Air-Fryer Frozen Breaded Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen breaded shrimp. The process is simple and only requires one ingredient: frozen breaded shrimp. The shrimp can be cooked straight from frozen, with no need to thaw. The outside of the shrimp will be super crispy and salty, and the inside will be tender and juicy. The shrimp will be ready in under 10 minutes and can be served with a dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or warm marinara.

How long to cook frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer

Cooking frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer is a straightforward process. The first step is to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the air fryer is heating up, separate your frozen shrimp and remove any ice crystals with a spoon. You can also pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches. Lightly coat the tops of the shrimp with non-stick cooking spray or a spritz of oil.

Close the lid and cook the shrimp for 4 minutes. Then, open the lid and spray any chalky spots with non-stick cooking spray. Continue cooking for about 3-4 more minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and sizzling. The total cooking time will depend on the size and quantity of shrimp, but it typically ranges from 7 to 14 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model and size of your air fryer. Be sure to keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.

Once the shrimp are cooked to your desired level of crispness, serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, sweet and spicy Sriracha chili sauce, or tzatziki sauce. You can also serve them as a main dish with sides such as cilantro lime rice and roasted asparagus.

The best dipping sauces for air-fried breaded shrimp

Air-fried breaded shrimp is a quick and easy meal to make, and there are so many sauces that can be paired with it to elevate the dish. Here are some of the best dipping sauces for air-fried breaded shrimp:

Cocktail Sauce

A classic spicy sauce served with shrimp, this sauce is a great choice if you're looking for something traditional. It's sweet and zesty with the perfect amount of spice.

Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Chilli Sauce

This sauce is a savoury Asian sauce with a sweet and spicy tang. It's a great go-to sauce, especially if you're looking for something with a bit of a kick.

Tzatziki Sauce

A creamy dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp. It's a great option if you want something cool and refreshing to balance out the spice of the shrimp.

Spicy Sweet Shrimp Dip

This sauce is made with mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and Sriracha. It's a great option if you want something with a little extra spice, and it's also perfect for drizzling on shrimp tacos.

Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce

A quick and easy sauce to whip up, this dip is creamy, spicy, and tangy. It's a great choice if you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, and the blue cheese adds a nice sharpness.

Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

This sauce adds sensational depth to any finger food. It's packed with flavour from soy sauce, ginger, scallions, and red pepper flakes. It's a great choice if you're looking for something savoury and a little sweet.

Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce

This silky, spicy dip is made with mayo, chilli sauce, Sriracha, and lime. It's a great option if you're looking for something creamy with a kick, and the lime adds a nice tanginess.

Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a tantalizing combination of garlic, butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. It's a great choice if you're looking for something classic and flavourful, and it pairs perfectly with shrimp.

Thai Dipping Sauce

This sauce is versatile and can be drizzled over rice or used as a dip for shrimp. It has sweet and plentiful flavours that will keep you coming back for more.

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

A classic, timeless sauce that is easy to make and pairs well with shrimp. It's the perfect choice if you're looking for something sweet and salty.

The best types of frozen shrimp to use in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer! But what are the best types of frozen shrimp to use?

When it comes to buying frozen shrimp, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, look for sustainably farmed or fished shrimp with labels of approval from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Secondly, for ease of use, choose peeled, tail-off, and deveined shrimp. This variety will also ensure your shrimp are handled less in processing. However, if you don't mind peeling the shrimp, cooking them with the shell on will make them juicier.

The other variable to consider is the size of the shrimp. The number on the packet indicates how many shrimp you'll get per pound, so if the size says 26/40, you'll receive 26-40 shrimp per pound. Therefore, the smaller the shrimp, the more shrimp there will be per pound, and vice versa. It's important to note that labels aren't necessarily regulated and can vary. For example, one source mentions that they tested the recipe with "large" shrimp, which turned out to be 41/50 in size.

When it comes to cooking your frozen shrimp in the air fryer, there's no need to defrost them first. Simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature of between 325°F and 400°F for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp and whether they are cooked or raw. Shake the basket halfway through cooking, and they're ready to serve!

How to make frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen breaded shrimp
• Optional: your choice of dipping sauce

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket
• Paper towels

Method

• Place the frozen breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• After 8 minutes, check the shrimp for crispiness.
• If needed, cook for an additional few minutes until they are ready. The exact time depends on the size of the shrimp and the amount you are cooking.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

How to reheat frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer

If you're looking to reheat frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer, you're in luck! It's a simple process that will have your shrimp crispy and tasty in no time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Shrimp

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the appropriate temperature. Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F. While it's heating up, take your frozen breaded shrimp out of the freezer and remove any excess ice or crumbs. You can use any brand of frozen breaded shrimp for this, or even make your own by dipping shrimp in egg and rolling them in breadcrumbs before freezing.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the shrimp. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of shrimp you're cooking, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the timer for around 6-14 minutes, depending on the quantity and size of your shrimp. For example, a bag of frozen popcorn shrimp will take around 12-14 minutes, while a single serving of jumbo shrimp will take 8-10 minutes. It's a good idea to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Check for Doneness and Crispiness

When the timer goes off, open the air fryer and check your shrimp. They should be golden brown and sizzling. If they're not quite there yet, put them back in for a few more minutes. It's better to check them frequently and add more time as needed rather than overcooking them.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your shrimp are cooked to perfection, it's time to enjoy them! Frozen breaded shrimp make a great appetizer or main course. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy Sriracha mayo. They also go well with sides like cilantro lime rice and roasted asparagus.

Reheating frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and crispy treat. So, go ahead and give it a try!

Frequently asked questions