Easy Shrimp in Air Fryer Recipe (Fresh or Frozen)

Name: Easy Shrimp in Air Fryer Recipe (Fresh or Frozen)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 6 min
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (fresh or frozen); ½ tbsp lemon-pepper seasoning (or your favorite seasoning)

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Cooking Shrimp in the Air Fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, tender shrimp on the table fast on busy weeknights. Whether you're using frozen or fresh shrimp, the air fryer is a great option for cooking shrimp because it cooks them quickly and evenly. In less than 6 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked shrimp with a delicious crispy coating.

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Cooked shrimp in a casserole dish with lemon slices and cilantro for a garnish.

I love simple meals, and shrimp is a great way to add flavor to your meal. You can cook it in various ways, and it's a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table fast.

My favorite method to cook shrimp is this easy recipe. The first time I made it, I left the shrimp too long and overcooked them. I couldn't believe how fast the shrimp cooked!

Shrimp is versatile and can be used as a main dish or an easy appetizer. My favorite way to use them is in shrimp tacos made with homemade Flatbread.

I also like to serve shrimp on Instant Pot Jasmine Rice with sliced avocado and soy sauce for a complete meal.

My husband prefers to dip his tasty shrimp in cocktail sauce. There are many ways to use shrimp, and the options are endless!

If you would like more EASY shrimp recipes, try out my Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe, Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura, and Smoked Shrimp!

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❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
🦐 Ingredients
⏲️ How to cook frozen shrimp in air fryer
🍽 Equipment
🌡️ Storage
💭 Expert Tips
🥙 How To Serve Air Fryer Shrimp
⭐Recipe FAQs
🧾 Related Recipes
👩🏻‍🍳 More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
📋 Recipe
💬 Comments

❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: The juicy shrimp cooks in less than 6 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Low carb: Shrimp is a low-carb protein source, making it an excellent option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Perfect shrimp: The air fryer cooks it perfectly every time, ensuring it's tender and not dry and chewy - no more rubbery shrimp!
A healthy alternative to other meats: Shrimp is a healthy alternative to other meats, as it's low in calories and fat and high in nutrients.
Versatile flavors: You can use a variety of flavors to season the shrimp, making it easy to mix things up and try new flavor combinations.

🦐 Ingredients

The ingredients for making air fryer frozen shrimp in the air fryer are very simple. All you need are:

Frozen Shrimp: I used frozen pre-cooked shrimp. When looking at frozen shrimp, ice crystals should not be present; they must smell fresh (if they don’t, then leave them out). Sizes of frozen shrimp vary, so pick the right size for the dish you aim to create. You can use tail-on or tail-off shrimp. You can also use fresh shrimp - just reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. Remember that jumbo shrimp will take longer to cook than smaller shrimp.
Lemon pepper seasoning. You can also use Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite seasoning.

See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.

⏲️ How to cook frozen shrimp in air fryer

First, remove the desired amount of frozen shrimp from the package.

Then, place the frozen shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No need to preheat the air fryer.

Season the frozen shrimp with lemon-pepper seasoning or your favorite seasoning.

Frozen shrimp placed in air fryer basket.

Frozen shrimp in air fryer basket with lemon pepper seasoning.

Place the air fryer tray back in. Air fry shrimp at 390 degrees F for 3-4 minutes (for pre-cooked frozen shrimp) or until cooked through. (Fresh shrimp will take 2-3 minutes, and frozen raw shrimp will take approximately 6-8 minutes).

When done, frozen shrimp should be a light pink color and turn a golden brown color. If you want crispier shrimp, let them cook for an extra minute.

Serve the seasoned shrimp immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice, your favorite dipping sauce, and your favorite sides.

Enjoy!

Cooked shrimp in a white casserole dish with lemon slices.

🍽 Equipment

To make this crispy air fryer shrimp, you will need an air fryer.

This recipe has been tested in a Ninja Foodi and an Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer.

Because there are many types of different air fryers, and they all cook differently, be sure to keep a close eye on the shrimp to make sure it doesn't overcook.

🌡️ Storage

If you have leftover shrimp, store them in the fridge in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

I don't recommend refreezing them after they are cooked.

💭 Expert Tips

Make sure the shrimp is in a single layer.
Shake the basket occasionally for even cooking.
Adjust the cooking time for larger shrimp by a minute or two. The actual cooking time will depend on the kind of shrimp, size of shrimp, and how fast your air fryer cooks.
If you want your shrimp extra crispy, spray the shrimp with cooking spray or olive oil spray before cooking.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors.

🥙 How To Serve Air Fryer Shrimp

Air fryer shrimp can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions:

As an appetizer: You can serve the delicious shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli.
In a salad: You can add air fryer shrimp to a salad for a healthy and filling meal. Toss the shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing.
In a wrap or sandwich: You can make a wrap or sandwich with air fryer shrimp. Add some lettuce, tomato, avocado, and your favorite dressing to make a delicious and satisfying meal.
As a side dish: Air fryer shrimp can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or mashed potatoes.
On top of pasta: Toss air fryer shrimp with cooked pasta and your favorite sauce for a quick and easy meal.

⭐Recipe FAQs

Where do I find frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp is located in the freezer section of your local grocery store.

How long does it take for frozen shrimp to cook in the air fryer?

The cooking time for frozen shrimp in an air fryer will vary depending on the shrimp's size and the air fryer's power. However, with my recipe using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, the shrimp will take about 3-4 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How many shrimp can I cook at a time in the air fryer?

It depends on the size of the shrimp and the size of your air fryer basket. On average, you can cook up to approximately 12 shrimp at a time in the air fryer. Just make sure they're not too crowded, or they'll cook unevenly.

How many calories are in frozen shrimp?

The number of calories in frozen shrimp varies depending on the size and weight of the shrimp. However, on average, a 3-ounce serving of frozen shrimp contains about 90 calories.

What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer shrimp?

Some popular dipping sauces for shrimp include cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, garlic butter sauce, and sweet chili sauce.

Is shrimp healthy?

Yes, shrimp can be a healthy food choice. Shrimp is low in calories and fat and a good protein source. It also contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. However, it is essential to note that shrimp is high in cholesterol, so individuals with high cholesterol levels should consume shrimp in moderation. Additionally, the preparation method impacts how healthy it is. For example, air-fried, grilled, or boiled shrimp is healthier than deep-fried shrimp.

Air fried frozen shrimp in dish with lemon and cilantro.

👩🏻‍🍳 More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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