Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
I am notorious about forgetting to pull things out of the freezer the night before or earlier in the day. That’s how this air fryer frozen shrimp recipe was created! I’m impatient so instead of waiting for the shrimp to defrost, I tossed frozen shrimp in the air fryer straight from the bag and was surprised at how well it turned out.
After a few tweaks, this has become my go-to method for cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer. It’s quick, hands-off, and delivers perfectly cooked shrimp in just 10 minutes. No waiting, no defrosting, just straight from the freezer to your plate in no time. So if you are forgetful like me, this is the recipe for you!
This method of cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer is great for easy meals. Use it for shrimp tacos, toss it in a salad, or add it to rice bowls for a quick protein boost. I’ve used this method to make the shrimp for blackened shrimp rice bowls (just swap out the seasoning) and pesto orzo with shrimp.
Ingredient spotlight
- Frozen shrimp – I recommend using large or extra large (20-25 Shrimp per pound) peeled and deveined shrimp for this recipe.
- Spices – be sure to check out the list below on flavor variations! There are so many fun ways to season these air fryer frozen shrimp!
How to cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer
Add frozen shrimp to the air fryer basket. Coat in olive oil and salt. Cook the frozen shrimp in the air fryer at 400F for 9 minutes. While the shrimp is cooking, combine the spices in a small bowl. After 9 minutes, sprinkle over shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 1 additional minute at 400F.
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen shrimp (large or jumbo) - peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon. dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Add frozen shrimp to the air fryer basket, if any of the shrimp are stuck together, be sure to break them up. Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt.1 pound frozen shrimp (large or jumbo), 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Turn on the air fryer to 400F for 10 minutes.
- While the shrimp are cooking in the air fryer, combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, garlic powder and dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon. dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- After 9 minutes of cooking, pause the air fryer. Sprinkle the shrimp with the shrimp seasoning.
- Finish cooking the shrimp 400F for 1 minute.
Equipment
Notes
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Tips:
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- Cooking time depends on shrimp size. I tested this recipe using large shrimp. Smaller shrimp may need 1–2 minutes less, jumbo shrimp may take slightly longer.
- Using frozen cooked shrimp? Reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes since they only need to be heated through.
- Add seasoning in the last 1–2 minutes. As the shrimp cooks, any excess moisture will evaporate, helping the seasoning stick better.
- For easy prep, buy shrimp with shells removed and deveined. If using frozen shrimp with shells and tails intact, follow the same cooking instructions but remove the shells at the 9-minute mark, then season and cook for 1 more minute.
- Serving as an appetizer? Consider using shrimp with the tail on for easy handling.
- No need to shake the basket or flip. Just make sure the shrimp aren’t stuck together when placing them in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Storing leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftover air fryer shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in air fryer 400F for 1-2 minutes until warm. Don’t overcook or the shrimp can get rubbery.
Nutrition Information
Flavor variations
Switch up the seasoning to match your meal! Use these swaps in place of the original spice blend in the recipe:
- Italian – Use 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning instead of the original spices.
- Za’atar – Swap the oregano for Za’atar seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.
- Mexican – Use 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning in place of the spice mix.
- Sundried Tomato – Skip the smoked paprika. Add 3 tablespoons chopped sundried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Greek – Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 3 tablespoons chopped kalamata olives before cooking. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Cajun – Replace all spices with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning for bold, spicy flavor.
Ways to use the shrimp
Let’s be honest, there is no bad way to serve shrimp!
My favorite way to enjoy this shrimp is by adding it to a fresh salad or layering it over avocado toast with my favorite red pepper basil pesto on top. It also works great in tacos, grain bowls, or as a quick protein-packed appetizer.
I WILL DEFINITELY BE MAKING THIS RECIPE
Sounds very good.I will try.