Description
Delightful bite-sized Shrimp and Grits appetizers featuring crispy parmesan-coated grit cakes air fried to perfection and topped with buttery blackened shrimp. Enhanced with a zesty Cajun aioli and fresh scallion curls, these appetizer bites offer a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, ideal for entertaining or as a sophisticated starter.
Ingredients
Grit Cakes
- 2/3 cup quick-cooking grits
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup Parmesan, freshly grated
Cajun Aioli
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Hot sauce, to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
Shrimp
- 16-18 medium shrimp, cleaned and shelled
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
Garnishes
- 4-6 cherry tomatoes, quartered (optional)
- Scallion curls (from green parts of scallions)
Instructions
- Make the grits: In a pot, combine water, milk, butter, salt, and pepper then bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the grits and cook until liquid is absorbed and grits are tender, approximately 5 minutes for quick-cooking grits. Pour the grits into a sprayed or plastic-wrap-lined 8×8 pan, level the surface, cover, and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight to set.
- Prep grit cakes: Once chilled and firm, lift the grits out of the pan and cut into sixteen 1-inch squares. Prepare the Cajun aioli by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce in a small bowl; adjust seasoning to taste. Lightly coat the top of each grit square with the aioli using a pastry brush, then press the mayo-coated side into grated Parmesan cheese to form a crust.
- Air fry grit cakes: Place the cheese-coated grit cakes spaced evenly in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until the grit cakes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Blacken shrimp: While the grit cakes air fry, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them in melted butter, then coat generously with blackening seasoning. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2½ to 3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook an additional 60 seconds until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Assemble the appetizers: Remove the crispy grit cakes from the air fryer. Skewer one shrimp onto a toothpick or small skewer, optionally add a cherry tomato quarter, and then insert the skewer into each grit cake.
- Prepare scallion garnish: Cut the green parts of scallions into 2-inch pieces, slice lengthwise into thin strips, and soak them in ice water for a few minutes to curl naturally. Drain and dry thoroughly.
- Serve: Scatter the scallion curls over the assembled shrimp and grit bites. Serve immediately with extra Cajun aioli on the side for dipping to complement the rich, spicy flavors.
Notes
- Chilling the grits overnight helps them firm up properly for cutting and frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the Cajun aioli to your preferred spice level.
- Using a cast iron skillet ensures a nice sear on the shrimp for the blackening technique.
- Cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst of flavor but are optional.
- These appetizers are best served fresh to maintain crispiness.
- Scallion curls add a visually appealing garnish and a mild onion flavor that balances richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
