Air-Fryer Frozen Shrimp: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook frozen shrimp, with most recipes taking less than 15 minutes. Frozen shrimp can be cooked from frozen, with no need to defrost, and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and flavors. The shrimp can be cooked with or without the shell on, and can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or added to other dishes such as pasta or salad.

How long to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer

You can cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the type of shrimp you are using and their size.

If you are using frozen raw shrimp, cook them for 10 minutes at 400°F. If you are using frozen pre-cooked shrimp, cook them for 5 minutes at the same temperature. If you are using jumbo shrimp, you may need to cook them for a little longer. If you are using smaller shrimp, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

If you are using an air fryer with a basket, place the frozen shrimp directly into the basket. If you are using an air fryer with a rack, spread the shrimp in a single layer on the rack. It is important to use the rack to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and to drain the excess liquid as they thaw.

You do not need to defrost the shrimp before cooking them in the air fryer. Simply break apart any shrimp that are stuck together, toss them with oil and seasoning, and place them in the air fryer.

Can I cook raw frozen shrimp in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw frozen shrimp in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal in under 20 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Break apart any shrimp that are stuck together. If the shrimp are frozen in a clump, let them thaw slightly until you can separate them. You can also thaw them completely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method. Pat the shrimp dry before adding any spices or seasonings.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

You can season your shrimp with various combinations of spices and oils. Here are some popular options:

• Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Avocado oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper
• Butter, seafood seasoning (e.g., Old Bay), cayenne pepper, and parsley
• Lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and minced garlic

Toss the shrimp with the desired seasonings until they are well-coated.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 325°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or crowd the basket. Cooking in batches may be necessary.

Cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and whether they are raw or precooked. For raw frozen shrimp, cook for 6 to 10 minutes. For frozen precooked shrimp, cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your shrimp are ready to serve! You can enjoy them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, as a main dish with sides, or in tacos, burritos, or salad. For an extra touch of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

What type of shrimp is best for air frying?

When it comes to choosing the best shrimp for air frying, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to look for sustainably farmed or fished shrimp with labels of approval from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

For convenience, it is best to opt for peeled, tail-off, and deveined shrimp. This variety is the easiest to work with and can be purchased raw, which is ideal for air frying. However, if you don't mind peeling and deveining the shrimp yourself, cooking them with the shell on can result in juicier shrimp as they are handled less during processing.

The size of the shrimp is another important consideration. The number on the shrimp package indicates how many shrimp you will get per pound, so a size of 26/40 means you will get 26-40 shrimp per pound. Smaller shrimp will give you more pieces per pound, while larger shrimp will be fewer. Common sizes include "large" or "jumbo", but the exact measurements can vary.

When choosing shrimp for air frying, it is also worth considering the cooking time. Frozen shrimp can be used, but they should be completely thawed before air frying to ensure even cooking. Fresh shrimp will also work, but make sure to cook them within a few minutes to avoid overcooking.

In terms of seasoning, a simple combination of olive oil and cajun seasoning works well, but you can also experiment with other options like lemon pepper, Old Bay seasoning, or seasoned salt.

How do I store leftover shrimp?

Storing leftover shrimp correctly is essential to preserving its freshness and flavor, and preventing foodborne illnesses. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store leftover shrimp:

Refrigerating Leftover Shrimp:

• Allow the cooked shrimp to cool down to room temperature for a few minutes.
• Ensure the shrimp has been thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of at least 74°C/165°F before refrigerating.
• Transfer the shrimp to an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring no residual moisture is left inside.
• Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to protect the shrimp from air exposure.
• If the shrimp was previously stored in an open container, ensure it is stored in a clean container before refrigerating.
• Label the container with the date and store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Consume the shrimp within three days to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage.
• When reheating the shrimp, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F to kill any harmful bacteria that may have formed during storage.

Freezing Leftover Shrimp:

• Ensure the shrimp is thoroughly cooked and cooled before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag.
• It is best to freeze the shrimp within 1-2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack them in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer.
• For optimal quality and safety, it is recommended to consume frozen shrimp within 2-3 months of freezing.
• When thawing, it is best to remove the shrimp from the freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can place the bag in a bowl of cold water or use the defrost function on your microwave.
• Do not refreeze shrimp that has already been thawed.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your leftover shrimp remains fresh and safe to enjoy during your next meal!

Can I reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350 °F and heat the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes.

Reheating shrimp can make them tough and chewy, so it's best to keep a close eye on them while they're in the air fryer.

If you're not planning on eating your shrimp right away, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within three days.

Frequently asked questions