Marianne Martinez
Cooking shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and whether they are fresh or frozen. For peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, cook at 400°F for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. If you're using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them properly before adding them to the air fryer. You can also marinate or brine the shrimp before cooking to enhance the flavor and texture.
Cooking peeled shrimp in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Cooking time | 5-8 minutes |
| Shrimp size | Large or jumbo |
| Shrimp type | Peeled and deveined |
| Shrimp count | 8-40 |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, cumin, chili powder, chili flakes, etc. |
| Other ingredients | Butter, lemon, garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley, dill, cilantro, lime, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for different shrimp sizes
The cooking time for peeled shrimp in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the shrimp. It is recommended to use large or jumbo shrimp, as smaller shrimp tend to overcook too quickly.
For jumbo shrimp, which are typically sized at 16-20 per pound or 21-30 per pound, cook at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes. This will result in shrimp that are pink, curled, and opaque, with a juicy texture.
If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time accordingly. As a reference, one source suggests that shrimp sized at 16/20 can withstand a slightly longer cook time for browning without overcooking.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the number of shrimp cooked at once. It is recommended to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
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How to prepare the shrimp before cooking
Preparing shrimp for air frying is a simple process. Firstly, decide whether you want to use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you opt for frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed before adding any spices or oil. You can defrost them overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker method, air fry for 1 minute at 400°F (200°C). After thawing, use a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry and absorb any excess moisture.
Once your shrimp are thawed and dry, it's time to peel and devein them. Some recipes suggest removing the tails, especially if you plan to add the shrimp to a dish you'll eat with utensils. However, if you're serving them as an appetizer, you can leave the tails on for a more attractive presentation.
The next step is to season your shrimp. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Common options include garlic powder, paprika, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix your chosen spices and herbs with olive oil (or another oil of your choice) in a bowl. Then, add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are completely coated in the mixture. For more intense flavor, you can let the shrimp marinate in the spice mixture for about 30 minutes before cooking.
If you want an extra crispy coating, you can toss the shrimp in a light dusting of cornstarch before placing them in the air fryer. Additionally, for juicier and snappier shrimp, you can try dry brining them before adding the olive oil and spices. To do this, toss the raw, peeled shrimp in a mixture of baking soda and salt, and let them brine for about 10 to 15 minutes.
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The best spices and seasonings to use
When it comes to seasoning peeled shrimp for the air fryer, the key is to keep it simple and let the natural flavour of the shellfish shine through. A short list of pantry staples is all you need to transform frozen shrimp into something special.
A good starting point is olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Lemon is a great way to add a fresh, tangy flavour to the shrimp without overpowering its natural taste. Salt and pepper are, of course, essential seasonings for most dishes, adding a savoury note and enhancing the other flavours.
Garlic is a classic pairing with shrimp, adding a savoury, buttery taste. You can use fresh garlic cloves, garlic powder, or roasted garlic, depending on your preference. If you want to add a subtle warmth to the dish, include some cayenne pepper or red chilli flakes. Smoked paprika is another great option for a smoky, spicy kick.
If you're looking for a more complex flavour profile, you could try Italian seasoning, which adds a delightful herby twist to the shrimp. Dried oregano, thyme, or basil can also be used to add an aromatic touch. For a savoury-smoky flavour, try a spice blend like ras el hanout, or cumin.
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, simply toss the shrimp in olive oil and your chosen spices, then air fry for 5-6 minutes at 400°F.
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How to cook peeled shrimp from frozen
To cook peeled shrimp from frozen, you'll first need to defrost the shrimp. You can do this by running them under cold water or by letting them sit in a bowl of cold water at room temperature. Once they're defrosted, you'll want to peel and devein them, if they aren't already. It's recommended to buy shrimp with the shells on to ensure better quality, but you can always ask your fishmonger to peel and devein them for you.
After peeling and deveining, you can pat the shrimp dry and add them to a bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp to ensure they're completely coated. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Add the shrimp to the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.
Air fry the shrimp for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You'll know they're done when they're pink, curled, and opaque. If you're making garlic butter shrimp, melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat while the shrimp are cooking. Then, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Finally, take the pan off the heat and whisk in lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Drizzle this sauce over your cooked shrimp and serve with lemon wedges.
Some other tips to keep in mind: if you're using frozen shrimp, don't add salt to the recipe as frozen shrimp are often packaged with salt and water, which can make your dish too salty. Instead, soak the shrimp in plain water for 20-30 minutes to eliminate this issue. Also, if you have time, dry brine your shrimp with salt, baking soda, and sugar for 10-15 minutes before adding olive oil and spices. This will result in shrimp that are crisp on the outside and moist on the inside.
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What to serve with air-fried shrimp
Air-fried shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
Salads
Air-fried shrimp can be a great addition to a salad, providing extra protein and flavour. You can add them to a classic Caesar salad or a brown rice bowl. They can also be mixed into pasta or served with rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Tacos
Shrimp tacos are another delicious option. Simply wrap the shrimp in corn tortillas and top with cilantro, a creamy lime sauce, or your favourite taco toppings.
Condiments and Sauces
Air-fried shrimp can be served with various condiments and sauces for dipping. Spicy remoulade, garlic aioli, and tartar sauce are all great options. You can also serve them with lemon wedges and fresh dill for a refreshing flavour.
Appetizers
Air-fried shrimp make a great appetizer, especially when served with tortilla chips, soft tortilla shells, and guacamole on the side. They can also be served as part of a charcuterie board or with tostada shells, refried beans, salsa, and guacamole.
Main Dishes
For a heartier meal, air-fried shrimp can be served with roasted vegetables such as broccoli rabe, butternut squash, or carrots. They can also be used in sandwiches or as a topping for bowls.
Drinks
If you're looking for a beverage to pair with your air-fried shrimp, consider a cold Aperol Spritz. The bright, bubbly, and slightly bitter drink can complement the crispy shrimp nicely.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that peeled shrimp be cooked in an air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 400°F.
Before cooking, you can dry brine the shrimp by tossing them in a mixture of baking soda, salt, and sugar. You can also add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and other seasonings to the shrimp before cooking.
It is recommended to use large or jumbo shrimp as they are juicier than smaller shrimp.
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. However, it is important to properly thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
