Air-Fryer Shrimp: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, which can be finicky in the kitchen. They can be easily undercooked or overcooked, but air fryers produce delicious flavours and great textures. Not only do they save on oil and effort, but they can also be used to cook a variety of dishes, such as tacos, salads, rice, pasta, and more.

How long to cook shrimp in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook shrimp in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the brand of the air fryer, the size of the shrimp, and the number of shrimp being cooked.

For example, one recipe recommends cooking 32 jumbo shrimp at 400°F for five to six minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Another recipe recommends cooking 1 pound of large or extra-large shrimp at 200C/400F for 7-8 minutes.

It's important to note that shrimp are typically quite finicky to work with because they are so easy to undercook or overcook. To ensure even cooking, it's best to cook the shrimp in a single layer and in batches if necessary. Flipping the shrimp halfway through will also help ensure they are crisp on both sides.

When cooking frozen shrimp, it's important to make sure they are completely thawed before adding them to the air fryer. It's also recommended to use a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the shrimp before cooking.

What to serve with air-fried shrimp

Air-fried shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air-fried shrimp:

Tacos and Wraps

You can wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top them with cilantro, creamy lime sauce, salsa, or guacamole. You can also season the shrimp with Latin spices like chili powder and cumin, or go for a lettuce wrap option to save on carbs.

Bowls and Salads

Air-fried shrimp can be added to bowls with quinoa or rice, along with your choice of vegetables, and drizzled with fresh lemon juice. They also work well as a protein topping for any salad, such as a Caesar or Italian salad, or even a Mexican corn salad.

Main Dish

Shrimp can be served as a main dish with roasted vegetables like broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots. You can also try them with tostadas, layering a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and shrimp.

Sandwiches

For a sandwich option, you can place the shrimp between two slices of bread with butter lettuce and tartar sauce, or try a shrimp salad sandwich with cold shrimp, spicy mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Pasta and Rice

Air-fried shrimp go well with pasta. You can toss them with your favourite pasta dish or try them with parmesan butter noodles or Alfredo sauce. They also pair nicely with rice, especially coconut rice, parmesan garlic rice, or cilantro lime rice.

Sides and Appetizers

For a side dish or appetizer, you can serve the shrimp with dips like bang bang sauce, tartar sauce, or cilantro lime crema. They also pair well with fries, such as air fryer French fries or oven sweet potato fries.

How to season shrimp for the air fryer

Preparing shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a weeknight meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season shrimp for the air fryer:

Step 1: Pat the shrimp dry

Use a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry. This step is important as it helps to remove any excess moisture, which can affect the cooking process and the final texture of the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the seasoning mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, mix your chosen oil with the desired spices. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. For spices, you can opt for garlic powder, sweet paprika, dried parsley, salt, lemon juice, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also get creative and experiment with other spices like cumin, chili powder, or Old Bay seasoning.

Step 3: Add the shrimp to the seasoning mixture

Once you have prepared the seasoning mixture, add the shrimp to the bowl. Make sure to coat the shrimp evenly on both sides with the seasoning mixture. You can use a spoon or your hands to toss the shrimp until they are fully coated.

Step 4: Arrange the shrimp in the air fryer basket

Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket as this can lead to uneven cooking. If needed, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Air fry the shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once the desired temperature is reached, place the basket in the air fryer and cook the shrimp for 7-8 minutes. For smaller shrimp, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly. For larger shrimp, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Step 6: Flip the shrimp halfway through

For even cooking and crispiness on both sides, it is recommended to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that both sides of the shrimp get exposed to the hot air and helps to prevent overcooking.

Step 7: Check for doneness

Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns opaque and has a pinkish or orange hue. It will also curl into a "C" shape when cooked properly. Make sure the shrimp is no longer gray and translucent.

Step 8: Serve immediately

Once the shrimp is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer shrimp goes well with various dishes, including shrimp salads, shrimp sandwiches, shrimp tacos, shrimp pasta, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Can you use frozen shrimp in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp in the air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook shrimp, and you don't need to defrost them first. Simply separate the shrimp if they're stuck together, and knock off any ice crystals with a spoon. Then, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 4-10 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp.

For example, if you're using frozen cooked shrimp, cook them for 5 minutes. If you're using frozen raw shrimp, cook them for 10 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

You can season your shrimp with your favorite spices or a spice blend. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. You can also brush the shrimp with melted butter and seasonings for extra flavor.

Air-fried shrimp can be served as an appetizer with your favorite sauce or as a main dish on a salad with a vinaigrette. They're also great in tacos, pasta, or with vegetable side dishes.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, frozen shrimp in the air fryer is a delicious and convenient option!

How to store leftover air-fried shrimp

Air-fried shrimp is a tasty treat, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover shrimp stays fresh and safe to eat:

Storing in the Refrigerator

Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. It is best to store the shrimp in the coldest part of the fridge and aim to eat it within three to four days. Shrimp is delicate and perishable, so it's important to follow these storage guidelines to prevent food poisoning.

Storing in the Freezer

If you want to keep your shrimp for longer, consider freezing it. Frozen shrimp will stay safe to eat for up to three months, but it's best to consume it within six months to maintain optimal quality. To freeze shrimp, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or wrap it in foil and store it in an airtight container. Label and date the packaging, so you know when it was frozen.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover shrimp, you can reheat it in the microwave for one to two minutes or in a pan, steamer, or air fryer. You can also eat the shrimp cold, adding it to salads, sandwiches, or as a cocktail with a homemade sauce.

Frequently asked questions