Easy Frozen Breaded Shrimp in Air Fryer: Quick and Crispy Recipe

Cooking frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick and delicious meal. This method results in crispy shrimp without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier and cleaner option.

Easy air fryer recipes like this one are perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a tasty seafood snack. Not only is it convenient, but it also delivers great taste and texture with minimal effort. I’m very happy to share this recipe with you, so let’s get started!

See more: Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Okra

What You Need to Get Started

To cook frozen breaded shrimp, you’ll need a few essential items. Here’s what you should have on hand:

• Air fryer (I recommend researching air fryer model recommendations to find the best fit for your kitchen)
• 1 package of frozen breaded shrimp (usually 12-16 oz)
• Cooking spray (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Tongs (for handling hot shrimp safely)
• Plate or serving dish

Using a good quality air fryer can make a big difference in your cooking results. It’s one of the essential kitchen tools for air frying because it ensures even cooking and achieves that perfect crispy texture. A reliable air fryer will save you time and make your meals consistently delicious.

How to Cook Frozen Breaded Shrimp in Air Fryer

Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect, crispy shrimp every time:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures that your shrimp cook evenly and come out crispy.

2. Arrange the Shrimp: Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.

3. Cooking Time and Temperature: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). The air fryer cook time for most breaded shrimp is 8-10 minutes. For popcorn shrimp, cook for about 8 minutes. For larger butterfly shrimp, cook for 10-12 minutes.

4. Use Cooking Spray (Optional): Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray before cooking for extra crispiness. This step is optional but recommended for achieving crispy air fryer shrimp.

5. Shake the Basket: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. This helps the shrimp get crispy on all sides.

6. Check for Doneness: The shrimp are done when they are golden brown and crispy. If they need more time, cook in 2-minute increments until done.

Note: Always follow the air fryer cooking instructions specific to your air fryer model. Cooking times may vary based on the brand and size of the shrimp.

By following these air fryer shrimp recipe steps, you’ll get perfect results every time. Cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer is easy, quick, and results in delicious, crispy shrimp without the mess of deep frying.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Breaded Shrimp

Getting the perfect crispy shrimp from your air fryer requires a few simple techniques. Here are my top tips for air frying shrimp:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the shrimp are in a single layer without overlapping. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly.
• Use an Oil Spray: Lightly spray the shrimp with oil before cooking. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior we all love.
• Adjust Cooking Times: Depending on the size of your shrimp, you may need to tweak the cooking time. Smaller popcorn shrimp will cook faster than larger butterfly shrimp. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the shrimp. This step ensures the shrimp start cooking immediately, which helps them become crispy.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp

Now that you have your perfectly cooked shrimp, let’s talk about serving suggestions for shrimp. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your air fryer breaded shrimp:

Shrimp Dipping Sauces

• Cocktail Sauce: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with crispy shrimp.
• Honey Mustard: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Tartar Sauce: A creamy option that enhances the shrimp’s flavor.

Shrimp Serving Ideas

• Tacos: Fill soft tortillas with shrimp, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime.
• Burrito Bowls: Add shrimp to a bowl with rice, black beans, corn, and avocado for a hearty meal.
• Salads: Top a fresh garden salad with shrimp for a light and healthy dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries: These are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular fries.
• Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy and delicious, they pair well with shrimp.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy side that balances the richness of the shrimp.

These shrimp serving ideas and shrimp dipping sauces will make your meal complete and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite!

FAQs about Air Fryer Instructions

Why This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Might Be Your New Favorite

Cooking frozen breaded shrimp is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal. This easy air fryer shrimp recipe results in crispy shrimp without the mess and extra calories of deep frying.

By following the simple steps and tips outlined, you can achieve perfect results every time. Remember to preheat your air fryer, arrange the shrimp in a single layer, and adjust the cooking time based on the shrimp size.

Experiment with different serving ideas and dipping sauces to find your favorite combination. I hope you enjoy this method as much as I do. Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below. Happy cooking!

More Seafood Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Barramundi
• Trader Joe’s Shrimp Burgers
• Trader Joe’s Fish Nuggets
• Trader Joe’s Coconut Shrimp
• Easy Air Fryer Thai Fish Cakes

Print