Hey there! I’m super excited to share with you my favorite way to cook frozen shrimp – using an air fryer! As someone who’s always looking for quick and easy dinner solutions, I’ve discovered that air frying frozen shrimp is a total game-changer. Let me show you exactly how to do it.
Why Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp is Amazing
Before we dive into the how-to, here’s why you’ll love this method:
- Takes just 15 minutes from freezer to plate
- No thawing needed – cook straight from frozen
- Creates perfectly crispy, juicy shrimp every time
- Super versatile – use for appetizers, tacos, salads, or main dishes
- Healthier than deep frying
What You’ll Need
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Your favorite seasonings
My Go-To Seasoning Mix:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional if you like heat!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes
-
Prep the shrimp
- Separate frozen shrimp if they’re stuck together
- Remove any ice crystals with a spoon
- No need to thaw!
-
Season the shrimp
- Place shrimp in a bowl
- Add your seasonings
- Spray lightly with oil or drizzle with olive oil
- Toss to coat evenly
-
Cook the shrimp:
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer
- Cook for 10-11 minutes at 400°F
- Shake basket halfway through cooking
- They’re done when pink and no longer opaque
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Size matters: I usually go for 21-30 count shrimp – they’re big enough to not overcook
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed
- Watch the time: Different sized shrimp need different cooking times:
- Large shrimp (21-30 count): 10-11 minutes
- Medium shrimp (31-40 count): 8-9 minutes
- Small shrimp (41-50 count): 7-8 minutes
Common Questions I Get
Can I use precooked frozen shrimp?
Yup! Just reduce cooking time to 5 minutes instead of 10.
What about fresh shrimp?
Fresh works too! Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes,
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But honestly, they’re so good, you probably won’t have leftovers!
Serving Ideas
We love serving our air fryer shrimp these ways:
-
Taco Bowl Style:
- White rice
- Black beans
- Avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
-
As an Appetizer:
- With cocktail sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley garnish
-
Over Salad:
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Your favorite dressing
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
(Based on 1/4 pound serving)
- Calories: 99
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 1g
Final Thoughts
I gotta tell ya, this has become my go-to method for cooking shrimp. It’s seriously foolproof and comes out perfect every time. Plus, it’s such a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I forget to thaw something for dinner (which happens more often than I’d like to admit! ).
Happy air frying!
#airfryer #shrimprecipes #quickmeals #easydinners #cookingfrozen
What Makes This Recipe Great
Cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer basket has never been easier! If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, this is it! No defrosting is needed, this air fryer frozen shrimp comes together in just 15 minutes.
It’s the perfect topping to a salad, in taco bowls, as shrimp tacos, or by itself! You really can’t go wrong. You can even pair it with a delicious dipping sauce to make this a gathering-friendly appetizer!
- Easy, 15-Minute Recipe.
- Simple Ingredients.
- No defrosting!
- The perfect protein for taco bowls, shrimp tacos, burritos, salads, & more!
Frozen Raw Shrimp: Tail on, peeled & deveined. I usually look for the 21-30 size so they are larger shrimp! See notes below for using pre-cooked frozen shrimp.
Cooking Spray: I use an avocado oil spray. Use whatever cooking oil you prefer.
Seasonings: Salt, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Cumin, Chili Powder, and Black Pepper (optional).
Mary’s Tips & Tricks
Taco Bowls: Jump to the recipe card below to see the ingredients for Taco Bowls! This is a great (and delicious!) way to serve this shrimp recipe.
Cooked Shrimp: To make precooked frozen shrimp in the air fryer, follow the same instructions but cook for 5 minutes instead of 10!
Fresh Shrimp: To make fresh shrimp in the air fryer, cook at 400 for 5 minutes.
Side Dish: If you want to serve this as the main meal, any of these side dishes will pair perfectly! Pineapple Guacamole, Coconut Rice, and Everything Roasted Potatoes.
Cooking Times: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and if you use frozen raw shrimp, frozen cooked shrimp, or fresh shrimp.
Dipping Sauce: There’s nothing better than a delicious dipping sauce for this air fried frozen shrimp! Try my homemade chick fil a sauce!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Yes! If you want to use fresh shrimp, simply adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes at the same temperature.
I used the Ninja 4 Qt and it worked great!
