Hey there! Today I’m gonna share my foolproof method for cooking frozen butterfly shrimp in an air fryer. After testing countless batches, I’ve perfected this super simple technique that gives you restaurant-quality crispy shrimp every time. Let’s dive right in!
What You’ll Need
- Frozen butterfly shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined)
- Cooking oil spray
- Your favorite seasonings (optional)
- Air fryer
- Tongs
Quick Steps Overview
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
- Place frozen shrimp in single layer
- Cook 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway
- Enjoy crispy perfection!
Detailed Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 2-3 minutes)
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil
- Pro tip: Don’t skip preheating! It’s crucial for that perfect crunch
Step 2: Arrange the Shrimp
- Place frozen shrimp in a single layer
- Don’t overcrowd – leave space between pieces
- No need to thaw first (yay for convenience!)
Step 3: Cook Those Bad Boys
- Air fry for 5 minutes at 400°F
- Flip shrimp using tongs
- Cook additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown
- Cooking time guide by size:
Shrimp Size Total Cook Time Medium (36-45 count) 8 minutes Large (26-35 count) 10 minutes Jumbo (16-25 count) 12 minutes
Why Air Fryer is Perfect for Frozen Shrimp
We love using the air fryer because
- Uses way less oil than deep frying
- Gives super crispy results
- Cooks from frozen – no thawing needed!
- Even cooking throughout
- Quick cleanup (nobody likes doing dishes)
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Thaw: Keep those shrimps frozen solid
- Single Layer: Never stack your shrimp
- Oil Spray: A light coating helps with browning
- Temperature Check: Should reach 145°F internal temp
- Batch Cooking: Better to cook multiple small batches than overcrowd
Serving Suggestions
Dipping Sauces:
- Cocktail sauce (classic choice!)
- Spicy mayo
- Garlic aioli
- Sweet chili sauce
- Tartar sauce
Side Dishes:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Fresh salad
- Coleslaw
- French fries
- Roasted veggies
Common Questions I Get
Q Can I put frozen shrimp directly in air fryer?A Yup! That’s the beauty of this method – no thawing required!
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: They should be golden brown outside and opaque throughout. When in doubt, check internal temp (145°F).
Q: Can I season them?
A: For sure! Add your fave seasonings before cooking. I love using garlic powder and cajun seasoning.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your shrimp aren’t turning out perfect, here’s what might be wrong:
- Not crispy enough? → Cook 1-2 minutes longer
- Cooking unevenly? → Make sure they’re in a single layer
- Too dry? → Might be overcooking, reduce time by 1-2 minutes
- Not brown enough? → Give them a light spray with oil
Final Thoughts
Air frying frozen butterfly shrimp is seriously one of the easiest ways to get that perfect crispy texture without all the hassle of deep frying. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to cook them any other way!
Happy air frying!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article?
Can I cook raw frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes! Whenever I make frozen raw shrimp in the air fryer, I just increase the cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes until the shrimp are nice and pink on the outside. Before serving, I cut into one to make sure it’s opaque all the way through.
Air Fry Frozen Shrimp Ingredients
- Frozen shrimp – I use medium to large and preferably pre-cooked shrimp
- Butter – I have also used olive oil and avocado oil in place of this
- Old bay seasoning
- Lemon juice – I love to use freshly squeezed, but the bottled kind will work too
- Minced garlic