Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

If you're a seafood lover, air fryer frozen breaded shrimp is a must-try! It's a quick and easy way to get that crispy, golden-brown breading and juicy, tender shrimp that rivals any restaurant offering. The best part? You don't need to defrost the shrimp or add any oil, making it a hassle-free and healthier option. With just your air fryer and some frozen breaded shrimp from your grocery store, you can have a delicious appetizer or main dish ready in under 15 minutes.

How to make frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer

Choosing a frozen shrimp type

When choosing a frozen shrimp type, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want farmed or wild shrimp. While wild shrimp is preferable in terms of taste and quality, farmed shrimp is also a good option and is more readily available in supermarkets. Another factor to consider is the size of the shrimp. You can choose between popcorn shrimp, which are smaller, or jumbo shrimp, which will take longer to cook. If you're looking for a crispy coating, go for breaded shrimp rather than battered. Additionally, regular breaded shrimp is a good option, but if you want to add a tropical twist, you could try coconut breaded shrimp.

When purchasing frozen shrimp, it's best to buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time on preparation. It's also a good idea to check the ingredients list to ensure the shrimp has been individually quick-frozen to lock in freshness. Some brands may even offer flash-frozen shrimp, which is the freshest option if you don't live close to the coast.

When it comes to preparing the shrimp for cooking, it's important to pat them dry with paper towels before adding any breading or seasoning. This will ensure that the breading adheres well and creates a nice, crispy crust. If you're short on time, you can cook the shrimp directly from frozen, but for breaded shrimp, it's best to thaw them first and pat them dry to achieve the desired crispiness.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking breaded shrimp in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the number of shrimp being cooked.

For large shrimp (21-25 count), cook at 400°F for 7 to 8 minutes. For medium shrimp (31-40 count), cook at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes. If you are cooking a full bag of frozen shrimp (about 1 pound), air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and sizzling. For a single layer of shrimp in the basket, air fry for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and sizzling.

It is important to note that the air fryer needs to be preheated to the desired temperature before adding the shrimp. Additionally, it is recommended to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

When cooking frozen breaded shrimp, there is no need to defrost them first. Simply place them directly into the air fryer basket and cook according to the recommended time and temperature. However, if you are making air fryer breaded shrimp from scratch, it is important to ensure that the shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before breading and cooking.

Dipping sauces

While some people prefer to eat their air-fried shrimp as is, others like to dip them in sauces to enhance the flavour. Here are some dipping sauce suggestions to accompany your crispy, golden shrimp:

Cocktail Sauce

A classic spicy sauce served with shrimp, this sauce is a perfect pairing for your air-fried shrimp. It is typically made with a combination of ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice, creating a tangy and slightly spicy flavour profile.

Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Chilli Sauce

This savoury Asian sauce offers a delightful sweet and spicy tang, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a kick to their food. It is an excellent complement to the crispy shrimp, providing a nice contrast in textures and flavours.

Tzatziki Sauce

A creamy dipping sauce made with strained yoghurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, and sometimes lemon juice and dill, Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing option that pairs beautifully with the crispy shrimp. The cool, tangy flavour of the sauce balances the crunchy texture of the shrimp.

Bang Bang Sauce

If you're looking for something with a tangy, sweet, and spicy kick, Bang Bang Sauce is an excellent choice. It's a creamy chilli and mayo-based sauce that goes well with shrimp, seafood, fries, and burgers. You can adjust the spice and sweetness levels to suit your taste preferences.

Louisiana-Style Remoulade

This creamy and perfectly spiced sauce is a riff on the classic Louisiana-style remoulade. It features mayonnaise, ketchup, stone-ground mustard, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce, creating a delicious blend of flavours that complement shrimp and other seafood perfectly.

Spicy Sweet Shrimp Dip

For something a little different, try this simple dip made with mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and Sriracha. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a sweet and spicy sauce with a creamy texture. This dip is also great for drizzling on shrimp tacos!

Reheating shrimp

Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheating shrimp in the air fryer is a great option, but it is best for smaller portions.

To reheat shrimp in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes, turning them halfway through. The shrimp are done when they are hot and crispy.

If you are reheating a large batch of shrimp, the oven is the best option. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit 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, bake the shrimp on a baking sheet and turn them over halfway through to avoid the batter getting soggy.

Another option for reheating shrimp is to use the stovetop, which provides more precise temperature control and allows you to keep a close eye on the shrimp. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of olive oil or butter. Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping them occasionally until they are heated through.

It is important to note that when reheating shellfish like shrimp, you should always use gentle heat as intense heat may cause it to overcook and become rubbery.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried frozen breaded shrimp. Here are some suggestions:

As an Appetizer

You can serve the shrimp as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. Some classic options include cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a creamy garlic yogurt dill sauce. If you want something spicy, you can opt for a sweet and spicy Sriracha chili sauce. Tzatziki sauce is also a great choice, offering a creamy and refreshing contrast to the crispy shrimp.

As Part of a Main Dish

For a more substantial meal, serve the shrimp with a side of cilantro lime rice and some roasted asparagus spears. This combination provides a well-balanced mix of flavors and textures. Alternatively, you can pair the shrimp with potato salad, roasted vegetables, and rolls, or serve them over rice or pasta.

In Tacos

For a fun and flavorful option, serve the shrimp in tacos with a simple slaw and your choice of sauce.

On a Salad

Create a refreshing shrimp salad by adding the crispy shrimp to your favorite salad base.

In a Pita

For a quick and easy meal, stuff a pita with the air-fried shrimp, along with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing.

Other Ideas

• Add teriyaki sauce and serve over noodles.
• Chop and add to nachos.
• Squeeze some lemon over the shrimp for added freshness.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.

Frequently asked questions