Hey there, fellow foodies! I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer lately and I gotta tell you – I’ve cracked the code for making the most amazing crispy butterfly shrimp straight from frozen. No more waiting for them to thaw, and definitely no more greasy deep frying! Let me share my foolproof method that’ll give you restaurant-quality results right at home.
Why Air Frying is a Game-Changer for Frozen Butterfly Shrimp
Before we dive into the how-to, here’s why you’ll love this method
- Super quick (ready in under 10 minutes!)
- Way healthier than deep frying
- Crazy crispy exterior, tender inside
- No thawing needed
- Minimal cleanup (bye-bye, oil splatters!)
What You’ll Need
- Frozen butterfly shrimp (any brand works!)
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray (optional but recommended)
- Your favorite dipping sauces
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Air Fryer
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C)
- Give it about 5 minutes to heat up properly
- Optional: lightly spray the basket with cooking oil
2. Arrange the Shrimp
- Place frozen shrimp in a single layer
- Don’t overcrowd! (this is super important, y’all)
- Leave some space between each piece
3. Cook Those Bad Boys
- Cook for 8-10 minutes total
- Flip halfway through (around 4-5 minute mark)
- Check for doneness – they should be golden brown and crispy
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
-
No Thawing! Seriously keep ’em frozen – it works better!
-
The Flip Trick: Don’t skip the halfway flip – it’s key for even crispiness
-
Size Matters: Cooking times might vary depending on shrimp size:
- Medium: 8 minutes
- Large: 10 minutes
- Jumbo: 12 minutes
-
Temperature Check: They’re done when they hit 145°F internally
Amazing Dipping Sauce Ideas
We can’t talk about butterfly shrimp without mentioning these killer dipping options:
- Classic cocktail sauce
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Tartar sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Creamy yogurt dill sauce
Making it a Meal
Want to turn your shrimp into a full dinner? Here’s what I love serving with mine:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Air-fried asparagus
- Fresh garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Roasted veggies
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix common issues:
Not Crispy Enough?
- Add an extra 2-3 minutes
- Make sure you’re not overcrowding
- Try a light spray of oil
Too Dark on Outside?
- Lower temp to 375°F
- Reduce cooking time slightly
- Check earlier in the cooking process
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Though this rarely happens at my house! )
- Store in airtight container
- Keep in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes
- Avoid microwave (they’ll get soggy!)
Final Thoughts
I’ve tried lots of methods for cooking frozen butterfly shrimp, but air frying is hands-down the winner. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that perfect crunch without the guilt of deep frying. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Remember, the key to success is getting that temperature right (400°F is your friend!) and not overcrowding the basket. Do that, and you’ll have perfect butterfly shrimp every single time!
Happy air frying, everyone! ✨
P.S. What’s your favorite dipping sauce for butterfly shrimp? Drop a comment below – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Everything You’ll Need to Make It
Let’s keep this ingredient list short and sweet. Feel free to add in any extra seasonings! I like to add a squeeze of lemon, but honestly frozen breaded shrimp is delicious as-is!
- Breaded Frozen Shrimp: (Shrimp Butterfly) Pick up your favorite kind from the grocery store! I used 16 ounces worth.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray: To help keep your frozen shrimp from sticking to the bottom of your air fryer basket. It also helps to keep the shrimp crispy! You can use a little bit of cooking oil, butter, or shortening instead if you wish.
- Squeeze of Lemon: (Optional) This is my favorite finishing touch! It adds a hint of zest that tastes amazing with the breaded shrimp.
Frozen Breaded Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Cooking frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer is so easy, it’s practically foolproof! All you need to do is preheat the air fryer, pop the shrimp in the basket, and let it do its magic. There’s no need to defrost the shrimp or add any oil, which makes it a hassle-free cooking experience. (Perfect for busy weeknights!) Plus, the air fryer cooks the shrimp evenly, ensuring that each piece comes out crispy and golden brown. It’s a no-brainer when you’re craving shrimp but want it in a snap. I know, I know, it seems too good to be true! Trust me though, this air fryer frozen shrimp is SO delicious, and definitely a recipe to keep in your back pocket.
And the best part? The taste! The shrimp comes out perfectly seasoned and crunchy, just like you’d get at a restaurant. The breading stays crispy, and the shrimp itself is juicy and tender. (The power of air fryers!) You can dip the shrimp in cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or your favorite sauce to add even more flavor. It’s hard to believe that something so easy to make can taste so good. So next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, reach for frozen breaded shrimp and your trusty air fryer. It doesn’t disappoint! For more quick and easy air fryer recipes, check out this list here!
Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp | Crispy Butterfly Shrimp | Air Fryer Frozen Section |
FAQ
How to cook butterfly shrimp from frozen?
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and add the frozen shrimp. Bake the shrimp for approximately 10-21 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to air fry Kroger Crunchy Butterfly Shrimp?
Place breaded shrimp in the basket of the air fryer, butterflied-side down; make sure to not overcrowd. Spray the tops with nonstick cooking and cook for 3 minutes. Using tongs, flip shrimp over and spray the the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 4 minutes more or until desired crispness.