Stacking Shrimp In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook shrimp, but can you stack them in the air fryer? The short answer is no. When cooking shrimp in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded. This is because shrimp cook quickly and evenly when given space, and overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent them from crisping up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.

How to prepare shrimp for air frying

Preparing shrimp for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients

You will need:

• Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice (avocado oil, vegetable oil)
• Spices/seasonings (garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice, etc.)
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (if you want a breaded shrimp)
• Eggs (if you want a breaded shrimp)
• Flour (if you want a breaded shrimp)

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp. You can leave the tails on if you prefer, as they add extra flavour, but they can make eating a bit more fiddly. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. You can thaw them by placing them in a colander and rinsing them with cold water for 2-3 minutes, or by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to a bowl and coat them with olive oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try something more complex like Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning. If you want a breaded shrimp, you will need to dredge the shrimp in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then coat them with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer, but on average, large shrimp will take around 7-8 minutes to cook at 200C/400F. For smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time. Flip the shrimp halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

Step 4: Serve

Air-fried shrimp is best served immediately. You can serve it as a main dish with vegetables or salad, or use it in tacos, sandwiches, pasta, or salads. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperatures and timings

Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 10 minutes. The air fryer temperature and timing will depend on the brand of the air fryer, the size of the shrimp, and the power level of the machine.

For a 1500-watt air fryer cooking large shrimp, it will take around 10 minutes at 400°F. If you have a 1300-watt machine, you will need to add more cooking time, and if you have a 1700-watt machine, you will need less.

The average cooking time is 8 minutes. However, depending on the brand of the air fryer and the size of the shrimp, it can range from 6 to 10 minutes. It is important to cook shrimp in a single layer and in batches to ensure even cooking.

When cooking shrimp in the air fryer, it is best to use a temperature of 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes. You may need to adjust the timing depending on your air fryer model and the size of your shrimp. It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Some air fryer models may require a higher temperature setting, such as 200°C/400°F, for 7-8 minutes. Again, the timing may vary depending on the model and the size of the shrimp.

To ensure that your shrimp is fully cooked, look for a pink/orange color and a clear 'C' shape.

How to reheat shrimp in an air fryer

Reheating shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to regain that crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to note that you can stack the shrimp when reheating, unlike when you are cooking them for the first time. This means that they do not have to be in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

To reheat, place the shrimp in the air fryer tray and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave them to cook for 2-3 minutes. You can also place them on a baking sheet if you prefer.

If you are reheating breaded shrimp, it is a good idea to lightly coat the tops with non-stick cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure that they get nice and crispy again.

When reheating, it is important not to overcook the shrimp, as this can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the air fryer as soon as they are heated through.

If you are starting with frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them properly before reheating. You can do this by placing them in a colander and rinsing them with cold water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are completely defrosted. Alternatively, you can fill a bowl with cold water and let them sit until they are thawed.

Now you know how to reheat shrimp in an air fryer! It is a simple process that will help you enjoy delicious, crispy shrimp again and again.

What to serve with air fryer shrimp

Air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with it:

Tacos

Wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro, creamy lime sauce, salsa, or guacamole. You can even season the shrimp with Latin spices, like chili powder and cumin, or try Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick. For a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Bowls

Create a bowl with a base of quinoa or rice, and add your favourite vegetables. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice or a dressing of your choice. You can also include other proteins or grains to make it a hearty and nutritious meal.

Salads

Top any salad with air-fried shrimp for an extra protein boost. A shrimp salad with your favourite greens and a generous slathering of spicy mayo is always a good option. You can also add shrimp to shrimp fajitas for a flavourful twist.

Main Dish

Serve the shrimp with roasted broccoli rabe, butternut squash, carrots, or any other side vegetable. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, and baby potatoes.

Sandwiches

Make a shrimp sandwich with bread, butter lettuce, and tartar sauce, or spread some spicy mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes. For a more indulgent option, try an air fryer breaded shrimp sandwich with cocktail sauce or your favourite dipping sauce on the side.

Tostadas

Layer a tostada shell with refried beans, guacamole, salsa, and shrimp for a crunchy and satisfying bite.

Pasta

Toss some fresh air-fried shrimp through your favourite pasta, or use pre-cooked shrimp in a shrimp pesto pasta.

Appetizers and Party Dishes

Serve air-fried shrimp as an appetizer or party dish with various dipping sauces, such as hot honey sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup.

Spices and seasonings for air fryer shrimp

Spices and seasonings are essential to enhancing the flavour of shrimp and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Here are some suggestions for spices and seasonings to use when cooking air fryer shrimp:

Suggested Spices and Seasonings

• Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or sweet paprika for a mild, slightly sweet flavour.
• Garlic Powder: This spice adds a savoury flavour and is a common ingredient in shrimp seasoning blends.
• Onion Powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder contributes to a well-rounded savoury taste.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings round out all the other flavours in the blend.
• Chilli Powder: Adding chilli powder will give your shrimp a spicy kick.
• Cumin: This spice will add an earthy, warm flavour to your shrimp.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices, Italian seasoning can add a variety of flavours to your shrimp, such as basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice will give your shrimp a tangy, citrusy flavour.
• Cajun Seasoning: This blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, will give your shrimp a spicy and savoury flavour.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A classic blend of spices, Old Bay can add a unique flavour to your shrimp.

Customising Your Seasoning Blend

When creating your own shrimp seasoning blend, you can experiment with different spices and herbs to find a combination that suits your taste. You can also make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or red chilli flakes or add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.

Tips for Cooking with Spices and Seasonings

• Before cooking, toss the shrimp in olive oil so that the seasoning blend sticks to the exterior.
• Always remove the vein (digestive tract) from larger shrimp before seasoning and cooking, as its gritty texture can ruin your dish.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely and use a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Frequently asked questions