Air-Fryer Shrimp: Can You Use Raw Shrimp?

Yes, you can cook raw shrimp in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to prepare shrimp, and it only takes a few simple steps. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, add your choice of oil and seasonings, and air fry for 5 to 8 minutes at 400°F/200°C. Air-fried shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course, and it goes well with various sauces, salads, bowls, and veggies.

Air fryer shrimp cooking time and temperature

Yes, you can cook raw shrimp in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the brand of the air fryer, the size of the shrimp, and personal preference for the level of crispiness. Large or jumbo shrimp are typically used because they are juicier than smaller shrimp, but you can use small shrimp and reduce the cooking time.

Before cooking, devein the shrimp and remove the large tails. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then, season the shrimp with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Lemon juice, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning are popular options. You can also use garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, oil, fish sauce, and honey, or garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

When you are ready to cook the shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly. If you are cooking a large batch of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the shrimp for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are cooked through and lightly crispy. For a crispier texture, sprinkle some panko bread crumbs and/or parmesan cheese on top of the shrimp before cooking.

It is important to note that shrimp can be quite finicky to work with because they are easy to undercook or overcook. To ensure that your shrimp are fully cooked, look for a pink/orange color and a clear "C" shape.

How to prepare shrimp for air frying

Preparing shrimp for air frying is a simple process. Firstly, decide whether you want to use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you opt for frozen shrimp, ensure that you properly thaw it before adding any spices or placing it in the air fryer. To defrost the shrimp, place it in a bowl under cold running water. Alternatively, you can fill a bowl with cold water and let the shrimp sit in it until it is completely thawed.

Once your shrimp is thawed, you may need to peel and devein it. Deveining is optional, but it can improve the taste of your shrimp, as the vein (or digestive tract) can be bitter and sandy. To devein, use a paring knife to make a shallow slit from the top to the bottom of the shrimp, and then gently lift out the vein.

After your shrimp is thawed and prepared, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of spices, oils, and seasonings to create your desired flavour profile. Common options include olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and onion powder. Simply add your chosen oil and seasonings to a bowl, mix well, and then add the shrimp, stirring until the shrimp is thoroughly coated.

Finally, you can cook your shrimp in the air fryer. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd. Depending on the size of your shrimp and the brand of your air fryer, cook them at 400°F (200°C/205°C) for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through. For smaller shrimp, you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing the air fryer basket for shrimp is a simple process. First, decide whether you want to bread your shrimp or not. If you do, you will need three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for egg wash, and one for breadcrumbs. For the flour bowl, fill it with all-purpose flour mixed with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Finally, fill the third bowl with breadcrumbs and seasonings. Panko breadcrumbs can give your shrimp a great texture.

Next, take each shrimp and coat it lightly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured shrimp into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. This step is vital as it helps the breadcrumbs stick. Finally, dredge the shrimp in the breadcrumbs, making sure it is completely covered.

If you don't want to bread your shrimp, simply pat them dry with a paper towel and then add your chosen oil and seasonings. Olive oil is a popular choice, but any oil works, including avocado oil or vegetable oil. For seasonings, you can use lemon juice, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or chili powder. You can also use store-bought mixes like Old Bay or Tajin.

Once your shrimp are prepared, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. This ensures even cooking and crisping. If they won't all fit, you may need to cook them in batches. Depending on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer model, they will take around 5 to 8 minutes to cook at 400°F. Check the shrimp around the 4-minute mark and give the basket a gentle shake to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and reach an internal temperature of at least 120°F (49°C).

Seasoning and spices for shrimp

Seasoning and spices are essential to enhancing the flavour of shrimp. The best spices to enhance the flavour of shrimp are likely already in your pantry.

Firstly, it is important to prepare the shrimp by removing the vein from larger varieties of shrimp (the shrimp's digestive tract) as its gritty texture can ruin your dish. Then, rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.

Next, add the shrimp to a large bowl and toss them with olive oil and the shrimp seasoning. You can also add ghee instead of olive oil for a nutty flavour. The type of seasoning you use will depend on your preference, but here are some options:

• Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a smokey flavour or sweet paprika for a mild and slightly sweet flavour.
• Garlic powder: This is a common ingredient in many seasoning blends for shrimp.
• Onion powder: Onion powder will give the seasoning blend a balanced savoury flavour.
• Salt and black pepper: These will round out all the flavours.
• Lemon juice: This will add a tangy flavour to the shrimp.
• Cumin: A generous pinch of cumin is a great addition to the recipe.
• Chilli powder: This will add a spicy kick to the shrimp.
• Italian seasoning: This gives you a mix of herbs and spices in every spoonful.
• Cayenne: Cayenne will add a subtle heat to the shrimp.
• Dried herbs: Add dried oregano, basil, and/or thyme for extra flavour.

You can also make a marinade by stirring the dry spices and olive oil together in a large bowl, then adding the shrimp and tossing to coat. Marinate the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.

Additionally, you can switch up the spices with your favourite store-bought mixes, like Old Bay or Tajin, or make your own combo.

Serving suggestions for air-fried shrimp

Air-fried shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Salads

Add a protein boost to your salad by topping it with air-fried shrimp. This is a great way to turn a simple side dish into a more substantial main course.

Pasta

Toss some freshly air-fried shrimp through your favourite pasta dish. Alternatively, use pre-cooked shrimp in a shrimp pesto pasta.

Tacos

Wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro and a creamy lime sauce. This suggestion provides a more hands-on, interactive dining experience.

Ramen

Add some air-fried shrimp to your ramen for a quick and easy lunch. This suggestion is perfect for those who want a more substantial meal without sacrificing the convenience of a bowl of noodles.

Sides

Serve the shrimp with roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots. You can also sandwich the shrimp between two pieces of bread and add butter lettuce and tartar sauce for a shrimp sandwich.

Appetizers or Party Dish

Air-fried shrimp can be a great appetizer or party dish when served with fun sauces like hot honey sauce, garlic yoghurt sauce, or ketchup. For extra crispiness, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese on top of the shrimp before serving.

Reheating

Leftover air-fried shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket until crispy.

With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy air-fried shrimp in a variety of ways and ensure that you have a delicious and versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences and the occasion.

Frequently asked questions