Spicy Shrimp Patties with Avocado Corn Salsa

You know that feeling when you’re craving something that’s both light and packed with flavor? I was right there with you, which is how these Spicy Shrimp Patties with Avocado Corn Salad came to life in my kitchen. I wanted a meal that felt a little fancy but was honestly a breeze to pull off any night of the week. This recipe is my go-to for turning simple ingredients into a seriously impressive plate of food without spending all evening at the stove.

Try my Shrimp and Quinoa Stir Fry recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, this recipe is about to become a new favorite. Here’s why:

1| It’s a Total Flavor Party. We’ve got spicy, savory shrimp patties meeting a cool, creamy avocado corn salsa. It’s a match made in heaven that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavor in every single bite.

2| Surprisingly Easy to Make. If you can chop stuff and mix it in a bowl, you’ve got this. The food processor does most of the work for the patties, and the salsa is just a simple stir-together situation.

3| Hello, Air Fryer Magic! Using the air fryer gives you a perfectly crispy, golden-brown patty without the mess of pan-frying in a bunch of oil. It’s a win for your taste buds and your clean-up routine.

4| Feels Fancy, Without the Fuss. This is one of those meals that looks and tastes like it came from a great seafood restaurant, but you made it in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. Major chef-points, minimal effort.

5| It’s a Perfect Light(er) Meal. Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. It’s ideal for a warm evening or when you’re craving something deliciously wholesome.

6| Super Versatile. Serve these patties on a bun as a killer shrimp burger, over a bed of greens, or just by themselves with that amazing salsa. They’re delicious no matter how you plate them

Try my Protein Packed Shrimp and Egg Skillet recipe.

What You’ll Need To Make

Okay, let’s break down the all-stars that make this dish so incredible. You’re going to love how these simple ingredients come together:

• The Shrimp: We’re using a full pound! This isn’t just a filler – it’s the main event. When you pulse it in the food processor, you get this amazing texture that’s tender and chunky, making every bite super satisfying.
• The Panko & Air Fryer Combo: Panko breadcrumbs are my secret weapon for that perfect, crispy crunch without being heavy. And by using the air fryer, we get that golden-brown, fried texture with way less oil. It’s a total game-changer!
• The Flavor Boosters: Don’t skip the jalapeño, cilantro, and lime! This trio is what takes the patties and salsa from “yum” to “WOW.” The jalapeño gives a little kick, the cilantro adds freshness, and the lime juice brings that zesty punch that makes everything taste brighter.
• The Cool-Down Salsa: The creamy avocado and sweet corn in the salsa are the perfect partners for the spicy shrimp patties. It’s like a cool, refreshing dip that balances everything out beautifully. It’s so good, you might just want to eat it with a spoon!

See? Simple, fresh ingredients doing amazing things. You’re going to love this!

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You’ll Need To Do

Time required: 40 mins

Alright, let’s get cooking! These patties come together like a dream.

1| Chop the Star of the Show: First, pop your shrimp into a food processor and give it a few quick pulses until they’re nicely chopped up. You’re not looking for a paste just small, chunky pieces. Dump them into a large mixing bowl and let them hang out for a sec.

2| Sizzle the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped red bell pepper and let it sizzle for about 3 minutes until it just starts to soften. Now, add the garlic and give it all a stir. It’ll only need about a minute to become fragrant you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing! Take the skillet off the heat and let this mixture cool down for a few minutes.

3| Fire Up the Air Fryer: Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to a toasty 400°F (200°C). We want it nice and hot for our patties!

4| Mix It All Up! Time for the fun part! Scrape the cooled bell pepper and garlic into the bowl with your shrimp. Now, add all the remaining patty ingredients (yes, everything else in that list!). Roll up your sleeves and use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s perfectly combined. Don’t be shy!

5| Form & Crumb Your Patties: Divide your mixture into four equal portions. With clean hands, shape each one into a firm, beautiful patty. Now, give each one a lovely, crispy jacket by coating it all over with the panko breadcrumbs.

6| Air Fry to Perfection: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a bit of oil. Place your patties inside, making sure they aren’t touching so the hot air can work its magic. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

7| Meanwhile, Make the Zesty Salsa: While the patties are sizzling away, let’s whip up the fresh salsa. In a separate bowl, gently combine all the salsa ingredients. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Easy as that!

8| Serve & Devour: You’re done! Plate up those gorgeous, spicy shrimp patties with a generous scoop of the cool, creamy avocado corn salsa on the side. Don’t forget a wedge of lime for that final, bright squeeze over the top. Dig in and enjoy your masterpiece

Glycemic Index (GI): Low (Approximately 30-40)

Glycemic Load (GL): Low (Approximately 5-7 per serving)

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Easy Ingredient Swaps

No shrimp? No problem! Here are some simple ways to mix things up:

For the Shrimp Patties:

• Shrimp: Swap it out for an equal amount of canned tuna (drained well), cooked crab, or even cooked and flaked salmon. For a poultry option, ground chicken or turkey works great too!
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs, crushed pork rinds (for keto), or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Rolled oats pulsed in a food processor also work in a pinch!
• Jalapeño: For less heat, use a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of mild green chiles. For more heat, leave the seeds in or use a serrano pepper.
• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream are fantastic, tangy substitutes.

For the Avocado Corn Salad:

• Avocado: While nothing replicates avocado’s creaminess perfectly, a ripe, mashed mango can offer a sweet and tropical twist.
• Corn: A can of black beans (rinsed and drained) or even some finely diced cucumber would add a great fresh crunch.
• Cilantro: Not a fan? Fresh parsley, dill, or even chopped basil would be delicious here.
• Lime Juice: Lemon juice or even a splash of orange juice will work just fine.

Cooking Method:

• Air Fryer: No air fryer? No worries! Pan-fry the patties in a little oil over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or bake them on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Get creative and make it your own

Try my Low-Carb Shrimp Fajita Meal Prep recipe.

Twist and Tweak Ideas

Love the base recipe? Here are some easy ways to get creative and make it new again!

1. Go Global with Flavors:
   • Thai Twist: Swap the mayo in the patties with Thai red or green curry paste. Add a tablespoon of fish sauce and use mint instead of cilantro in the salsa.
   • Mediterranean Mood: Mix in some crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives to the patty mixture. Serve the salsa with diced cucumber and a big handful of fresh dill.
   • Taco Tuesday Vibe: Add a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder to the patty mix. Serve everything in warm tortillas with a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate shrimp taco.
2. Switch Up the Salsa:
   • Mango Salsa: Replace the corn with diced ripe mango for a sweet and spicy combo that’s pure sunshine.
   • Peach & Tomato: Use diced peaches and cherry tomatoes instead of avocado and corn. It’s a juicy, summery delight.
   • Creamy Avocado Crema: Skip the chunky salsa and blend the avocado with lime juice, a splash of water, and cilantro until smooth to drizzle over the patties.
3. Boost the Patty Texture & Flavor:
   • Add Some Crunch: Toss in a handful of finely chopped water chestnuts into the patty mix for a surprising and satisfying crunch in every bite.
   • Cheesy Goodness: Fold in some shredded pepper jack or cotija cheese to the patty mixture for a melty, savory surprise.
   • Bacon Lover’s Dream: Crumble up some cooked bacon and mix it right in with the shrimp. Because… bacon!
4. Change the Shape & Serving Style:
   • Shrimp Sliders: Make mini patties and serve them on sweet Hawaiian roll sliders with a swipe of sriracha mayo.
   • Shrimp Poppers: Form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, roll in panko, and air fry for 8-10 minutes for the perfect party appetizer.

Have fun playing with your food! Which twist are you trying first? 😊

Try my Garlicky Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe.

My Top Tips for Perfect Patties Every Time!

A few little tricks can make a huge difference. Here’s how to nail this recipe:

1| Keep Your Shrimp Chunky: When pulsing the shrimp in the food processor, short pulses are your best friend! You’re aiming for a coarse chop with some small pieces, not a smooth paste. This gives the patties a much better texture.

2| Don’t Skip the Cool Down: Let that bell pepper and garlic mixture cool completely before you mix it into the shrimp. If it’s too hot, it can start to cook the shrimp prematurely and make the mixture sticky and hard to handle.

3| The Chill Factor: If your patty mixture feels a little too soft or sticky, don’t panic! Just cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This firms everything up and makes forming the patties so much easier.

4| Panko Power: For an extra crispy, golden crust, give the panko-coated patties a gentle press so the breadcrumbs adhere well. You can even spray them lightly with cooking spray before air frying for maximum crunch.

5| Salsa Savvy: Make the avocado corn salsa right before you’re ready to serve. This keeps the avocado bright green and fresh, and prevents it from getting mushy. A little pro tip: if you’re making it ahead, squeeze a little extra lime juice over the top – the acid helps slow down the browning.

6| Test One Patty: If you’re new to air frying, it’s totally okay to cook just one test patty first! This lets you check the cooking time and flavor, and you can adjust the seasoning for the rest of the batch if needed.

Happy cooking! You’ve got this.

Try my Shrimp Cocktail – Christmas Appetizer recipe.

Smart & Budget-Friendly Swaps

Love great food but watching your wallet? No problem! Here are my favorite hacks to make this recipe easier on your budget:

1| Be Flexible with Frozen: Frozen raw shrimp is almost always cheaper than fresh, and it works perfectly here. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Using frozen pre-cooked corn kernels is also a great value compared to fresh.

2| Buy in Bulk for Flavor: That half a jalapeño and red bell pepper can leave you with leftover veggies. Check the salad bar at your grocery store! You can often buy just the tiny amount you need, preventing food waste.

3| Stretch the Patty Mix: If your shrimp patty mixture feels a little scant, stretch it by adding another ¼ to ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs or even some cooked, cooled quinoa. It’ll help you form generous patties without needing more pricey shrimp.

4| Make Your Own Panko “Style” Crumbs: Out of panko? No need for a special trip. Just pulse some regular sandwich bread (heels work great!) in your food processor until you get coarse crumbs. Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes for extra crunch.

5| Simplify the Salsa: The avocado is key, but if corn is out of season and pricey, you can bulk up the salsa with a drained can of black beans or even some finely diced cucumber for extra volume and freshness.

6| Love Those Leftovers: These patties reheat really well! Pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp. They make a fantastic next-day lunch, so you get two meals out of one cooking session.

Great food doesn’t have to be expensive. A little creativity goes a long way.

Try my Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Rice recipe.

How to Serve These Flavor-Packed Patties

So you’ve made these amazing shrimp patties… now what? Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them up!

1| The Ultimate Bun Situation: Seriously, don’t sleep on serving these as gourmet shrimp burgers! A toasted brioche or potato bun with a swipe of sriracha mayo, some crisp lettuce, and a slice of tomato is absolutely incredible.

2| The “Bowl” Life: For a lighter, low-carb meal, serve the patty over a big bed of greens. Think romaine, chopped kale, or even some cilantro-lime rice. Drizzle any extra lime juice from the salsa over the top – it makes a perfect, simple dressing.

3| Taco Tuesday Upgrade: Crumble a warm shrimp patty into a soft flour or corn tortilla. Top with the avocado corn salsa and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for the most epic shrimp tacos you’ve ever had.

4| Appetizer for a Crowd: Make the patties mini! Form the mixture into slider-sized patties or even bite-sized “poppers.” They’re a huge hit at parties and are perfect for dipping.

5| The Perfect Pairings: Round out your plate with some simple sides. A quick cilantro-lime rice, a simple black bean salad, or some sweet potato fries are all total winners that complement the flavors perfectly.

However you plate them, it’s going to be delicious. Enjoy!

Try my Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Mango Salsa recipe.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them tasting fantastic.

Storing Your Leftovers:

• Patties & Salsa Separate: Always store the shrimp patties and the avocado corn salsa in separate, airtight containers.
• Fridge for Patties: Cooked shrimp patties will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Salsa is Best Fresh: The avocado corn salsa is really best eaten the day it’s made, as the avocado will brown and the veggies will get watery. If you must, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to limit air exposure; it might hold for a few hours.

Reheating for Best Results:

• Say No to the Microwave! For a crispy patty, avoid the microwave it will make them soft and rubbery.
• Re-crisp in the Air Fryer: This is the absolute best method! Reheat patties in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
• Oven Method Works Too: No air fryer? Reheat them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes.
• Serving Leftovers: The patties are also delicious cold! Flake a cold patty over a bed of greens for a super easy shrimp salad.

Try my Spiced Grilled Shrimp Kabobs recipe.

Final Thoughts

And that’s it! I really hope this recipe brings as much fun to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s the kind of meal that proves you don’t need complicated techniques for a seriously delicious dinner. If you give it a shot, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Now go grab that lime wedge, give everything a good squeeze, and dig in. Happy cooking.

Recipe Card

Spicy Shrimp Patties with Avocado Corn Salsa

Craving something light but totally satisfying? My spicy shrimp patties are it! They're crispy from the air fryer and served with a cool, zesty avocado salad. Perfect for a quick weeknight win. 👍

Courses: Lunch Recipe Keys: Dairy Free High Protein M Meal Prep

Print Recipe

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 32 Calories: 415

Ingredients

Servings

For the shrimp patties:

• 1 lb shrimps, peeled and deveined, tail removed (450g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 4 oz panko breadcrumbs, divided
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1.5 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste
• 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
• ¹⁄₂ tsp sugar
• salt and pepper to taste

For the salsa:

• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
• 5.3 oz corn, cooked (150g)
• 4 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ lime juice, freshly squeezed
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve

Instructions

1. Process Shrimp:

   Place shrimp in a food processor. Pulse repeatedly until coarsely chopped. Transfer chopped shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

2.  Sauté Aromatics:

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add red bell pepper and sauté for 3 minutes. Add garlic and continue to sauté for 1 additional minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.

3. Preheat Equipment:

   Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

4. Combine Patty Mixture:

   Add the cooled bell pepper and garlic mixture to the bowl with the shrimp. Incorporate all remaining patty ingredients. Mix thoroughly until uniform consistency is achieved.

5. Form and Bread Patties:

   Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty of even thickness. Coat all sides of each patty thoroughly with the reserved panko breadcrumbs.

6. Cook Patties:

   Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange patties in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and fully cooked.

7. Prepare Salsa:

   While patties are cooking, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine all listed salsa ingredients. Gently stir until just incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Plate and Serve:

   Serve the cooked shrimp patties immediately, accompanied by the avocado corn salsa and a lime wedge.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 415kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Total Carbohydrate 28g10%

Protein 28g57%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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