Easy Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

This Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp recipe is the easiest way to make shrimp! With only three ingredients and 10 minutes, this super easy recipe is great for quick meal prepping shrimp.

Recipe Inspiration

I always have a bag of frozen shrimp in my freezer. It's great for busy weeknights where I want to throw a healthy low carb dinner together fast.

Shrimp is so versatile - you can eat it in rice bowls, lettuce wraps, pasta, tacos, stir fry and so many more main dish options!

There are many methods you can use to make shrimp, but sometimes you need the easiest one. And air frying is really the easiest! It'll be your favorite way to make shrimp.

You'll only need 10 minutes and minimal effort to turn frozen, raw shrimp into cooked and juicy. You can make this with popcorn shrimp or larger shrimp like prawns.

If you're looking for other simple meals, check out our Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, and Pesto Shrimp Zoodles recipes.

Why This Recipe Works

Here are just a few reasons that you'll love this recipe:

• Easy - With only three ingredients, this recipe could not be any easier! Anyone can easily make this recipe.
• Fast - This recipe will only take 10 minutes! 
• Versatile - I love making these frozen air fryer shrimp for meal prep in rice bowls to eat through the week. They're also great on top of a salad. Or, use the shrimp in pasta or shrimp tacos!

Ingredients

Here are the three ingredients you will need for this easy recipe:

• Shrimp - uncooked and frozen (you can use frozen cooked as well, just cut the cooking time in half)
• Salt - sea salt, preferably
• Black Pepper - freshly grated 

Step by Step Directions

Here's the cooking method for this frozen air fryer shrimp recipe!

Step 1

There're no need to run shrimp over cold water, you can add frozen shrimp directly to the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can use olive oil spray or cooking spray if you're worried about sticking.

Step 2

Cook at 400F for 10 minutes if the shrimp is frozen and uncooked. Cook for 5 minutes if the shrimp is frozen and pre-cooked.

A note: these instructions work for air fryers and also work for the air fryer setting on ovens.

Step 3

Remove shrimp from the air fryer and sprinkle with salt and pepper. You may also add on any other seasonings as you wish. Italian seasoning, turmeric, or any other of your favorite spices are great on this shrimp. Add the cooked tender shrimp into meals for meal prep, salads, tacos, or rice bowls. 

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some pro tips and tricks to get this easy shrimp recipe perfect.

Choosing the Shrimp

Peruse through the freezer section of your grocery store and take a look at the the shrimp. There will be many different options for a bag of shrimp.

With so many different types to choose from, it can be hard to know what to buy. The size of the shrimp is up to your preference.

I typically like to use medium sized shrimp since they're great in many of my favorite recipes. For this recipe, you can also use coconut shrimp or breaded shrimp if you like.

Air Frying

Place shrimp in an even layer in the air fryer tray. This will help evenly air fry shrimp.

If you're using large shrimp or jumbo shrimp, you can tell that the shrimp are done by checking their internal temperature using a meat thermometer.

You'll want to make sure your cooked shrimp reaches a temperature of 120 degrees F. I recommend checking the internal temperature at the 10 minute mark.

Fresh Shrimp

While you can use your air fryer to make fresh shrimp, I like to make mine on the stove or in an instant pot. But you can yield perfect shrimp with a variety of cooking methods!

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this delicious shrimp. You can find all of these products through affiliate links on Amazon.

Air Fryer - This Ninja Foodi air fryer is super popular, and for good reason! It's super versatile and has multiple settings to make your favorite foods.

Seasoning Blend - A good seasoning blend like this one is great to have in your pantry to spice up shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. 

Tongs - These tongs are my favorite - I have three pairs of them in my kitchen! Tongs are one of the most versatile kitchen tools, and make removing shrimp from the air fryer super easy.

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.

Seasoning Suggestions - Seasonings like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon juice will be delicious with this recipe.

Pair with a Dipping Sauce - Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as a garlic butter sauce or cocktail sauce for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat leftover shrimp is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.

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