Air-Frying Frozen Shrimp: Is It Possible?

Frozen shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes, making it an easy and quick meal option. The shrimp can be cooked straight from frozen without any need for thawing. The shrimp turns out juicy and tender with a slightly caramelized, crisp exterior. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and whether they are raw or cooked, but generally, it takes around 5-10 minutes to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer.

How to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound of frozen shrimp
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon of seafood seasoning (e.g. Old Bay)
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 4 wedges of fresh lemon (optional)
• Avocado oil spray
• Salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Black pepper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is heating up, separate any shrimp that are stuck together and knock off any ice crystals with a spoon.
• Place a single layer of shrimp (about 1/2 pound) in the air fryer and cook for 4 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, seafood seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
• When the timer goes off, brush each shrimp with the seasoned butter, turn them over, and brush the other side.
• Air fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque.
• Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
• Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips:

• You can use a variety of seasonings on your shrimp, such as Italian seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, or lemon pepper.
• For spicy shrimp, add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro on top before serving.
• You can also add a glaze by mixing honey and sriracha, or sprinkle Parmesan on top when the shrimp come out of the air fryer.
• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the shrimp to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the shrimp in a single layer, and flip them halfway through so they crisp up on all sides.
• If you are using raw frozen shrimp, increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• Shrimp are fully cooked when they are pink or orange on the outside, opaque all the way through, and soft and tender with a gentle curve.
• You can store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions:

• Shrimp and cocktail sauce
• Shrimp with lemon herb tahini
• Shrimp as an appetizer with air fryer calamari and crab rangoon dip
• Shrimp as the main dish on top of pasta with a salad
• Shrimp tacos
• Shrimp in pasta recipes, like fettuccine alfredo
• Shrimp in shrimp tacos with creamy jalapeno sauce and coleslaw
• Shrimp on top of lettuce salads
• Shrimp in a chipotle shrimp salad
• Shrimp in stir-fries, pasta salads, scampi, or summer rolls

Seasoning options for frozen shrimp in an air fryer

Frozen shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, and you don't even need to thaw them first! There are endless seasoning options to choose from to add flavour to your shrimp. Here are some ideas:

Cajun Seasoning

This is a popular choice for shrimp and can be bought as a blend or made at home. It adds a spicy kick to your shrimp and is perfect if you're looking for something with a bit of heat.

Lemon Pepper

A couple of fresh lemons and cracked black pepper will add a bright, tangy flavour to your shrimp. This seasoning option is simple but effective and will leave your shrimp tasting zesty and fresh.

Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay is an East Coast favourite and is a great option for those who like a strong, unique flavour. It's a blend of celery salt, mustard, red pepper, and other spices, and it's sure to give your shrimp a distinctive taste.

Seafood Seasoning

Seafood seasoning is a blend of spices typically used for seafood dishes, and it can include ingredients like salt, garlic, pepper, and paprika. It's a great way to enhance the natural flavour of the shrimp without overwhelming it.

Garlic Parmesan

For a burst of flavour, try adding some chopped garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to your shrimp. This combination will give your shrimp a savoury, aromatic taste that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Spicy Mexican

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chili and cumin powder to your shrimp. This seasoning option will give your shrimp a nice kick and is perfect for those who like their food spicy. It's also excellent for making shrimp tacos.

Salt and Pepper

While this may seem simple, salt and pepper are classic seasoning options that can enhance the natural flavour of shrimp without overwhelming it. This is a good choice if you plan to use the shrimp in another recipe or dish.

Fresh Herbs

Chopped fresh herbs like parsley can add a nice touch to your shrimp. They provide a bright, fresh flavour and can be used as a garnish or mixed in with other seasonings.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, tangy flavour to your shrimp. It's a simple way to enhance the taste of your shrimp and is perfect for those who like their food citrusy.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper will add a spicy kick to your shrimp and is perfect for those who like their food with a bit of heat. It can be used on its own or in combination with other seasonings.

Remember, the beauty of seasoning is that you can get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. So, don't be afraid to mix and match and find what works best for your taste buds!

How to serve frozen shrimp cooked in an air fryer

Frozen shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a weeknight meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve frozen shrimp cooked in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Break apart any shrimp that are stuck together to ensure even cooking. If your shrimp are frozen in a block, you can run them under cold water to help separate them.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Toss the frozen shrimp with your choice of seasoning. You can use a simple combination of olive oil and cajun seasoning, or get creative with garlic, parmesan, Italian seasoning, chili powder, cumin, lemon, and black pepper. If your seasoning blend doesn't include salt, add a pinch to bring out the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 325°F (some recipes suggest 400°F). There is no need to preheat the air fryer. Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on top of the rack. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Serve the Shrimp

Air-fried shrimp can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:

• Serve alongside vegetable sides like green beans, mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, broccoli, or steamed carrots.
• Toss with a creamy pasta dish like fettuccine alfredo.
• Add to shrimp tacos with creamy jalapeno sauce and coleslaw.
• Use as a topping for a lettuce salad.
• Make shrimp cocktail by cooking with salt and pepper, then chilling and serving with cocktail sauce.

How to store leftover frozen shrimp cooked in an air fryer

• Allow the shrimp to cool: Before storing your leftover shrimp, it's important to let them cool down to room temperature. Spreading them out on a plate or in a container will help them cool faster.
• Store in an airtight container: Once the shrimp are cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture and help keep the shrimp dry.
• Refrigerate: Store the container of shrimp in the refrigerator. They should be safe to eat for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you don't plan on eating the leftover shrimp within a few days, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.
• Reheat gently: When you're ready to enjoy your leftover shrimp, you can reheat them gently in the air fryer, oven, or stovetop. Just be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them rubbery.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and safely stored leftover frozen shrimp cooked in your air fryer!

Tips for getting the best results when cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking of the shrimp. Aim for a temperature of around 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Prepare the shrimp: If the shrimp are stuck together, gently break them apart. You can also knock off any ice crystals that may have formed. For easier eating, it's best to use shrimp that are peeled, tail-off, and deveined.
• Single layer: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip halfway through: For even cooking and crisping on all sides, flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process.
• Avoid overcrowding: Only cook one layer of shrimp at a time. Overlapping shrimp may result in uneven cooking and a less crispy exterior.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the size and type of shrimp. Frozen raw shrimp may take around 8-10 minutes, while frozen cooked shrimp will take less time, around 5-7 minutes. Check the shrimp regularly to avoid overcooking.
• Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings like Cajun, lemon pepper, Old Bay, or a simple combination of salt and pepper. You can also try a light coating of cornflour for extra crispiness.
• Oil: Adding a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, can help with even cooking and browning.
• Don't thaw: There's no need to thaw the shrimp before air frying. Cooking them straight from frozen yields great results.
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of your shrimp.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. You can also refreeze cooked shrimp for future use.

Frequently asked questions