Hey there! I’ve been experimenting with cooking frozen shrimp in my air fryer for months now and I gotta tell ya – it’s a total game-changer! Let me share everything I’ve learned about getting perfectly cooked shrimp every single time.
Quick Answer
Cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The exact time depends on shrimp size and your air fryer model.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2-4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- Your favorite seasonings (I love using Old Bay!)
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
-
Preheat Air Fryer
- Set temperature to 400°F (200°C)
- Let it preheat for 5 minutes
-
Prepare the Shrimp
- Separate frozen shrimp if they’re stuck together
- Remove any ice crystals with a spoon
- No need to thaw!
-
Season the Shrimp
- Mix melted butter/oil with seasonings in a bowl
- Toss frozen shrimp in the mixture until well-coated
-
Air Frying Process
- Place shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!)
- Cook for 4 minutes
- Open basket, brush with seasoned butter
- Flip shrimp
- Cook additional 3-4 minutes
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
-
Size Matters: Cooking times vary by shrimp size:
- Small/Medium (41-50 count): 7-8 minutes
- Large (31-40 count): 8-10 minutes
- Jumbo (16-20 count): 10-12 minutes
-
Batch Cooking: If cooking more than 1/2 pound, do it in batches. Trust me, overcrowding = uneven cooking!
-
Done-ness Check: Shrimp are ready when they:
- Turn pink and opaque
- Form a “C” shape
- Reach internal temp of 145°F
My Favorite Seasoning Combinations
-
Classic Garlic Butter
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
-
Spicy Cajun
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning
- Cayenne pepper
- Lemon zest
Storage Tips
We rarely have leftovers at my house, but if you do:
- Store in airtight container
- Keep in fridge up to 2 days
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t thaw shrimp first – cook ’em straight from frozen!
- Avoid using breaded shrimp – they don’t work as well
- Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through
- Never stack shrimp – single layer is key
Why This Method Works
I’ve found that air frying frozen shrimp is actually better than other methods because:
- Super quick – ready in under 10 minutes
- No need to defrost
- Creates perfect texture – crispy outside, tender inside
- Healthier than deep frying
- Way less mess to clean up!
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I love serving with my air fried shrimp:
- Cocktail sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Lemon wedges
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted veggies
FAQs
Q: Can I use shell-on shrimp?
A: Yep! Just add 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
Q: Do I need to spray the basket?
A: If your shrimp are marinated, nope! If plain, a light spray helps.
Q: Can I cook different sized shrimp together?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it – they’ll cook unevenly.
Remember, cooking times might vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and shrimp size. Don’t be afraid to check on them and adjust as needed. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up perfect air fryer shrimp in no time!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Substitutions and Additions
- Seasonings: Swap the seasonings with lemon pepper, Cajun Seasoning, or Blackened Seasoning.
- Toppings: You can finish the shrimp with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, lemon zest, or finely grated parmesan cheese.
Tips for Making the Best Shrimp
- Always preheat the air fryer: Just like with a regular oven, preheating your air fryer helps ensure even cooking.
- Lightly coat with oil: This helps the seasoning stick to frozen shrimp and helps them turn a pretty golden color when they’re done.
- Avoid overcrowding: For anything to cook properly in an air fryer, you need to make sure to add it in a single layer in the basket or tray.
- Choose the right size shrimp: Keep in mind that shrimp shrink when cooked. If serving them for dinner, you’ll want large or jumbo-sized shrimp.
- Check for doneness: Some air fryers cook faster than others, so keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking. They cook quickly!
Allow the cooked shrimp to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Theyll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a couple of days.