Golden, crispy
Ever have a food that just transports you? Like, one bite and suddenly, you’re somewhere else? For me, it’s clam strips. Specifically, the kind you get at those beachside seafood shacks. You know the ones—served in a red-and-white paper basket, with fries on the side and just enough grease to make it feel like a guilty pleasure.
I grew up making annual summer trips to the coast with my family. The boardwalk was packed with arcades, saltwater taffy shops, and—my personal favorite—those little seafood stands that smelled like a mix of fried food and ocean air. My dad would order a massive plate of crispy fried clam strips, and we’d all just go to town. No forks. No rules. Just pure, golden-fried happiness.
Fast forward to today, and while I don’t always have time for a beach trip, I do have an
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Clam Strips Recipe?
- No deep frying = no mess – No pots of hot oil, no splattering, no stress.
- Super fast – You’re looking at under 10 minutes from freezer to plate.
- Customizable flavors – Classic, spicy, lemony—you’re in control.
- Perfect snack or meal – Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a salty, crispy bite at midnight (no judgment), these work.
- Way cheaper than takeout – Let’s be real, seafood restaurants overcharge for clam strips. This is just as good at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is so easy, it almost feels like cheating. But hey, we’re going for maximum deliciousness, minimum effort.
- Frozen Clam Strips – I use Seapak, but honestly, any brand works. The key? Don’t thaw them first. Cooking them straight from frozen gives you that perfect crispy texture.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, Old Bay, garlic powder—whatever floats your boat.
- Dipping Sauce – Tartar sauce is a classic, but cocktail sauce, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard? Yes, please.
Pro Tip: Want them extra crispy? Hit them with a light spritz of cooking spray before air frying. Game changer.
How To Make Air Fryer Clam Strips?
Alright, let’s do this.
Step 1: Preheat the
Set your
Step 2: Lay Out the Clam Strips
Dump the frozen clam strips into the
Step 3: Cook Until Perfectly Golden
Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. At the 5-minute mark, take a peek—if they’re not looking crispy enough, give them another minute or two.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Season & Serve
Pull them out, sprinkle on extra seasoning if you want, and dig in. Best served immediately, because nobody likes cold, sad seafood.
Storage Options:
But if you somehow manage to restrain yourself:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to bring back the crunch.
- Freezing? – Don’t bother. They’ll turn chewy instead of crispy. Trust me, I tried. It was not great.
Variations and Substitutions:
Wanna make these your own? Here’s how:
- Spicy Clam Strips – Toss them in cayenne or chili powder before air frying.
- Garlic Butter Clams – Melt some butter, mix in garlic powder, and drizzle on top.
- Lemon Pepper Twist – Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Gluten-Free Version – Find a gluten-free frozen clam strip brand (or just make your own with GF breadcrumbs).
Pro Tip: If you don’t have clam strips on hand, try this same method with frozen popcorn shrimp!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Clam Strips?
Oh, the possibilities. These crispy little bites go with so many things:
- French Fries – A seafood shack classic.
- Coleslaw – The crunch + tangy dressing = perfect balance.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet, buttery, and so good.
- Garlic Bread – Because carbs make everything better.
- Side Salad – If you wanna pretend to be healthy.
Pro Tip: Make a sandwich! Pile the clam strips into a hoagie roll with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of tartar sauce. Hello, homemade po’ boy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I cook fresh clam strips instead of frozen?
Yep! Just coat them in a light layer of seasoned flour or breadcrumbs, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why aren’t my clam strips crispy?
Two reasons:
- You overcrowded the basket (it happens). Give them space!
- You didn’t cook them long enough—try adding another minute or two.
Can I make these in the oven instead?
Totally. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as air-fried, but still tasty.
And that’s it—crispy, golden
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some frozen clam strips, fire up the
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Air Fryer Clam Strips
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen clam strips such as Seapak or preferred brand
- 1 tsp seasoning of choice Old Bay, garlic powder, salt, or black pepper
- Cooking spray optional, for added crispiness
- Dipping sauce of choice tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or spicy mayo
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. This step ensures the clam strips cook evenly and achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Arrange the Clam Strips: Place the frozen clam strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overlapping to allow even air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches for best results.
- Air Fry Until Golden: Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness at the 5-minute mark—clam strips should be golden brown and crispy. If needed, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Once removed from the air fryer, sprinkle the clam strips with your preferred seasoning while they are still hot. This allows the seasoning to adhere better and enhances the flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the clam strips to a serving dish and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. Serve while hot for the best texture and taste.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
