This method for cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer is fast, simple, and reliable. Just place frozen shrimp directly into the air fryer, cook according to the type (raw or pre-cooked), and serve. These air-fried shrimp work well on salads, pasta, tacos, or simply with a squeeze of lemon and a dipping sauce.
Why This Method Works So Well
- Extremely easy: with just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes you can both thaw and fully cook shrimp straight from frozen.
- Versatile: use the cooked shrimp in pasta, salads, tacos, or serve with cocktail sauce for a quick appetizer.
- No thawing required: skip the time-consuming defrost step—this approach cooks frozen shrimp quickly so it’s ready almost immediately.
Key Ingredients
Frozen shrimp – Both raw and pre-cooked frozen shrimp work. Choose the size and style you prefer (peeled, unpeeled, tail-on, tail-off) and follow the cook times below.
Spray cooking oil – A quick spritz of spray oil helps the shrimp crisp and prevents sticking. Avocado oil spray works well, but any spray oil is fine.
Chef’s Tips
- When pausing the air fryer to turn shrimp, you don’t need to flip every piece individually. Give the basket a good shake to redistribute and ensure even browning.
- Air fryers vary by model and power. Watch your first batch closely and adjust cook time for your specific machine.
- Season to taste or experiment with different spices. Simple salt and pepper are great, but this recipe adapts easily to garlic powder, smoked paprika, Old Bay, or a squeeze of citrus after cooking.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Sausage in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Quesadilla
- Air Fryer Tofu
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Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Cheryl Malik
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen shrimp raw or cooked
- spray cooking oil see Notes
- salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
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Air Fryer
Instructions
For raw shrimp:
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Place frozen shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with cooking oil, and season with salt and pepper.
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Cook at 400°F (about 200°C) for 10 minutes, pausing once halfway through to shake or turn the shrimp so they brown evenly.
For cooked shrimp:
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Place frozen cooked shrimp in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and season.
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Cook at 400°F for about 5 minutes, pausing to shake the basket halfway through to reheat and crisp the shrimp without overcooking.
Notes
- Spray cooking oil: Any spray oil will work, though avocado oil gives excellent results and a neutral flavor.
Yields about 4 servings. Nutritional values are approximate and reflect one serving of shrimp prepared as instructed; results may vary by brand and portion size.
Nutrition Information
Servings are approximate and depend on portion sizes. Nutritional values are estimates for one serving prepared as directed and may vary by brand and additional ingredients used.