Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

This air fryer frozen shrimp is the solution to busy weeknights. Dinner has never been so tasty and easy!

Shrimp isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when talking about simple meals.

But with a frozen bag of shrimp and an air fryer, nothing is impossible.

With this cooking method, you can enjoy crunchy, breaded shrimp in no time.

It’s so easy, and there’s no need for bowls, flours, eggs, and hours of cleaning up!

Instead, you’ll have a scrumptious meal ready in just 10 minutes. 

Getting tired of your usual frozen pizza? Add some pizazz to your dinner by making air fryer frozen shrimp. 

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp 

Thanks to the air fryer, frying has never been easier! 

This is the only way you can get crispy battered shrimp all the time – no fail.

You literally place frozen shrimp – no thawing needed – in the air fryer basket, and let the gadget do its thing.

There is need to dredge shrimp in eggs and batter! A good bag of frozen shrimp is all you’ll need. 

How Do You Cook Frozen Shrimp in An Air Fryer 

Start by spraying the air basket with oil. This is necessary if your air fryer is non-stick.

However, you can also add oil simply for flavor and texture. For this purpose, coconut oil works best.

Then, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Some air fryers require preheating, others don’t.

Skip this step if yours falls under the latter category.

Next, line the basket with an air fryer liner. Again, not required if your air fryer is non-stick.

Spread the shrimp in an even layer. Do not overlap or stack them on top of one another! They need enough space for air to circulate.

Just cook it in batches if it doesn’t fit.

Cook the shrimp for 5 minutes, then give the basket a good shake.

Cook for 5 more minutes, or until the breading has turned golden brown.

You can also check the temperature with a food thermometer. Cooked shrimp is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit hot.

If it needs further cooking, do so at 2-minute intervals.

Serve with your choice of dip. That’s it! Beginner-level-easy, am I right?

Cooking Times 

There are several types of frozen shrimp to choose from, each of them needing a corresponding amount of cooking time.

Be sure to read the label and refer to the table below to help you.

Type of Frozen Shrimp	Cooking Time
Pre-cooked shrimp	3 to 5 minutes
Raw shrimp	5 to 8 minutes
Breaded shrimp	9 to 10 minutes

Also, take note that shrimp varies in size.

For instance, butterfly shrimp is much bigger than popcorn shrimp, thereby, it needs a longer cooking time. Adjust the timing accordingly! 

Tips for the Best Shrimp 

• While the guidelines above and the recipe card below are pretty standard across air fryers, know that each air fryer is made different. 

That said, the temperature and cooking time may not necessarily match with your specific air fryer.

You’ll need to keep a good eye on the shrimp while cooking especially during the last few minutes.

If you’re trying out an air fryer recipe for the first time, it’s also best to do a test run by cooking a small batch beforehand.

After some trial and error, you’ll finally get to the right heat level and duration.

• Read the air fryer manual! This way, you’ll know whether yours is non-stick or not, if it requires preheating or not, and other crucial specifications.
• Don’t thaw frozen shrimp. That’s the beauty of the air fryer: you don’t need to wait for food to soften before you cook! Lunch or dinner is ready in no time.
• Do not overcrowd the basket. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, without overlapping. It needs enough space to cook properly.
• Give the basket a good shaking halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• If your air fryer is non-stick, you won’t need to grease the basket with oil. But you can use oil to flavor the shrimp. Coconut oil adds a lovely tropical flavor that tastes really well with shrimp.
• Air fryer shrimp is already pretty tasty, but you can also season it for more flavor. Just do so after cooking, not before. Otherwise, the herbs and seasonings will just slide right off.
• Seasoning suggestions:
  • Cheesy Garlic: a bit of chopped garlic, Italian seasoning, and lots of parmesan cheese.
  • Mexican: chili and cumin powder for that extra oomph.
  • Lemon: a splash of lemon and crushed black pepper for a vibrant dish with a bit of a kick.
• Refrigerate the leftover shrimp for up to 3 days.

Serving Ideas 

Let’s start with the dips. You can’t go wrong with the classic cocktail dip, as it is both simple and delicious.

This tomato-based dip has the perfect balance of sweet and tart that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of shrimp.

I also like pairing shrimp with something rich and creamy such as ranch dressing and tartar sauce. 

A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce also complements the shrimp really well.

A simple ketchup and mayo blend also won’t disappoint.

Shrimp makes a fantastic appetizer on its own, but you can transform it into a complete meal by pairing it with sides.

For a super hearty dish, I highly recommend shrimp with fried rice!

This combo is both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

If you’re a sucker for pasta like me, cook the shrimp with creamy garlic sauce and toss in your favorite pasta.

For Mexican night, how about some shrimp tacos and burrito bowls?

Serve some roasted bell peppers on the side, and you’ll have a fun feast.

For a light meal, toss the shrimp with your favorite salad. 

Lastly, if you need a grab-and-go meal, use the shrimp as a sandwich filling. It works on any type of bread!

More Yummy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Appetizers
Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
Air Fryer Salmon
Air Fryer Corn Dogs
Air Fryer Ribs