Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Shrimp: How Long To Cook?

Cooking pre-cooked shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add protein to a meal. It takes just 2-6 minutes to heat up pre-cooked shrimp in an air fryer, depending on the size of the shrimp and whether they are fresh, frozen or thawed.

How to arrange shrimp in the air fryer basket

Cooking pre-cooked shrimp in an air fryer is super easy and only takes 2-6 minutes. The key to getting the best results is to arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation. If you want to cook more shrimp than will fit in a single layer, cook them in batches. You can also give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking, but there's no need to flip the shrimp.

To prepare the shrimp for cooking, start by cleaning them if needed, removing the shells and veins, and then patting them dry with paper towels. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC. In a small bowl, mix your chosen seasonings and olive oil. For incredible flavour, try garlic and paprika, or for a more complex blend, add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the seasoning over the shrimp in a bowl and toss to coat, or rub the seasoning on all sides with your hands.

Once your shrimp are seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange them in the basket. Place the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they have space to cook evenly. If you're cooking frozen shrimp, start by air frying for 1 minute at 400°F (200°C) to thaw them, then drain any water from the bottom of the air fryer before proceeding with the cooking time.

Depending on the size of your shrimp, they will take 4-9 minutes to cook in the air fryer. For smaller shrimp, 4-6 minutes should be enough, while larger shrimp may take up to 8-9 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they're heated through and starting to get a little golden around the edges. Enjoy your air fryer shrimp as a main dish with veggies or added to salads and bowls for extra flavour!

How long to cook shrimp for

Cooking pre-cooked shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It takes between 2 and 6 minutes to heat up pre-cooked shrimp, depending on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of the air fryer. For example, larger shrimp can take up to 8-9 minutes to cook at 400ºF/200ºC.

It is important to arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a lot of shrimp, it is best to do so in batches. There is no need to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking, but you can give the basket a gentle shake if you like.

You can cook pre-cooked shrimp from fresh, frozen or thawed. If using frozen shrimp, it is best to air fry for 1 minute at 400°F (200°C) until thawed, then drain any water from the bottom of the air fryer.

Pre-cooked shrimp is a great way to add protein to meals such as shrimp risotto, shrimp tacos, shrimp curry, shrimp carbonara and garlic butter shrimp pasta. It can also be used as an appetizer, such as in shrimp scampi or buffalo shrimp.

How to tell when shrimp are cooked

To cook pre-cooked shrimp in an air fryer, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 4-6 minutes at 400ºF/200ºC, flipping once halfway. Larger shrimp can take up to 8-9 minutes. You can tell when shrimp are cooked because they will form a C-shape. If they twist into an O-shape, they are overcooked. When properly cooked, the exterior should be pink with red tails, and the flesh should be slightly opaque and a little white in colour. If it is bright white, the shrimp are likely overcooked.

How to reheat shrimp

It's easy to reheat pre-cooked shrimp in an air fryer. First, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure an even cook. If you want to cook a lot of shrimp, it's best to do this in batches. You don't need to flip them halfway through, but you can give the basket a gentle shake.

Cook the shrimp for 4-6 minutes, or until they are heated through and start to get a little golden around the edges. Larger shrimp can take up to 8-9 minutes.

You can season the shrimp with garlic and paprika, and top with fresh parsley.

How to season shrimp

Pre-cooked shrimp can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 2-3 minutes, or up to 6 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. It's recommended to arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and to cook in batches if necessary.

To season shrimp, first remove the shells and veins. Then, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Next, prepare the seasoning. This can be as simple as sprinkling on some salt and pepper, or you can mix together a blend of spices. A basic blend might include paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add olive oil to make a marinade. If you like spice, add some cayenne pepper or red chilli flakes. You can also add dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme. Once you've prepared your seasoning, place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the seasoning over them, tossing to coat. Alternatively, you can rub the seasoning on all sides with your hands.

Frequently asked questions