Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Shrimp: Quick And Easy?

Frozen breaded shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal. The shrimp can be cooked straight from frozen, with no need to defrost or add oil, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. The air fryer cooks the shrimp evenly, ensuring each piece is crispy and golden brown.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer depend on the size of the shrimp and the number of shrimp being cooked. For example, a whole bag of popcorn shrimp (about 1 pound) will take 12-14 minutes, while a single serving of up to half a bag will take 7-10 minutes. Jumbo shrimp will take 8-14 minutes, depending on the number of shrimp being cooked.

It is important to note that the air fryer should be preheated to the desired temperature before adding the shrimp. Most sources recommend cooking frozen breaded shrimp at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, but some sources suggest cooking at 375°F for a similar amount of time.

For crispier shrimp, it is recommended to add more time in 1-3 minute increments until the desired crispiness is achieved. It is also important to shake or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Frozen shrimp can be cooked directly from frozen, with no need to defrost or add oil, making it a hassle-free cooking experience. The air fryer cooks the shrimp evenly, resulting in a crispy and golden brown exterior.

Thawing and preparation

Frozen breaded shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen, with no need to defrost or add oil. This makes it a hassle-free cooking experience, perfect for busy weeknights.

However, if you are preparing a recipe from scratch, the shrimp will need to be completely thawed, peeled, and deveined. You can ask your seafood counter to prepare the shrimp for you, or you can buy deveined, easy-peel frozen shrimp.

If you are preparing the shrimp from scratch, you can dredge the shrimp in a flour mixture, coat them in egg, and then transfer them to a Panko breadcrumb mixture.

To cook frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd the basket, which can prevent the shrimp from cooking properly. Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with cooking spray or oil, and cook for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For jumbo shrimp, you may need to cook for up to 14 minutes. For crispier shrimp, add an additional 1-3 minutes, checking regularly until the shrimp are golden brown and sizzling.

Frozen breaded shrimp can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as shrimp cocktail sauce, sweet chili sauce, or tartar sauce.

Dipping sauces

Frozen breaded shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The air fryer is preheated to 400°F for 2-3 minutes. The frozen shrimp are then placed in the air fryer basket and cooked for 7 minutes. The shrimp are flipped and cooked for an additional 2-3 minutes. The shrimp are ready when they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque.

Now, for the dipping sauces! Here are some options to elevate your shrimp-eating experience:

Cocktail Sauce

A classic, spicy dipping sauce that pairs well with shrimp. It adds a tangy and savory flavor to the crispy shrimp.

Tartar Sauce

A creamy and slightly tangy sauce that complements the shrimp. It has a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the taste of the shrimp.

Warm Marinara Sauce

A warm tomato-based sauce adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the shrimp. It's a comforting and satisfying pairing.

Lemon Garlic Aioli

A tangy and garlicky sauce with a creamy texture. It adds a punch of flavor to the shrimp and is a refreshing change from traditional sauces.

Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Chili Sauce

An Asian-inspired sauce with a sweet and spicy kick. It's a savory option that adds a unique tang to the crispy shrimp.

Tzatziki Sauce

A creamy and refreshing dipping sauce. Tzatziki's coolness pairs well with the crispy shrimp, creating a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.

Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dill Sauce

A tangy and garlicky sauce with a creamy yogurt base and a hint of dill. It adds a refreshing twist to the shrimp and is perfect for those who love bold flavors.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite sauces or create your own unique dipping sauce to pair with your air-fried frozen breaded shrimp!

Breadcrumbs and breading

Breaded shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes. The breading on the shrimp can be made with breadcrumbs, which can be made from stale or fresh bread. White bread is the most popular choice, but any bread can be used, including whole wheat, sourdough, rye, or baguettes. To make breadcrumbs, tear the bread into small pieces, place them in a food processor, and pulse until the desired texture is achieved. For finer breadcrumbs, remove the crust from the bread before pulsing.

The breadcrumbs can be dried in the oven or on a stovetop. To dry them in the oven, spread the crumbs onto a baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes at 275-300°F (135-150°C) until golden brown. For a stovetop method, use a pan on low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. Once dried, the breadcrumbs can be seasoned with herbs, spices, or cheese.

For breading the shrimp, you can use a flour mixture, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, coat both sides, then dip it in the eggs, and finally, transfer it to the breadcrumbs, pressing to help them adhere. The breaded shrimp can then be placed in the air fryer and cooked for 6-8 minutes at 400°F (204°C) until golden brown.

Using Panko breadcrumbs is recommended for crispier shrimp, and adding extra ingredients like cayenne pepper or serving with a spicy dipping sauce can enhance the spiciness of the dish.

Serving suggestions

Frozen breaded shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer and served in a variety of ways. The crispy texture of the shrimp pairs well with a range of sauces and sides, making it a versatile dish. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried shrimp experience:

Dipping Sauces

The most popular way to serve frozen breaded shrimp cooked in an air fryer is with a dipping sauce. The options are endless, but some popular choices include:

• Cocktail sauce—a classic, spicy option that pairs well with shrimp.
• Tartar sauce—a traditional choice for seafood, offering a tangy and creamy contrast to the crispy shrimp.
• Warm marinara sauce—a tasty appetizer option that adds a savory twist.
• Spicy options like sweet chili sauce or sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
• Tzatziki sauce—a creamy, cooling dip that balances the crispy shrimp.
• Creamy garlic yogurt dill sauce—a savory and refreshing option.
• Sweet and spicy sauces like boom boom sauce or yum yum sauce.

Sides

Frozen breaded shrimp can be served as a main course with sides such as:

• Cilantro lime rice and roasted asparagus—a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal.
• Slaw and Spanish rice—a hearty and tangy combination.
• Home-made coleslaw and siracha mayo with fresh lemon juice.

Appetizers and Snacks

The crispy shrimp also work well as an appetizer or snack:

• Serve as a late afternoon bite to tide guests over until dinner.
• Use the shrimp as a topping for skewers or shrimp tacos.
• Pair with a glass of wine or a refreshing beverage for a casual get-together.

Main Course Options

For a heartier meal, consider the following options:

• Stir-fry the shrimp and toss them into a pasta dish for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
• Make shrimp tacos with air-fried shrimp, adding a crunchy texture to your tacos.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Frequently asked questions