Air-Fryer Scampi: Is It Possible?

Scampi is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. The dish typically includes shrimp, butter, lemon juice, garlic, and various spices. The shrimp can be frozen or fresh, and the dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack. When cooked in an air fryer, scampi is crispy and golden, and it can be paired with pasta, salad, or bread.

Using frozen shrimp

Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. Here's a guide on how to do it:

Preparation

First, prepare your shrimp. You can use frozen, raw, peeled shrimp with the tails on or off, depending on your preference. If you're short on time, there's no need to defrost the shrimp before cooking, but if you want to ensure even cooking and the best texture, it's best to thaw them completely. You can also use pre-cooked frozen shrimp, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Spices and Seasonings

You can add a variety of spices and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your shrimp. Some popular options include salt, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. You can also add some olive oil or avocado oil spray to the shrimp before cooking for extra crispiness.

Cooking Instructions

Place your frozen shrimp directly into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid stacking the shrimp to ensure even cooking. If you're cooking a large amount, you may need to do it in batches. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the shrimp, then lightly spray with oil.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 375°F and 400°F. Cook the shrimp for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and whether they are raw or pre-cooked. For example, larger shrimp may take up to 11 minutes, while pre-cooked shrimp will only need about 5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the shrimp from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Your shrimp will be ready when they turn pink and crispy, and are no longer opaque. Carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve as desired. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, in shrimp tacos, shrimp taco bowls, or even on their own. For a more substantial meal, serve them with rice, beans, avocado, and other toppings. You can also pair them with a delicious dipping sauce.

Preheat settings

Preheating the air fryer offers several benefits. Firstly, it helps to evenly cook the scampi from start to finish. Secondly, it aids in developing a beautiful golden crust on the scampi, resulting in that irresistible crispy texture. Additionally, preheating reduces the overall cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your delicious scampi creation sooner.

However, it's important to note that preheating is not mandatory. If you're in a rush or conscious about your environmental impact, you can choose to skip the preheating step. Ultimately, the decision to preheat depends on your personal preferences and time constraints.

While preheating, it's recommended to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. This step prevents the scampi from sticking to the basket and promotes even cooking.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes is generally recommended for cooking scampi. This step ensures even cooking, promotes crispiness, and reduces cooking time. However, you can choose to skip preheating if you're short on time or prefer a quicker cooking process.

Cooking time

The cooking time for scampi in an air fryer will depend on the type of scampi you are cooking, and whether it is frozen or not.

For frozen scampi, there is no need to defrost it before cooking. Simply arrange the scampi pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not stacked to allow for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F/200°C and cook for 10 minutes. Pause the cooking process at the halfway point, remove the basket, and give it a good shake. Then, return the basket to the air fryer and cook for the remaining 5 minutes. If the scampi does not look crispy enough after 10 minutes, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

For fresh scampi, the cooking time is shorter. One recipe recommends cooking fresh shrimp scampi in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 370°F, flipping the shrimp halfway through. Another recipe suggests cooking shrimp scampi at 325°F for a total of 7 minutes, including 2 minutes to melt the butter and infuse it with garlic, followed by 5 minutes to cook the shrimp.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the model of the air fryer. Adjustments may be necessary to ensure the scampi is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Avoiding overcooking

Cooking scampi in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy scampi without the mess. However, it's important to avoid overcooking, which can result in rubbery shrimp. Here are some tips to avoid overcooking your scampi in an air fryer:

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for scampi in an air fryer can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the size of your shrimp, and the number of pieces you're cooking. On average, frozen scampi takes around 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. For smaller shrimp, 4-5 minutes may be enough, while larger shrimp may take a bit longer. It's always better to start with a shorter cooking time and add more time as needed, rather than overcooking from the start.

Batch Cooking:

If you're cooking a large amount of scampi, it's best to cook them in batches. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking. By cooking smaller batches, you can also easily keep an eye on the scampi and remove them from the air fryer as soon as they're done, preventing overcooking.

Shaking and Stirring:

During the cooking process, it's important to shake or stir the scampi to ensure even cooking. Most air fryer recipes recommend shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to prevent the scampi from sticking to the basket and promote even browning. Additionally, stirring the scampi in the pan can help distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking in certain spots.

Residual Heat:

After removing the scampi from the air fryer, it's a good idea to let them rest on a wire rack or a counter for a minute. This allows the scampi to finish cooking with residual heat instead of continuing to cook in the air fryer, which can lead to overcooking. This step helps prevent the scampi from becoming rubbery.

Defrosting:

When cooking frozen scampi, it's generally recommended to defrost them before cooking. While it is possible to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, the cooking time will need to be adjusted, and there's a higher risk of overcooking some pieces while trying to ensure everything is cooked through. Defrosting the shrimp beforehand helps ensure more even cooking and reduces the risk of overcooking.

By following these tips, you can avoid overcooking your scampi in an air fryer and enjoy delicious, crispy, and perfectly cooked shrimp every time.

Serving suggestions

Scampi is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a main dish: Scampi can be served as a main course, accompanied by a simple side salad of spinach, kale, and arugula. For a more filling option, serve it with garlic bread or mashed potatoes.
• With pasta: Scampi goes well with pasta, specifically spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair pasta. Toss the cooked pasta in a garlicky, buttery sauce, or serve the scampi on top of the pasta with the sauce as a delicious topping.
• Low-carb options: For those on a low-carb diet or looking for alternative options, serve scampi with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or mashed cauliflower instead of pasta.
• Appetizer or snack: Scampi can also be served as an appetizer or snack. Serve it with crusty bread or air fryer asparagus, green beans, or smashed potatoes for a more substantial option.
• Customizations: Feel free to add your own twist to the dish by adding red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin. Fresh herbs like parsley, dried thyme, or tarragon can also enhance the flavor.
• Sides: Scampi pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including air fryer asparagus, green beans, or smashed potatoes.
• Drinks: A crisp, cold beer or a glass of white wine would complement the flavors of the scampi nicely.
• Dessert: For a sweet ending to your meal, consider serving a light and refreshing dessert, such as a citrus-based dish or a creamy cheesecake.

Frequently asked questions