Air fryer oysters are crispy, light, and perfectly breaded! Seafood lovers will be impressed with just how delicious oysters in the air fryer can be. Serve as an appetizer or make a meal out of it!
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We’re seafood aficionados in my house! I’ve already shared some of my favorite seafood air fryer recipes with you on the blog. Air fryer tilapia, crab cakes, shrimp, and fish sticks are just a few options (there’s even more at the end of this post!).
But, one downside about preparing seafood is that many recipes call for deep frying, which as you all know, involves cooking in a LOT of oil.
Crispy, golden, and perfectly fried oysters sound like a dream, don’t they? What if I told you that you could get all of that fried perfection with your air fryer?! That means you can ditch your deep fryer and all of the excess oil that comes along with it.
These fried oysters in the air fryer may require a bit of leg work (shucking the oysters), but don’t let that intimidate you! With a little prep, you’ll be on your way to mouthwatering air-fried oysters in no time.
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- All of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this air fryer fried oysters recipe
- Step-by-step instructions for preparing your oysters
- Tips on what to serve alongside this air fryer oysters recipe
- How to cook frozen oysters in the air fryer and how to reheat them
After just 8 minutes in the air fryer, your oysters will be cooked to crispy perfection and ready to enjoy!
How to make Air Fryer Oysters
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Shuck and rinse the oysters and let them drain in a colander. Pat the shucked oysters dry with a paper towel.
STEP TWO: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the egg and milk. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the oysters through the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then roll to coat in the breadcrumbs.
STEP THREE: Set each oyster in the air fryer basket in a single layer, then spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 4 minutes. Flip the oysters, spray lightly with cooking oil, and cook for 4 more minutes. Serve, and enjoy!
What to Serve Alongside Air Fryer Oysters
Looking for options to serve alongside this air fryer oysters recipe? Look no further! First, here are some yummy sauces for dipping:
- Lemon juice — a classic!
- Cocktail sauce
- Horseradish dip
- Hot pepper sauce (like Tobasco sauce)
For sides to serve with your air fryer oysters, consider:
- Roasted air fryer carrots
- Air fryer broccoli parmesan
- Tater tots in the air fryer
- A grain, like rice or quinoa! – I love this Ninja Foodi Rice recipe!
How to Cook Frozen Oysters in the Air Fryer
I love having these on hand for a quick meal or appetizer. It’s also a great way to use up any shellfish before it expires!
Shuck and bread the oysters as directed and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can store oysters this way in the freezer for about 12 months.
When you’re ready to prepare, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. Remove as many as you would like from the freezer, then place each oyster in the air fryer basket. Cook the frozen oysters for 8 minutes, flip and spray lightly with cooking oil, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
How to Reheat Fried Oysters in the Air Fryer
To reheat air fryer fried oysters in the air fryer, set the oysters in a single layer in the basket, then spray those lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry at 350 degrees F for 3 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
What Do Fried Oysters Taste Like?
Fried oysters are crispy on the outside (they are breaded!) and chewy on the inside.
Oysters are seafood, after all, so they also feature a moderately briny, salty, and somewhat sweet flavor. You’ve likely never tasted anything like them!
Do You Rinse Oysters Before Frying?
In order to avoid accidentally chomping down on a piece of oyster shell, you should definitely rinse oysters before frying.
If you want to retain their salty flavor, consider rinsing your soon-to-be air-fried oysters in saltwater.
Can You Make These Air Fried Oysters Keto?
Yes, you can make oysters in the air fryer keto by simply replacing the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds!
Can You Use a Wet Batter Instead of Breading?
I typically don’t suggest using a wet batter in the air fryer. The batter can potentially sink down inside the air fryer holes, which is no good for the appliance. Plus, breading will give you that crispy texture you’re after!
Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:
- Air Fryer Calamari
- Air Fryer Scallops
- Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
- The Best Air Fryer Fish Recipes
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Air Fryer Oysters
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shucked oysters
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Melted garlic butter for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.Â
- Shuck and rinse the oysters, letting them drain in a colander. Pat the shucked oysters dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the egg and milk. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the oysters through the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then roll to coat in the breadcrumbs.
- Set the oysters in a single layer in the basket, then spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer for 4 minutes. Flip the oysters, spray lightly with cooking oil, and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Serve.
Notes
How To Cook Frozen Oysters in the Air Fryer:
- Prepare oysters through step 4. Freeze them in a plastic zipper bag until ready to cook.
- Set the oysters in a single layer in the basket, then spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 350 degrees F (preheated) for 8 minutes. Flip the oysters, spray lightly with cooking oil, and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Serve.
How To Reheat Oysters in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Set the oysters in a single layer in the basket, then spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 3 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
I just tried this amazing recipe and the oysters were absolutely amazing. A little lemon juice just makes it that much better. Thaaaaank You!
So glad you loved it, Michael!
I love oysters. Need to try this recipe out. Looks delish.
Never thought to air fry oysters. Sounds yummy!
These turned out great!
We really enjoyed these, would never have thought to make them in the air fryer!
OK, I am knew to air fryer as I put it through my tests.
Damn good. 5 Stars.