Air-Fryer Shrimp: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, healthy meal in under 20 minutes. There's no need to defrost the shrimp beforehand—simply place them straight into the air fryer basket and cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on whether they are raw or pre-cooked. Season with your favourite spices, or serve with a dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Seasoning options for frozen shrimp in an air fryer

Seasoning options are abundant when it comes to frozen shrimp in an air fryer. You can go for a simple option of salt and pepper, or get creative with a variety of spices and herbs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Lemon Pepper Shrimp:

Use fresh lemons and cracked black pepper to add a bright, tangy flavour to your shrimp. This classic combination is simple yet effective and will leave your shrimp tasting delicious.

Spicy Mexican Shrimp:

Add a couple of dashes of chilli and cumin powder to your shrimp to give them a spicy kick. This seasoning is perfect if you're planning on making shrimp tacos. Serve with Mexican shrimp ceviche for a flavourful feast.

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:

For a burst of flavour, add some chopped garlic, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and some Italian seasoning to your shrimp. This combination will add a punchy, savoury taste to your dish.

Cajun Shrimp

A cajun seasoning blend can add a lot of flavour to your shrimp. You can also try other blends like lemon pepper seasoning or Old Bay seasoning.

Seafood Seasoning:

A seafood seasoning blend can add a unique flavour to your shrimp. Try something like Old Bay Seasoning, which is a popular choice for seafood dishes.

Butter and Cayenne:

Combine melted butter with seafood seasoning and cayenne pepper for a rich, spicy flavour. Brush this mixture onto your shrimp while they're cooking for an indulgent treat.

Herbs:

Fresh herbs like parsley can add a wonderful garnish to your shrimp. You can also try other herbs like thyme or rosemary to add some extra flavour.

Lemon Juice:

A squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice, tangy flavour to your shrimp. This option is especially good if you're looking for a light and refreshing taste.

Spicy:

If you like your food with a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or chilli powder to your shrimp. This will give them a spicy flavour that's sure to tingle your taste buds.

Remember, the beauty of seasoning is that you can mix and match to your taste preferences. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile!

How to prepare frozen shrimp for the air fryer

Preparing frozen shrimp in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hassle-free way to make a delicious dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare frozen shrimp in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Take out the desired amount of frozen shrimp from the freezer. If the shrimp are stuck together, gently break them apart to ensure even cooking. It is recommended to use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and even cooking. You can also knock off any ice crystals that may have formed on the shrimp with a spoon.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp (Optional)

You can season the shrimp with your favourite spices and ingredients. Some popular options include olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, lemon juice, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and cornflour. Toss the shrimp with the chosen seasonings until they are well coated.

Step 4: Place the Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked, as this will affect even cooking and crispness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Cook the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of shrimp. If using frozen cooked shrimp, cook for 5 minutes. For frozen raw shrimp, cook for 10 minutes. For jumbo shrimp, you may need to add a few extra minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and to drain any excess liquid.

Step 6: Serve the Shrimp

Once the shrimp are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and gently shake off any excess oil. The shrimp should be bright pink on the outside and opaque in colour. You can serve them as an appetizer, in shrimp tacos, over rice bowls, on salads, or with your favourite side dishes. Enjoy!

How long to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, separate the shrimp and knock off any ice crystals with a spoon. You can also add seasonings to the shrimp at this stage if you like.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Place a single layer of shrimp, about half a pound, in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 minutes. If your shrimp is labelled as frozen cooked shrimp, cook for 5 minutes in total. If it's frozen raw shrimp, you'll need to cook it for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Brush with Seasoned Butter

Combine melted butter with your choice of seasonings, such as 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 as well.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Air fry the shrimp for another 3 to 4 minutes, until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque. Repeat this process with the remaining shrimp if you are cooking in batches.

Step 5: Serve

Your shrimp are now ready to be served! You can garnish them with parsley and lemon wedges, or serve them with your favourite sauce, on a salad, or as an appetizer. Enjoy!

What size of shrimp is best for the air fryer

When it comes to choosing the best shrimp size for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, larger shrimp tend to be juicier than smaller ones, so if you're looking for a plump and juicy shrimp, go for large or jumbo shrimp. However, if you're short on time or want to cook a smaller portion, you can opt for smaller shrimp and reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for air frying as they provide a generous bite and are less likely to overcook or dry out. They curl beautifully into a "C" shape when cooked, which is a good indicator of doneness. However, if you're making shrimp tacos, salads, or bowls, medium or small shrimp can also work well and will cook faster.

When cooking with an air fryer, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the brand of your air fryer. As a general rule, larger shrimp will take longer to cook, but it's always a good idea to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Additionally, when preparing shrimp for the air fryer, it's best to arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate properly. If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches to ensure consistent results.

In conclusion, while large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for air frying due to their juiciness and size, you can also use smaller shrimp if that's what you have on hand or prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly and keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. With the right size and cooking technique, you'll end up with delicious, tender, and juicy shrimp every time!

What to serve with frozen shrimp from the air fryer

Frozen shrimp from the air fryer can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, or as the main event.

For a quick and easy meal, serve the shrimp with roasted bell peppers and broccoli, also cooked in the air fryer. You can also add the shrimp and roasted veggies to a corn tortilla to make some quick shrimp fajitas.

If you're looking for a low-carb option, add the shrimp to a creamy garlic sauce and serve with a side of zoodles or linguini.

For a more substantial meal, serve the shrimp with a side of broccoli or pasta. You can also add the shrimp to a salad, or make shrimp tacos, shrimp taco bowls, or burrito bowls with rice, beans, avocado, and other desired toppings.

Frequently asked questions