Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Frozen shrimp is a convenient option for a quick and easy meal, and it can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation. There's no need to defrost the shrimp before cooking, and they can be seasoned to taste and cooked in under 15 minutes. This makes them a versatile option for a last-minute appetizer or a main course.

No need to defrost

You can cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer without defrosting them first. This is a quick and easy way to prepare shrimp, and they will be ready in minutes.

To cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, break apart any shrimp that are stuck together. You can then mix them with butter, olive oil, or avocado oil, and seasonings such as Old Bay, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Make sure the mixture coats all of the shrimp.

Next, lay the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook the shrimp for 6 to 11 minutes, depending on the recipe, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they are opaque all the way through and have an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can serve air-fried shrimp as an appetizer, in shrimp tacos, over taco bowls, or as a topping for pasta. They can be paired with a dipping sauce or a side dish such as Pineapple Guacamole, Coconut Cilantro Rice, or Roasted Potatoes.

Seasoning options

Seasoning your shrimp is a great way to add flavor and make them even more delicious. The good news is that you can use any seasoning you like! If you're using the shrimp in another recipe, you might want to stick to a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. However, if you're serving the shrimp as a main dish, you can get more creative and use a flavorful spice blend.

• Old Bay seasoning: This is a popular choice for shrimp and can be used on its own or with lemon juice.
• Cajun seasoning: This blend can add a spicy kick to your shrimp and pairs well with rice and beans.
• Italian seasoning: This option will give your shrimp an Italian flair and goes well with pasta.
• Za'atar seasoning: For a unique flavor, try replacing the oregano in your Italian seasoning with a Za'atar spice blend.
• Mexican seasoning: Add some chili and cumin powder, or taco seasoning, for a Mexican-inspired dish. Perfect for shrimp tacos!
• Lemon pepper seasoning: Use fresh lemons and cracked black pepper for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan: A little chopped garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning will give your shrimp a savory, cheesy flavor.
• Smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes: This combination will give your shrimp a smoky, spicy, and savory quality.

Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own spice blends to find your favorite way to season shrimp in the air fryer!

Oil options

While some recipes for cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer do not require oil, others recommend tossing the shrimp in oil before placing them in the air fryer. Oils that can be used include olive oil, avocado oil, and butter.

One recipe suggests tossing frozen shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning before placing them in the air fryer. The shrimp are then cooked in the air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes at 325°F, flipping them halfway through.

Another recipe recommends coating the shrimp with butter, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and minced garlic. The shrimp are then cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 350°F for 6 to 7 minutes, turning them halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the model of the air fryer. Some recipes suggest cooking the shrimp at 400°F for 5 minutes if they are labeled as frozen cooked shrimp, or for 10 minutes if they are frozen raw shrimp.

Cooking times

The cooking time for frozen shrimp in an air fryer depends on the size of the shrimp and whether they are raw or pre-cooked. It is also worth noting that the air fryer model may affect the cooking time.

If you are using frozen raw shrimp, cook them for 8 to 11 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they are pink and no longer opaque.

If you are using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, the cooking time is reduced to 5 to 7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, shake the basket halfway through.

If you are using fresh shrimp, simply adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes at the same temperature.

It is important to note that shrimp can turn tough and rubbery if they are overcooked. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on them while they cook and check their color, shape, and texture. They should be pink or orange on the outside, opaque all the way through, and soft and tender with a gentle curve. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure the shrimp are at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside.

Serving suggestions

Frozen shrimp cooked in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As an Appetizer

Air fryer frozen shrimp can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce, remoulade, or tartar sauce. For a gathering-friendly option, you can also serve them with a delicious dipping sauce like chick-fil-a sauce or your favorite sauce.

In a Salad

Air fryer frozen shrimp can be added to a salad for a refreshing and tasty meal. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the shrimp for a tangy flavor.

In Tacos and Taco Bowls

Frozen shrimp from the air fryer can be used to make shrimp tacos. You can serve them with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and sriracha mayo. They can also be served in taco bowls with rice, beans, avocado, and other desired toppings.

With Pasta

Air fryer frozen shrimp can be served as a main dish on top of pasta. You can also add them to pasta recipes like fettuccine alfredo or lemon butter pasta.

With Vegetables

Air fryer frozen shrimp can be served with a variety of vegetable side dishes, such as roasted bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, or roasted broccolini. You can also add them to shrimp fajitas and serve them with a creamy garlic sauce.

Other Suggestions

Frozen shrimp cooked in an air fryer can also be served in burritos, paired with air fryer calamari and crab rangoon dip, or simply enjoyed as-is with your favorite seasonings.

Frequently asked questions