Cody Casey
Cooking shrimp from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have time to thaw your shrimp, as you can simply pull them straight from the freezer and into the air fryer basket. The best part is that you don't need to compromise on taste or texture, as air-fried shrimp come out tender, juicy, and plump with a slightly caramelized, crisp exterior.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thawing | Not required |
| Temperature | 400F |
| Time | 5 minutes for frozen cooked shrimp, 10 minutes for frozen raw shrimp, 6-7 minutes for pre-cooked frozen shrimp, 8-10 minutes for frozen raw shrimp (alternative source) |
| Shake/Flip | Halfway through |
| Oil | Avocado oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil |
| Seasoning | Onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, salt, pepper, Old Bay, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, or your preferred choice |
| Serving | As a main dish, appetizer, shrimp tacos, shrimp taco bowls, salads, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
No need to defrost
It is possible to cook shrimp straight from frozen in an air fryer without defrosting them first. This method is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
To cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer. While it is heating up, separate the shrimp and knock off any ice crystals with a spoon. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes.
Next, combine melted butter, seafood seasoning, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Brush each shrimp with the seasoned butter, turn over, and brush the other side. Air fry for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque.
Alternatively, you can cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer without any additional ingredients. Simply place the frozen shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes if the shrimp are labelled as frozen cooked shrimp, or for 10 minutes if they are frozen raw shrimp. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
You can also season the shrimp before cooking. Toss the frozen shrimp with olive oil and your choice of seasoning, such as cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne (or paprika), salt, and pepper. Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-11 minutes at 400°F until pink and crispy, and no longer opaque. Shake the basket halfway through.
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Cooking times vary
Cooking times for shrimp in an air fryer vary depending on a few factors. Firstly, the size of the shrimp will impact the cooking time, with larger shrimp taking longer to cook than smaller ones. For example, jumbo shrimp (21-25 per lb.) are recommended to be cooked for 6 to 9 minutes, while large size shrimp (26-35 per lb.) or medium shrimp (36-50 per lb.) may require slightly less time.
Secondly, the type of shrimp, whether it is frozen raw or frozen cooked, will also affect the cooking time. Frozen raw shrimp will take longer to cook than frozen cooked shrimp. Frozen cooked shrimp should be cooked for around 5 minutes, while frozen raw shrimp will need about 10 minutes in the air fryer.
Additionally, the specific model and brand of your air fryer may also yield different results. For example, one source mentions that their recipe was developed using a 5.3-quart basket-style air fryer, and different sizes and brands may give different results.
It is important to monitor the shrimp during cooking, especially if you are cooking them for the first time. Check the shrimp a couple of minutes before the recommended cooking time ends to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Shrimp are done when they are no longer transparent and have turned opaque white with hints of pink and a C-shaped curve. Overcooked shrimp will become chewy and O-shaped.
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Seasoning options
There are endless seasoning options to choose from when cooking shrimp from frozen in an air fryer. You can use a homemade spice blend or a store-bought option. For example, you can use a cajun seasoning blend or lemon pepper seasoning. You can also make your own blend with spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne or paprika, salt, and pepper.
If you are using the cooked shrimp in another recipe, you might want to season with just salt and pepper. However, if serving them as a main dish, toss them with a flavorful spice blend. You can also brush the shrimp with seasoned butter, combining melted butter, seafood seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the shrimp for a refreshing, tangy taste.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tacos and taco bowls: Air fryer shrimp is a perfect filling for tacos and taco bowls. You can add various toppings, such as rice, beans, avocado, roasted bell peppers, and corn tortillas to create delicious shrimp fajitas.
- Salads: The shrimp can be served as a salad topping, adding protein and flavour to your greens.
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp with pasta and your favourite sauce, or try a creamy alfredo for a indulgent treat.
- Stir-fry: Air fryer shrimp can be a great addition to a stir-fry. Pan-fry your veggies and noodles, then toss in the shrimp—they only need a short time in the pan since they're already cooked.
- Appetizers: Shrimp can be served as an appetizer or shrimp cocktail. Cook them with salt and pepper, chill them, and then serve with cocktail sauce or another dipping sauce.
- Sides: Serve your shrimp with a side of air fryer vegetables, such as frozen fries, roast potatoes, or hash browns. You can also add a sauce like teriyaki for extra flavour.
- Rice bowls: Try serving your shrimp with coconut cilantro rice and roasted vegetables for a tasty and healthy bowl.
- Sandwiches: For a quick and easy meal, serve your shrimp in a corn tortilla or wrap with your favourite toppings and sauces.
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Reheating instructions
You can reheat leftover shrimp in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are warmed thoroughly. There is no need to defrost the shrimp before reheating.
If you are cooking frozen shrimp for the first time, the process is quick and easy. First, separate the shrimp and knock off any ice crystals with a spoon. Place a single layer of shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Combine melted butter, seafood seasoning, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Brush each shrimp with seasoned butter, turn over, and brush the other side. Air-fry for 3 to 4 more minutes. The shrimp is done when it is bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp. For jumbo shrimp, cook for 6 to 9 minutes. For large shrimp, the cooking time may be slightly less, around 5 minutes. For medium shrimp, the time may be even less, around 4 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time.
You can cook frozen shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes if they are labelled as frozen cooked shrimp, or for 10 minutes if they are frozen raw shrimp. The shrimp is ready when it is pink and crispy, and no longer opaque.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook shrimp straight from frozen in an air fryer.
The cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp and the type of air fryer. Frozen raw shrimp can take 8 to 10 minutes to cook, while frozen pre-cooked shrimp can take 5 to 7 minutes.
It is recommended to cook frozen shrimp at 400°F.
If the shrimp are stuck together, let them thaw slightly so you can separate them. You can then coat them with oil, butter, or your preferred seasoning.
The shrimp are done when they are opaque white with pink speckles and C-shaped. Overcooked shrimp will become chewy and O-shaped.
