddar Cheese: Replace with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan or dairy-free twist.
- Milk: Swap cow’s milk for almond, oat, soy, or other plant-based milks to maintain dairy-free status.
- Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) or commercial egg replacers to make the bites vegan-friendly while preserving binding.
- Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs: Substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a crispy coating that stays gluten-free.
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or any mild-flavored oil suitable for air frying.
These adjustments maintain the gluten-free, savory, and easy-to-make qualities of the recipe, while catering to vegan, dairy-free, or plant-based diets without compromising flavor or texture.
Storage
Store leftover Air Fryer Southern Style Shrimp and Grits Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.
Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
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