Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen raw shrimp in an air fryer! Air fryers provide a quick and easy way to cook shrimp with crispy edges and tender insides.
Should You Thaw Shrimp Before Air Frying?
It’s not necessary to thaw shrimp before cooking in an air fryer. The hot circulating air will quickly defrost the shrimp while cooking it through. Thawing first may result in overcooked, rubbery shrimp.
Tips for Air Frying Frozen Shrimp
- Use peeled, deveined shrimp for best results. The shells can burn and get crunchy in the air fryer.
- Cut large shrimp in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
- Toss the frozen shrimp with a tablespoon of oil. The oil helps promote browning and crispiness.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Smaller shrimp will cook faster than jumbo shrimp. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- Spritz the shrimp with oil or toss with oil if they aren’t browning well.
Seasonings for Air Fried Shrimp
Air fried shrimp taste fantastic with just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika or cajun seasoning. But you can also kick up the flavor with spices and sauces:
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Old Bay seasoning
- BBQ rub
- Melted butter and lime juice
- Honey mustard or sweet chili sauce for dipping
Serving Suggestions
Crispy air fried shrimp are delicious in these easy meals and appetizers:
- Tacos – with shredded cabbage, mango salsa, and cilantro lime crema.
- Shrimp po’ boy sandwich – with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and remoulade.
- Shrimp salad – mixed with avocado, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Grits and shrimp – served over cheesy grits.
- Shrimp skewers – alternate with peppers and pineapple.
- Shrimp appetizer platter – with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
Pros of Air Frying Shrimp
Here are some of the benefits of cooking shrimp in an air fryer:
- Speed – Shrimp cooks fast in the hot circulating air, in just 5-10 minutes.
- Convenience – No need to thaw first, saving you time.
- Less oil needed – Only need a small amount to crisp the edges.
- Crisp texture – The hot air makes the outside crispy.
- Juicy inside – The shrimp stays moist and tender inside.
- Versatile – Many different seasonings and sauces complement shrimp.
- Healthy – Air frying is a lower fat cooking method.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips when cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer:
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook shrimp in a single layer if possible.
- Flip halfway – Turn the shrimp over midway for even cooking.
- Pat dry – Remove excess ice crystals before cooking for crisper shrimp.
- Brush with oil – A thin layer of oil helps the shrimp get crisp.
- Adjust cook time – Cook an extra 1-2 minutes if shrimp isn’t pink inside.
- Check often – Peek frequently since cook time is fast.
- Toss with sauce – Add sauces after cooking to avoid burning.
Common Air Fryer Shrimp Questions
Should I spray the shrimp with oil?
It’s not mandatory, but lightly misting or brushing the shrimp with oil helps promote browning and prevents sticking. Use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado, grapeseed, or olive oil.
How do I know when the shrimp is done?
Check for an opaque, pinkish color throughout. The biggest piece should reach 145°F internally. Be careful not to overcook or the shrimp may get rubbery.
Can I cook a shrimp & vegetable medley?
Yes, the constant hot air circulation makes an air fryer great for cooking combinations of ingredients. Try shrimp with asparagus, zucchini, peppers, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli.
Should I toss the shrimp in cornstarch first?
Dredging the shrimp in a light cornstarch coating before air frying helps enhance the crispness. Just shake off any excess before cooking.
Conclusion
Air frying frozen shrimp allows you to go from frozen to crispy, juicy shrimp in under 10 minutes. No need to thaw first! With just a quick toss in oil and some seasoning, you can enjoy tasty air fried shrimp in tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more.