Air-Fryer Breaded Shrimp: Cooking Time And Tips

Air fryers are a great way to cook breaded shrimp, yielding a crunchy exterior and a juicy interior. The process is simple and requires minimal oil. The length of time it takes to cook breaded shrimp in an air fryer depends on the size of the shrimp and the amount being cooked. For example, large shrimp will take 7 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while medium shrimp will be done in 5 to 6 minutes. It's important to note that the air fryer should not be overcrowded, and the shrimp should be cooked in batches if necessary.

How to cook from frozen

How to Cook Frozen Breaded Shrimp in an Air Fryer

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook frozen breaded shrimp, your air fryer is your best friend! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy and juicy shrimp in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Although some brands may recommend thawing the shrimp before cooking, most frozen breaded shrimp can go directly from the freezer to the air fryer. Simply take the desired amount of shrimp out of the freezer and get ready to cook!

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F. This temperature range will ensure your shrimp cooks through evenly and gets nice and crispy.

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Place the frozen breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and proper airflow. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the cooking process.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your shrimp! Close the basket and let it cook for 7 to 10 minutes. For a larger batch of shrimp (about 1 pound), you may need to cook for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on your shrimp and give the basket a shake halfway through the cooking process.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the initial cooking time, open the air fryer and check on your shrimp. They should be golden brown and sizzling. If they need a little more time, cook them in 3-minute increments until they reach the desired level of crispiness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your shrimp are cooked to perfection, it's time to enjoy them! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or sweet and spicy Sriracha chili sauce. You can also serve them as a main dish with sides like cilantro lime rice and roasted asparagus.

Tips for the Best Results

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Give the basket a shake halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your shrimp and the amount you are cooking. Larger shrimp and bigger batches may require a few extra minutes.
• For an extra crispy coating, spray the shrimp with a non-stick cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

How to thaw frozen shrimp

There are several ways to thaw frozen shrimp, depending on how much time you have. If you're planning ahead, the best method is to place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight, or for up to 24 hours. Put the package in a bowl or on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent drips.

If you need to thaw your shrimp quickly, there are a couple of faster methods. One option is to place the unopened bag of shrimp in a large bowl of cold water (never use hot water, as this will cook the shrimp inside the bag). Use a heavy object, such as a plate, to keep the bag submerged, and allow it to thaw for about 45 minutes.

If you're in a real hurry, you can open the package of shrimp and dump them directly into a bowl of cold water. This method will thaw the shrimp in about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on their size. However, it may cause them to take on excess water, so it's not ideal if you're concerned about a watery mess.

It's important to note that you should never thaw shrimp at room temperature, as this will bring them into the temperature "danger zone," where bacteria can grow rapidly.

Once your shrimp are thawed, they will appear translucent on the exterior, with no remaining frozen parts. Before breading and cooking, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels.

How to reheat

To reheat breaded shrimp in an air fryer, first make sure your shrimp has been stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature. Breaded shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the shrimp in the air fryer tray and heat for 2-3 minutes. You can stack the shrimp on top of each other when reheating, which is different from when you are cooking them for the first time.

If you want to reheat your shrimp in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F for at least 10 minutes. Place the shrimp on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. If you don't have a cooling rack, place the shrimp directly on a baking sheet, but turn them over halfway through so that the batter doesn't get soggy.

You can also reheat breaded shrimp in the microwave, but this will not keep the breading crispy.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for breaded shrimp in an air fryer depends on the size of the shrimp and the amount you are cooking. For example, large shrimp (21 to 25 count) will take 7 to 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas medium-sized shrimp (31 to 40 count) will be done in about 6 minutes. If you are cooking a whole bag of frozen shrimp (about 1 pound), air fry for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimps are golden brown and sizzling. For a single serving of frozen shrimp (less than half a bag), air fry for 7 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and sizzling.

If you are cooking jumbo shrimp, the cooking time will vary depending on the number of shrimp you are cooking. For example, 4 to 14 jumbo shrimp will take 8 to 10 minutes in a single layer in the basket. If you are cooking a whole bag of jumbo shrimp (about 1 pound), it will take 12 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the brand of shrimp you are using. Additionally, if you are cooking frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking.

When cooking breaded shrimp in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you need to cook a large quantity, it is best to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

What to serve with breaded shrimp

There are many side dishes that go well with breaded shrimp. Here are some ideas:

Dipping Sauces

Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or warm marinara sauce are classic choices to serve with fried shrimp. You can also get creative and make your own sauce, such as a spicy sriracha mayo or bang bang sauce. These sauces provide a tasty contrast to the crispy texture of the shrimp.

Salads

A fresh salad can complement the fried shrimp nicely. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or try something more substantial like a pasta salad or potato salad. Fruit salads, such as an avocado mango salad, can also add a refreshing touch to the meal.

Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables are a healthy and tasty option. You can use a variety of vegetables with similar cooking times, toss them in olive oil, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper, and cook them in the air fryer for a quick and easy side dish. Asparagus, in particular, is a great choice to pair with seafood.

Fries

French fries, especially the cajun-seasoned variety, are a popular choice to serve with fried shrimp. Sweet potato fries are another option if you're looking for something a little healthier.

Rice

Rice dishes, such as Spanish rice or fried rice, can round out the meal and provide a nice base for the shrimp. Cilantro jasmine rice, in particular, is a light and fresh option that pairs well with the shrimp.

Pasta

Pasta is always a versatile option, and there are many types of pasta dishes that can accompany the shrimp. Creamy garlic shells, buttered noodles, or a simple pesto pasta are all great choices. For a more indulgent option, consider scalloped potatoes.

Frequently asked questions