Hey there! I’m super excited to share my tried-and-tested method for making amazing shrimp tempura in the air fryer. After lots of experimenting, I’ve figured out the perfect timing and temperature to get that restaurant-quality crunch without the mess of deep frying.
Quick Answer
Air fry frozen tempura shrimp at 375°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This creates perfectly crispy coating while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen tempura shrimp (I use Kirkland brand from Costco)
- Air fryer
- Tongs for flipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Set temperature to 375°F
- Let it warm up for 3-5 minutes
2. Arrange the Shrimp
- Place frozen shrimp in a single layer
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- No need for oil or cooking spray
- Don’t thaw the shrimp!
3. Cooking Process
- Cook for 11-12 minutes total
- Flip shrimp halfway through (around 6 minutes)
- Look for golden brown coating
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature Matters!
I’ve tested multiple temperatures, and 375°F is the sweet spot. Here’s why:
- 400°F – Too hot! Gets too brown outside while inside stays mushy
- 350°F – Too low, takes longer to cook
- 375°F – Perfect! Crispy outside, tender inside
Batch Size Guidelines
- Small air fryer (2-4 qt): 4-5 pieces
- Medium air fryer (5-6 qt): 6-7 pieces
- Large air fryer (8+ qt): 8-10 pieces
Common Questions I Get
Q Can I stack the shrimp?Nope! Single layer only for that perfect crunch
Q: Do I need to spray with oil?
Not at all! The tempura coating has enough oil already.
Q How do I know when they’re done?They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you’re unsure cut one open – the shrimp should be pink and opaque.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage
- Keep leftovers in airtight container
- Good for 2-3 days in fridge
- Not recommended for freezing after cooking
Reheating
Best method:
- Air fry at 300°F
- 5-8 minutes
- Flip halfway
- Heat until internal temp hits 165°F
Serving Suggestions
-
Traditional Style:
- Ten-tsuyu dipping sauce
- Shredded daikon
- Lemon wedges
-
Modern Twists:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Spicy mayo
- Ponzu sauce
Why This Method Works
After making tons of frozen tempura shrimp, I’ve found that air frying gives you:
- 60% faster cooking than oven method
- No greasy mess from deep frying
- Consistent results every time
- Perfect crunchiness without oil splatter
Troubleshooting Tips
If Coating Is Too Dark:
- Reduce temp to 350°F
- Check at 10 minutes instead of 12
If Not Crispy Enough:
- Add 1-2 extra minutes
- Make sure you’re not overcrowding
- Check if air fryer is properly preheated
Nutrition Facts (Per 5 Pieces)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~14g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbs: ~28g
Final Thoughts
I gotta say, this method has been a game-changer for me! It’s way easier than traditional deep frying and gives amazing results every time. The key is sticking to 375°F and not overcrowding your air fryer basket. Just remember – 11-12 minutes is your sweet spot for perfectly crispy tempura shrimp!
Note: Cooking times might vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the shrimp. Always check for doneness before serving!
The Best Temperature to Cook Frozen Tempura Shrimp in an Air Fryer
In this recipe, I used Kirkland Tempura Shrimp. The company recommended cooking the tempura shrimp at 400°F in the oven.
Ive tried many temperatures for cooking shrimp tempura in the air fryer, and I believe that 375°F is the best temperature.
At 375°F the outer and inner parts of the shrimp tempura finish at the same time and rate. As a comparison, when I cooked the tempura at a higher temperature (400°F), the tempura turned really browned and overly crunchy while the inner breading was still a bit mushy.
Costco Kirkland Tempura Shrimp
Homemade tempura is made of simple ingredients but can be quite messy to make due to the amount of oil used. This is why I always make sure I am fully stocked with Kirkland tempura shrimp in my freezer. They are so delicious and are the perfect after-school snack that my kids always love.
