How to cook Frozen Shrimp in an Air Fryer: How To Cook It, What to Expect, and Why You Should Give it a Try
Learn how to cook frozen shrimp in air fryer (delicious, perfectly done). With just a few simple steps and a few minutes of cook time, you can have perfectly cooked shrimp that are juicy and flavorful. Get the best tips and techniques for using your air fryer for cooking frozen shrimp to perfection.

How To cook frozen shrimp in air fryer, you will need:
- Frozen shrimp
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasoning of your choice (optional)
Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the frozen shrimp in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer.
- If using, lightly coat the shrimp with olive oil or cooking spray and season with your desired seasoning.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, or until they are pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and quantity of the shrimp and the specific model of air fryer being used. It is always a good idea to check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the shrimp or using a food thermometer to ensure that they have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What is an Air Fryer, and Why is it Better Than Conventional Ovens?
An air fryer is a device that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It works on the principle of convection, which means that it uses heated air to cook food. Air fryers use less oil than conventional ovens and take up less space. You can also use them to make healthier versions of fried foods like chicken wings or french fries. The best air fryers have an automatic timer, a digital display, and a multifunctional basket that can be used for deep frying, baking, and steaming.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use air fryer with all the features you need, this L Cuisine Air Fryer is a good choice. It’s backed by a two-year warranty and has a capacity of one pound of food per batch.
Pros and Cons:
The air fryer features a 24-hour timer and automatic shutoff, so you can set it to cook your food before you head out for the day. It has a capacity of one pound of food per batch and cooks in just 45 minutes.
The instruction manual doesn’t have English subtitles, which can be challenging to read without good language skills. The Cuisinart Airfryer is a compact device that is great for those who want an air fryer that is small enough to store and easy to use.
It has a small footprint of 13.5 x 13 x 11 in, and its weighted base ensures even cooking across the surface of the heating element.
The product has a 700-watt power rating, which means it can handle more than just snacks and dinners; it also allows you to use large amounts of food without any problems.
It makes food healthier with its air frying method, which cuts down on calories, fat, and sodium. In addition, the cooking basket is removable, so you can clean it easily without taking apart the whole machine.
What Makes Frozen Shrimp Ideal for the Air Fryer?
Frozen shrimp is an excellent addition to the air fryer because they do not need to be thawed to cook them. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy a meal of shrimp but don’t want to wait for the shrimp to thaw. Frozen shrimp are also much more affordable than fresh shrimp and can be found at most grocery stores.
The frozen shrimp nutrition facts are very similar to that of fresh shrimp, except for fat content. The percentage of fat in frozen shrimps is about half that of fresh shrimps, which is perfect for those who want a lower-fat meal without sacrificing flavor or taste.
When cooking with frozen shrimp, it is essential to use the defrost cycle on the air fryer.
The Recipe for Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer
This recipe is an excellent alternative to traditional oven-baked shrimp recipes. You only need an air fryer, which cooks the shrimp healthier and with less oil.
The air fryer is a great kitchen appliance for people who love to cook healthy and want to reduce their calorie intake. It cooks food in a short time, and it does not use any oil, which makes it one of the best cooking appliances for people who are on a diet.
The Recipe for Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer:
Ingredients: 1 lb of frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined) 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil Salt and pepper to taste one clove of minced garlic1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes2 tablespoons of flour2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar2 cups of chicken broth 1/4 cup of chopped green onions1/4 cup of fresh cilantro*Optional: 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic and 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions: Toss shrimp with butter or olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook on medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through. Add red pepper flakes to taste. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, whisk together the flour with a bit of water to make a thick paste. Add rice wine vinegar and soy sauce. Stir to combine. Add the paste to the shrimp and stir, coating it in a light brown sauce. Serve over cooked rice! I loved this recipe as it reminded me of my favorite BBC cooking show Jamie Oliver’s “The Naked Chef.” This is perfect for those who love fried rice dishes but want something different.
Is it Worth Cooking Frozen Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
Frozen shrimp is an affordable and convenient way to prepare a meal. It is also easy to cook, but the question is whether it’s worth cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer.
The answer to this question depends on what you want from your frozen shrimp. If you are looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t require much prep work, frozen shrimp might be worth cooking in an air fryer. But if you’re looking for a dish that tastes better than frozen shrimp, it might not be worth it because the taste will depend on how long the food has been thawed and cooked.
Here are a few online resources that you may find helpful:
- The Kitchn has a recipe for air fryer frozen shrimp that includes step-by-step instructions and photos: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-frozen-shrimp-in-an-air-fryer-240380
- This video from Tasty provides a visual guide for cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh4L0FjK_SE
- If you prefer a written recipe with detailed instructions, check out this post from Spend with Pennies: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/air-fryer-shrimp/
Here are some additional tweets with tips and ideas for cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer:
“I love using my air fryer to cook frozen shrimp because it’s so quick and easy! Just preheat the fryer to 400F and cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes. You can also add some lemon juice or your favorite seasoning blend to give them extra flavor. #airfryer #shrimp”
“Air fryer frozen shrimp is a lifesaver when I’m short on time! Just preheat the fryer to 400F, place the shrimp in the basket, and cook for 6-8 minutes. They come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time. #airfryer #shrimp”
“Frozen shrimp in the air fryer is my go-to quick and easy dinner option. Just preheat the fryer to 400F and cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes. You can also add some olive oil and your favorite seasoning blend for extra flavor. #airfryer #shrimp”
“Just tried cooking frozen shrimp in my air fryer and it turned out amazing! I preheated the fryer to 400F and cooked the shrimp for about 8 minutes. They were perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. #airfryer #shrimp”
“If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, try cooking frozen shrimp in your air fryer! Just preheat the fryer to 400F and cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes. I like to season mine with garlic powder, paprika, and a little bit of lemon juice before cooking. #airfryer #shrimp”
“Frozen shrimp in the air fryer is a game changer! I just coated mine in a little bit of olive oil and Cajun seasoning before cooking for about 7 minutes at 400F. They turned out perfectly crispy and flavorful. #airfryer #shrimp”
There are several cookbooks that include recipes for cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer. Here are a few options:
- “The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook” by Linda Larsen: This cookbook includes a variety of recipes for cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer, as well as tips and techniques for getting the best results.
- “The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook” by Dana Angelo White: This cookbook features more than 200 recipes for cooking with an air fryer, including several options for cooking frozen shrimp.
- “The Air Fryer Bible” by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough: This comprehensive cookbook includes a range of recipes for cooking with an air fryer, including several options for cooking frozen shrimp.
- “Air Fryer Perfection” by America’s Test Kitchen: This cookbook includes a variety of recipes for cooking with an air fryer, including a recipe for cooking frozen shrimp.
- “The Super Easy Air Fryer Cookbook” by Lindsay Lange: This cookbook includes more than 100 recipes for cooking with an air fryer, including several options for cooking frozen shrimp.
Here are a few YouTube videos that demonstrate how to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer:
- “How to Cook Frozen Shrimp in an Air Fryer” by Tasty: In this video, the Tasty team shows how to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, along with some tips and ideas for seasoning the shrimp.
- “Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Recipe” by Recipe Critic: This video demonstrates how to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, along with some ideas for seasoning the shrimp.
- “Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp” by Air Fryer Recipes: In this video, the host shows how to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, along with some tips for getting the best results.
- “How to Cook Frozen Shrimp in an Air Fryer” by Simply Home Cooked: This video demonstrates how to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, along with some ideas for seasoning the shrimp.
- “Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Recipe” by Cooking with Nonna: In this video, the host shows how to cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer, along with some tips and ideas for seasoning the shrimp.
Best frozen shrimp for air fryer
When selecting frozen shrimp for cooking in an air fryer, it’s important to choose a high-quality product that has been properly handled and frozen to maintain its texture and flavor. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting frozen shrimp for an air fryer:
- Size: Choose a size of shrimp that is appropriate for your desired recipe and serving size. For example, smaller shrimp may be better suited for skewers or cocktails, while larger shrimp may be better for grilling or sauteing.
- Origin: Look for shrimp that has been sourced from a reputable supplier and is certified as sustainably caught. This ensures that the shrimp is of high quality and has been responsibly harvested.
- Processing: Choose frozen shrimp that has been properly handled and frozen to maintain its texture and flavor. Shrimp that has been frozen quickly after being caught is generally considered to be of higher quality.
- Packaging: Choose frozen shrimp that is packaged in a way that prevents freezer burn and maintains the quality of the shrimp. Vacuum-sealed bags or packaging that is designed to reduce air exposure can help to preserve the quality of the shrimp.
Ultimately, the best frozen shrimp for an air fryer is a matter of personal preference and will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Here are some common questions about cooking frozen shrimp, along with some answers:
Can you cook frozen shrimp without thawing it first?
Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp without thawing it first. In fact, cooking frozen shrimp can be a convenient and quick option for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Just be aware that the cooking time may be slightly longer than for thawed shrimp.
How do you cook frozen shrimp on the stove?
To cook frozen shrimp on the stove, follow these steps:
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
- Add the frozen shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and fully cooked.
- If you’re adding sauces or seasonings to the shrimp, do so in the last minute of cooking.
- Serve the shrimp hot with your choice of dipping sauces or side dishes.
- How do you cook frozen shrimp in the oven?
To cook frozen shrimp in the oven, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the frozen shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, or until they are pink and fully cooked.
- If you’re adding sauces or seasonings to the shrimp, do so in the last minute of cooking.
- Serve the shrimp hot with your choice of dipping sauces or side dishes.
How long does it take to cook frozen shrimp?
The cooking time for frozen shrimp will depend on the cooking method and the size of the shrimp. In general, smaller shrimp will cook more quickly than larger shrimp. Here are approximate cooking times for some common cooking methods:
- Air fryer: 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Stovetop: 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat
- Oven: 6-8 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit
How do you know when frozen shrimp is cooked?
To determine when frozen shrimp is fully cooked, look for the following signs:
- The shrimp is pink and opaque in color.
- The shrimp is firm to the touch.
- The internal temperature of the shrimp has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp to ensure that it is fully cooked.