My recipe for air fryer frozen shrimp is my favorite way to enjoy shrimp whenever the craving strikes! I make it with Old Bay and lemon juice, so it’s easy to whip up as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick dinner at my house.
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My Easy Recipe For Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
The day I tried air fryer frozen shrimp was the day I realized I didn’t need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy my favorite kind of seafood. As long as I have some frozen shrimp and Old Bay seasoning, I’m good to go!
Even though I’ve tried just about every food in the air fryer, my husband Ben was actually the one who suggested I try air frying frozen shrimp. I was skeptical at first about how they would turn out, but I decided to give it a try.
I remember he gave me this glare as he was eating the shrimp, smirked, and simply said, “I told you so.” Yes, I rolled my eyes, but the result was so good!
I honestly don’t mind that he forever refers to it as “his recipe,” as he needed a recipe to call his own anyway.
This cooked shrimp is now my go-to for a quick, healthy meal to feel like I’m treating myself but it’s still ready in under 20 minutes.
And, if you love a good air fryer seafood recipe, try my recipes for air fryer shrimp, frozen salmon in the air fryer, air fryer crab cakes, air fryer cod, fish sticks in the air fryer, air fryer tilapia, and air fryer catfish.
Air Fry Frozen Shrimp Ingredients
- Frozen shrimp – I use medium to large and preferably pre-cooked shrimp
- Butter – I have also used olive oil and avocado oil in place of this
- Old bay seasoning
- Lemon juice – I love to use freshly squeezed, but the bottled kind will work too
- Minced garlic
How to Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Break apart any frozen shrimp that are stuck together, then mix them with butter, Old Bay, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Make sure the mixture coats all of the shrimp.
STEP THREE: Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through air frying. The shrimp is done when it’s opaque all the way through and 145 degrees F.
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Tips
- Always preheat the air fryer before adding the shrimp. This is my trick to getting them to cook evenly.
- Leave the shells on while air frying. I think this helps add some flavor and gives you plumper, better-looking finished shrimp. That said, my recipe works with shrimp without its shell, too.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer. I’m always careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can cause the food to cook unevenly. If I need to cook more, I just air fry in batches.
- Flip the shrimp halfway through air frying so the shrimp will crisp up on all sides. While it’s not mandatory, I find it helps cook the shrimp better.
- Add a fresh squeeze of lemon right before serving. This is my favorite way to really make the flavors pop!
Air Frying Frozen Shrimp Variations and Substitutions
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning for a spicy kick. I love doing this for half of the shrimp so we adults can enjoy it.
- Play with the flavors by using Italian seasoning, cumin, or smoked paprika with a pinch of salt and pepper instead of Old Bay. I’ve even swapped it out for some lemon pepper seasoning.
- Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro on top before serving. I love how this adds bright flavor!
- For a fun glaze, mix honey and sriracha together to drizzle on top.
- Add Parmesan to the top right when the shrimp come out of the air fryer for a cheesy twist.
What to Serve with Air Fry Frozen Shrimp
I will never say no to the classic combination of shrimp and cocktail sauce. But if I feel like really playing with flavors, I’ll also dip my air fryer shrimp in some lemon herb tahini for a surprisingly delicious combination.
If I’m entertaining guests, I’ll serve shrimp as the appetizer with air fryer calamari and a little crab rangoon dip or even serve it as the main dish on top of some pasta with a little salad.
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp FAQs
How long to cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer
For pre-cooked frozen shrimp, I find 6 to 7 minutes to be the perfect amount of time to air fry the shrimp. I always check to make sure they are opaque all the way through and have a nice pink color on the outside.
Can I air fry frozen shrimp with its shell on?
Absolutely! I don’t bother removing the shells before cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer. I think the shrimp actually cook a little plumper, plus it’s so easy to take off the shells after they’re cooked!
Can I cook raw frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes! Whenever I make frozen raw shrimp in the air fryer, I just increase the cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes until the shrimp are nice and pink on the outside. Before serving, I cut into one to make sure it’s opaque all the way through.
How do I know if air fryer frozen shrimp is fully cooked?
My preferred method to make sure shrimp is fully cooked is to check the color, shape, and texture. It should be pink or orange on the outside, opaque all the way through, and be soft and tender with a gentle curve.
When in doubt, I’ll use a meat thermometer to make sure the shrimp are at least 145 degrees F on the inside.
Why is my air fried frozen shrimp tough?
Shrimp can turn tough and rubbery if they are overcooked. I recommend keeping a close eye on the shrimp while they cook to make sure they aren’t in the air fryer too long. I let mine cook until they are just done, then remove them from the heat.
Do I season shrimp before or after air frying?
I always season my shrimp before cooking so the prawns can absorb the flavors in the air fryer. I just toss the frozen shrimp in the butter and seasonings until they’re well-coated, then pop them in the air fryer!
How do I store leftover shrimp?
I store any leftover air fryer shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. I always try to eat them within 3 days or so, which is the maximum time for storing seafood.
How to reheat shrimp in the air fryer
I reheat leftover shrimp in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re warmed thoroughly.
Should I thaw the the shrimp before air frying frozen shrimp?
There’s no need to thaw shrimp before air frying! I love how convenient it is to pull the shrimp from the freezer, and they turn out just as delicious as air frying fresh shrimp.
What type of shrimp is best for air frying?
I find that medium to large shrimp work best for this recipe. It’s easier to avoid overcooking them and to get them all seasoned evenly.
More Easy Air Fryer recipes
- Air fryer meatloaf
- Air fryer chicken legs
- Air fryer sirloin steak
- Air fry italian sausage
- Grilled chicken in the air fryer
- Air fry hot dogs
- Air fryer filet mignon
- Air fryer salmon
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Easy Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen cooked large shrimp
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- Break apart any frozen shrimp that are stuck together, then mix them with butter, Old Bay, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Make sure the mixture coats all of the shrimp.
- Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray and cook it for 6 to 7 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through cooking. The shrimp is done when it's opaque all the way through and 145 degrees F.
Video
Notes
- Always preheat the air fryer before adding the shrimp.
- Shells can be left on or left off the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking. Cook in batches when needed.
- Flip the shrimp halfway through air frying so the shrimp will crisp up on all sides.
- Add a fresh squeeze of lemon right before serving.
- Reheat any leftover shrimp in an air fryer preheated at 350 degrees for about 2 to 3 minutes until warmed thorough.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Are they still frozen when you cook?
Yes, they are frozen when you put them in the air fryer to cook.
Great information! I was reticent to make them so I had them for a while in the freezer, I stumbled over everydayfamilycooking and love it, saved! Now, I am going to have a feast!
– Filip
my shrimp are raw how long in air fryer?
Hi Reba,
Make sure that the shrimp is laid in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary. If your shrimp is still raw, increasing cooking time will help with that.
It worked! I was skeptical cooking from frozen state, but the results were perfect after adding another minute. My shrimp were 26/30 size.