Why You’ll Love Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer Recipe

I love this recipe because it saves time without sacrificing flavor. I don’t need to thaw anything, and the shrimp come out tender with just the right amount of seasoning. I also like how flexible it is, since I can use the shrimp in salads, tacos, bowls, or enjoy them on their own.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢1 pound frozen shrimp raw or cooked
▢spray cooking oil see Notes
▢salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by adding the frozen shrimp directly to the air fryer basket in a single layer. I lightly coat the shrimp with spray cooking oil and season with salt and pepper.

For raw shrimp, I cook them at 400° Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly.
For cooked shrimp, I air fry them at 400° Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, just until they are heated through and lightly crisped on the outside.

Once finished, I remove the shrimp from the air fryer and use them immediately or serve them as desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. The total cooking time is approximately 10 minutes, making it ideal for quick meals and last-minute recipes.

Variations

I sometimes add garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes for extra flavor. I like tossing the shrimp with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking. When I want a bold twist, I add Cajun or taco seasoning before air frying.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and dry them out.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen shrimp without thawing?

I always cook the shrimp straight from frozen, and it works perfectly in the air fryer.

Should I use raw or cooked frozen shrimp?

I use either, just adjusting the cooking time depending on whether the shrimp are raw or already cooked.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

I usually skip preheating, but the shrimp still cook evenly and quickly.

How do I know when raw shrimp are done?

I look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, with a firm but tender texture.

Can I cook breaded frozen shrimp the same way?

I can, but cooking times may vary depending on the breading and size.

What size shrimp works best?

I use medium to large shrimp, but most sizes work with slight timing adjustments.

Can I add seasoning besides salt and pepper?

I like adding spices or seasoning blends before cooking for extra flavor.

Why do I flip the shrimp halfway through?

I flip them to ensure even cooking and light crisping on both sides.

Can I stack shrimp in the air fryer basket?

I try not to, since a single layer helps them cook more evenly.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

I think it’s great for meal prep since the shrimp reheat quickly and pair well with many dishes.

Conclusion

I rely on this frozen shrimp in the air fryer when I need something fast, dependable, and delicious. With minimal ingredients and almost no effort, I get perfectly cooked shrimp that fit into just about any meal I’m making.