Hey there, fellow foodies! Today I’m super excited to share my favorite way to cook SeaPak popcorn shrimp that’ll make your taste buds dance. As someone who’s tried every possible method, I can tell ya that the air fryer is hands-down the best way to get that perfect restaurant-style crunch. Let’s dive right in!
Why Air Fryer is Your Best Friend for Cooking Popcorn Shrimp
- No more soggy breading (goodbye, microwave!)
- Way faster than traditional oven cooking
- No preheating needed (huge time saver!)
- Perfectly crispy outside, juicy inside
- Uses less oil = healthier option
Quick Instructions for Perfect Air Fried Popcorn Shrimp
Basic Steps:
- Set air fryer temperature to 390°F
- Place frozen shrimp in single layer (don’t overcrowd!)
- Cook for 7 minutes (for about 15 pieces)
- Shake basket halfway through
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy
Pro Tips from My Kitchen:
- Don’t defrost – cook straight from frozen
- Spray basket with non-stick cooking spray
- Shake basket at 3-4 minute mark for even cooking
- Work in batches if cooking more than one serving
Temperature and Timing Guide
Amount | Temperature | Cooking Time |
---|---|---|
15 pieces (1 serving) | 390°F | 7 minutes |
28 oz package | 390°F | 8-10 minutes |
Small batch | 390°F | 6-7 minutes |
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
My Favorite Dipping Sauces:
- Classic cocktail sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Remoulade
- Spicy mayo
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Air fryer french fries
- Coleslaw
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted veggies
- Garden salad
Making it a Complete Meal
Ya know what’s great about these crispy little guys? They’re super versatile! Here’s how I like to serve them:
As an Appetizer:
- Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges
- Add your fave dipping sauces
- Garnish with fresh parsley
As a Main Course:
- Serve over rice
- Add steamed veggies
- Make po’boy sandwiches
- Top salads
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Keep leftovers in airtight container
- Store in fridge up to 3 days
- Not recommended for freezing after cooking
Reheating:
- Air fryer: 4 mins at 350°F
- Oven: 8 mins at 375°F
- Avoid microwave (gets soggy!)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Shrimp Not Crispy Enough
- Solution: Cook 1-2 minutes longer
- Make sure not to overcrowd basket
- Shake more frequently during cooking
Problem: Outside Too Dark
- Solution: Lower temp to 375°F
- Increase cooking time slightly
- Check earlier in cooking process
Health and Nutrition Notes
For those watching their nutrition
- One serving (about 15 pieces) = reasonable portion
- Air frying uses minimal oil
- Great protein source
- Consider unbreaded options for lower carbs
Final Thoughts and Tips
I gotta say after making these countless times the air fryer method is literally foolproof. Just remember these key points
- Always cook from frozen
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Shake during cooking
- Serve immediately
- Keep an eye on cooking time first batch
The best part? Once you’ve done it once, you’ll never need to check instructions again – it’s that simple! And trust me, your family’s gonna love how these turn out. They’re perfect for quick dinners, party appetizers, or even late-night snacks.
Happy cooking. everyone! ✨
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
Popcorn Shrimp Serving Size 3oz (85g/about 1 cup) Servings Per Container 8 Amount Per Serving
INGREDIENTS: SHRIMP, BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, ENRICHED BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, IRON AS FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WATER, YELLOW CORN FLOUR, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF THE FOLLOWING: SALT, SUGAR, ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), DEXTROSE, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE (TO RETAIN MOISTURE), WHEY POWDER (A MILK DERIVATIVE), METHYLCELLULOSE, GARLIC POWDER, YEAST, DISODIUM INOSINATE AND DISODIUM GUANYLATE, LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, BAKING SODA), SODIUM ALGINATE, CITRIC ACID, PAPRIKA OLEORESIN, SODIUM BISULFITE (AS A PRESERVATIVE).
CONTAINS: SHRIMP, MILK, WHEAT. *Please refer to the label on your SeaPak package for the most current nutrition, ingredient and allergen information.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
For food safety, quality, and thorough cooking, please follow the instructions below. Keep frozen until ready to prepare. Product is not ready to eat until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
CONVENTIONAL OVEN: Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange product in a single layer on baking sheet and place on middle rack of oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes (for 25oz box, this will be for half the box; for 16oz box, this will be for the full box). For best results, turn product halfway through cooking.
HOME FRYER: Preheat fryer oil to 350°F. Arrange product in a single layer in basket. Fry 30 pieces for 2 minutes 30 seconds to 2 minutes 45 seconds.
COMMERCIAL FRYER: Preheat fryer oil to 350°F. Fry for 2 minutes 30 seconds to 2 minutes 45 seconds (full box of 25oz box).
AIR FRYER: Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Arrange product in a single layer in basket. Air fry 15 pieces for 7-8 minutes. For best results, turn product halfway through cooking.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Due to differences in appliances, cooking times may vary and require adjustment.
Caution: Product will be hot! *Please refer to the label on your SeaPak package for the most current nutrition, ingredient and allergen information.
How To | Cook Sea Pak Brand Popcorn Shrimp in Gourmia Air Fryer
FAQ
How do you cook SeaPak popcorn shrimp in the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Start by making a marinade of oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Next, grab some SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp and brush the marinade all over. Air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes.
How do I cook SeaPak popcorn shrimp?
Air fry 15 pieces for 7-8 minutes. For best results, turn product halfway through cooking. Microwaving not recommended.
How long should I cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer?
Is SeaPak popcorn shrimp healthy?
SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp is not necessarily a “healthy” food, but it can be part of a balanced diet. It’s a good source of protein, but also high in calories, fat (including saturated fat), and sodium.