Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Shrimp: Quick And Easy?

If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love this quick and easy method for cooking breaded shrimp. Using an air fryer, you can have delicious, crispy shrimp ready in under 10 minutes. The best part? There's no need to thaw the shrimp beforehand, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Simply season and bread the shrimp, then cook them in the air fryer until they're golden and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or warm marinara, for a tasty appetizer or snack that everyone will enjoy.

Breaded shrimp cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for breaded shrimp in an air fryer depend on the size of the shrimp and the amount being cooked. It's important to note that the shrimp should be frozen, and there is no need to defrost or thaw them before cooking. The air fryer cooks the shrimp quickly, and they can be ready in less than 10 minutes.

For jumbo shrimp (21-25 per lb.), the cooking time is 6 to 9 minutes at 400°F. For large shrimp (26-35 per lb.), the cooking time may be slightly less, around 5 to 8 minutes at 400°F. Medium shrimp (36-50 per lb.) may require a similar cooking time to large shrimp, depending on the desired crispiness.

It is recommended to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking and check the shrimp for doneness and crispiness. If needed, cook for additional time in 3-minute increments until they are ready. For crispier shrimp, add 1 minute at a time or until the desired crispiness is achieved.

It's important to ensure that the shrimp are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overlapped or overcrowded. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.

The need to defrost shrimp before cooking

While it is possible to cook shrimp straight from frozen in an air fryer, some recipes do recommend defrosting them first. This is because defrosting the shrimp beforehand can help to reduce the time the shrimp spends in the "danger zone", reducing the risk of bacterial growth. It can also help to eliminate the need to cook off any extra liquid from the ice, which can affect the texture of the shrimp.

Defrosting shrimp can be done quickly and easily. One method is to place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water with a 4% salt solution, which will defrost and season the shrimp in around 10 minutes. Alternatively, placing the shrimp under a drip of cold running water for 5-10 minutes will defrost them and prevent bacterial growth.

However, some people choose to cook shrimp from frozen in an air fryer, and this is perfectly safe to do. This method can save time and effort, and the shrimp will still turn out juicy and tasty. It is important to note that the shrimp may need to be cooked for longer if they are cooked from frozen, and the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the shrimp.

When cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer, it is important to separate the shrimp and knock off any ice crystals that may have formed. The shrimp can then be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked for around 4 minutes. The shrimp can be brushed with seasoned butter, turned over, and cooked for a further 3-4 minutes, or until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque. For crispier shrimp, the cooking time can be increased by 1-2 minutes.

Shrimp seasoning and spices

Frozen breaded shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes. You can use any breaded shrimp, from plain to coconut. The air fryer makes this recipe quick and easy.

The best spices to enhance the flavor of shrimp are likely already in your pantry. Here are some ideas for seasoning and spices for your shrimp:

• Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or sweet paprika for a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These give the seasoning a balanced savory flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Use these to round out all the flavors.
• Cayenne: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Oregano, basil, and thyme: Add dried herbs for extra flavor.
• Olive oil: Before cooking, toss the shrimp in olive oil so the seasoning blend sticks to the outside.
• Lemon juice: Drizzle in some lemon juice to add a tangy flavor.
• Italian seasoning: This mix of herbs and spices gives a delightful flavor to grilled garlic shrimp.

Dipping sauces

Frozen breaded shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal. The hardest part is choosing what dipping sauce to serve it with!

Cocktail Sauce

A classic choice for shrimp, cocktail sauce is a foolproof option that pairs perfectly with the crispy breading. It adds a spicy kick to your dish and is a popular favourite.

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is another traditional option for seafood dishes, offering a tangy and creamy contrast to the crispy shrimp.

Warm Marinara

For something a little different, warm marinara sauce provides a tasty, warm, and slightly sweeter option.

Lemon Garlic Aioli

For a refreshing and zesty dip, lemon garlic aioli is a great choice. The garlic adds a punch of flavour, while the lemon provides a tangy freshness.

Sweet Chilli Sauce

If you're looking for something sweet and spicy, sweet chilli sauce is an excellent option. It adds a tangy and savoury kick to your shrimp.

Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dill Sauce

For a refreshing and creamy dip, try a garlic yogurt dill sauce. The garlic and dill provide a savoury kick, while the yogurt keeps it light and fresh.

Spicy Dipping Sauce

If you like your food hot, try a spicy dipping sauce. You can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your shrimp before cooking for an extra kick.

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a creamy and refreshing option, perfect for balancing out the crispy texture of the shrimp.

Lemon Wedge

While not a dipping sauce, a squeeze of lemon is a simple yet effective way to add some zest and freshness to your shrimp.

So, there you have it! Plenty of dipping sauce options to choose from to customise your air-fried frozen breaded shrimp.

Shrimp size and quantity

When it comes to cooking frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer, the size of the shrimp and the quantity you plan to cook are important factors to consider.

First, let's talk about shrimp size. Shrimp are typically sold by size, which can be indicated in a few different ways. One common method is to use a numerical size, such as 16/20, which means there are 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. Larger shrimp will have smaller numbers, while smaller shrimp will have larger numbers. Another way to indicate the size is by using terms like "small," "medium," "large," or "extra-large." For cooking in an air fryer, medium to large shrimp tend to work best. This is because they have a nice, meaty texture and can stand up to the high heat of the air fryer without overcooking too quickly.

Now, let's discuss the quantity of shrimp you plan to cook. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so it's important to leave enough space between the shrimp to allow for proper air circulation. If you crowd the air fryer basket, the shrimp may not cook evenly. As a general rule, you should leave a little space between each shrimp and not stack them on top of each other. Most air fryers have a minimum capacity of around 2 to 3 cups, so you can use that as a starting point for determining the quantity of shrimp to cook.

When placing the shrimp in the air fryer, try to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. If you are cooking a larger quantity, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.

In terms of specific quantities, for a typical air fryer with a capacity of about 3 to 4 quarts, you can comfortably cook around 12 to 16 medium to large shrimp (about 6 to 8 ounces) in a single layer. If you're cooking smaller shrimp, you may be able to fit a few more, but always ensure they're in a single layer and not overcrowded.

Remember, the key to successful air frying is giving the shrimp enough space to cook evenly and allowing for proper air circulation. By following these guidelines for shrimp size and quantity, you'll be able to achieve delicious, crispy frozen breaded shrimp every time.

Frequently asked questions