6 Best Ways to Cook Frozen Shrimp (Easy Methods That Actually Work!)

Hey there! I’ve been cooking frozen shrimp for years, and lemme tell you – it’s way easier than you might think! Today I’m gonna share my tried-and-true methods for cooking frozen shrimp that turn out perfect every single time. No more rubbery, overcooked shrimp!

Why Cook Frozen Shrimp?

Before diving into the cooking methods, here’s why frozen shrimp is actually awesome

• It’s super convenient – always ready in your freezer
• Often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at stores
• Usually cheaper than fresh shrimp
• No need to thaw in many cooking methods
• Perfect for quick weeknight meals

Buying the Right Frozen Shrimp

Look for:

• “IQF” (Individually Quick Frozen) on the package
• No excess ice crystals or frost
• Raw, unpeeled shrimp for best results
• Medium count size (41-50 per pound) works great for most recipes

6 Easy Methods to Cook Frozen Shrimp

1. Air Fryer Method (My Personal Favorite!)

Cooking Time

• Raw frozen shrimp: 10 minutes
• Pre-cooked frozen shrimp: 5 minutes

Steps:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F
2. Place frozen shrimp in basket
3. Cook and shake halfway through
4. Season after cooking

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if needed!

2. Stovetop Boiling Method

Cooking Time 2-7 minutes

Steps:

1. Fill pot ¾ full with water
2. Bring to boil
3. Add seasonings (salt, peppercorns, bay leaves)
4. Add frozen shrimp
5. Cook until they float and turn pink
6. Drain immediately

3. Pan-Frying Method

Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes

Steps:

1. Heat oil/butter in pan
2. Add aromatics (garlic, shallots)
3. Add frozen shrimp
4. Cook until pink, stirring occasionally
5. Season to taste

4. Oven/Broiler Method

Cooking Time: 5-12 minutes

Steps:

1. Preheat broiler on high
2. Season shrimp
3. Arrange on baking sheet
4. Broil until pink
5. Flip halfway through

5. Instant Pot Method

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (yes, really!)

Steps:

1. Place steamer basket in pot
2. Add frozen shrimp
3. High pressure, 0 minutes
4. Quick release
5. Season and serve

6. Steamer Method

Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes

Steps:

1. Bring 1 inch water to boil
2. Place shrimp in steamer basket
3. Steam until pink
4. Season and serve

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t cook frozen shrimp in one big chunk
2. Don’t overcook (they get rubbery!)
3. Don’t use too high heat
4. Don’t forget to season
5. Don’t skip the shell-on option for extra flavor

Quick Seasoning Ideas

• Old Bay seasoning (classic!)
• Garlic and butter
• Lemon pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Simple salt and pepper

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done

Your shrimp is perfectly cooked when:

• Color changes from gray to pink
• Forms a “C” shape
• Meat is opaque
• Floats to top (if boiling)

Storage Tips

• Keep frozen until ready to cook
• Store cooked leftovers in fridge up to 3 days
• Don’t refreeze thawed raw shrimp

FAQ

Q: Do I need to thaw shrimp first?
A: Nope! Most methods work great with frozen shrimp.

Q: What about the shells?
A: You can cook with shells on or off – shells add flavor but take more work to eat.

Q: How long will frozen shrimp last?
A: Up to 6 months in freezer if stored properly.

My Final Tips

After years of cooking frozen shrimp, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t overthink it – shrimp cook quick!
• Season well but keep it simple
• Watch carefully to avoid overcooking
• Air fryer method is foolproof for beginners

Would you like me to explain or break down any part of these cooking methods in more detail?