Cooking frozen shrimp in air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get a delicious, crispy, and flavorful dish in minutes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, an easy appetizer, or a protein-packed addition to salads and pasta, air fryer shrimp is a game-changer. No need to thaw—just season, cook, and enjoy.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about air frying frozen shrimp, from cooking times to seasoning ideas and serving suggestions.
Why Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer?
Air frying frozen shrimp is an excellent method for cooking because:
No thawing required – Cook straight from frozen, saving time.
Quick and convenient – Ready in less than 15 minutes.
Perfect texture – Crispy outside, tender inside.
Healthier alternative – Uses less oil than deep frying.
Versatile – Season however you like and pair with different meals.
Ingredients for Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Main Ingredients
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1 lb frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Optional Seasoning Variations
Want to experiment with different flavors? Try these seasoning options:
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss shrimp in melted butter, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon.
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Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Use Cajun seasoning for a bold and zesty kick.
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Asian-Inspired Shrimp: Toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger.
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Lemon Herb Shrimp: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest.
Timing
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
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Total Time: 13-15 minutes
How to Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you prefer, you can season the shrimp after cooking instead.
Step 3: Arrange Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp:
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Small shrimp (51/60 count): 6-7 minutes
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Medium shrimp (41/50 count): 8-9 minutes
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Large shrimp (31/40 count): 9-10 minutes
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Jumbo shrimp (16/20 count): 10-12 minutes
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The shrimp should be opaque, pink, and firm when done. You can also use a meat thermometer to check—shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 120-130°F (49-54°C).
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top, and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Shrimp
Choose the Right Shrimp
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Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easy preparation.
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If your shrimp still has shells, remove them after cooking for extra flavor.
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Tail-on or tail-off shrimp both work well, depending on your preference.
Avoid Overcooking
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Shrimp cook quickly, so check them a minute before the timer ends.
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Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so stop cooking as soon as they turn opaque.
Shake the Basket for Even Cooking
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Shaking the basket halfway ensures all shrimp get crispy edges.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
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Cook in batches if needed to allow air circulation.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Shrimp
Air fryer shrimp are incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
Main Dishes
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Shrimp Tacos: Add to warm tortillas with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema.
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Shrimp Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta, butter, and Parmesan for a quick meal.
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Shrimp Rice Bowl: Serve over steamed rice with veggies and teriyaki sauce.
Side Dishes
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Garlic butter noodles
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Roasted vegetables
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Air-fried asparagus
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Caesar salad
Dipping Sauces
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Garlic Aioli: Blend mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
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Spicy Mayo: Mix mayo with sriracha for a spicy dip.
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Cocktail Sauce: Classic pairing for shrimp with a tangy kick.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Shrimp
Storage Tips
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Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freeze cooked shrimp in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
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Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
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Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 6-7 minutes.
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Microwave: Use a lower power setting and heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Do I need to thaw frozen shrimp before air frying?
No, you can cook shrimp straight from frozen. However, if you prefer, you can thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours for slightly better seasoning absorption.
Can I use breaded frozen shrimp?
Yes! Breaded shrimp cook well in the air fryer and usually take 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Can I cook shrimp with the shell on?
Yes, cooking shrimp with the shell on helps lock in moisture and adds flavor. Just remove the shells before eating.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil before adding the shrimp to prevent sticking.
Can I cook shrimp and vegetables together in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just make sure the vegetables you choose have a similar cook time. Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus work great with shrimp.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a delicious, healthy, and quick seafood meal. With minimal prep and just a few simple seasonings, you can have crispy, juicy shrimp in under 15 minutes.
Whether you’re making shrimp tacos, salads, or enjoying them as a snack with dipping sauce, this method is a must-try. Give it a go and enjoy the best air fryer shrimp ever.