I’ve always loved keeping a bag of frozen shrimp in my freezer. They’re my secret weapon for last-minute dinners or when I want something quick yet satisfying. One day, I tossed them into my air fryer just to see what would happen — and wow, it turned out to be one of the easiest and tastiest ways to make shrimp ever. Crispy edges, juicy centers, and ready in minutes. It felt like a small kitchen victory.
Now, I use this recipe all the time — for tacos, salads, or even as a quick snack with cocktail sauce. No need to thaw, no mess, no waiting around. Whether you’re cooking for one or whipping up something light for the family, this air fryer frozen shrimp recipe will save your dinner routine more times than you can count.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Frozen Shrimp: Go for peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on or off — whichever you prefer. Medium or large sizes work best since they cook evenly in the air fryer without drying out. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp; raw gives the best texture and flavor.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning stick and adds a touch of richness. It also gives the shrimp that perfect golden color. You can substitute avocado oil or spray oil if you prefer a lighter option.
Garlic Powder: This adds instant depth and savory flavor without needing to chop fresh garlic. A little goes a long way, giving your shrimp that mouth-watering aroma as they cook.
Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika gives a subtle smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish color. It’s optional but adds a nice finishing touch that makes the shrimp pop visually.
Salt and Black Pepper: The simple duo that brings everything together. Use fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best balance of seasoning.
Lemon Wedges (for serving): A squeeze of fresh lemon over the cooked shrimp brightens all the flavors and makes each bite fresh and zesty.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound frozen raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–4 minutes. Preheating ensures the shrimp start cooking right away and helps them turn perfectly crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Place the frozen shrimp in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good toss again until each shrimp is seasoned.
Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd — they need space for the hot air to circulate. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly crisp at the edges.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or over a bed of rice or salad.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- No need to thaw! Cooking shrimp straight from frozen keeps them juicy and saves time.
- Don’t overload the basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- Adjust time for shrimp size. Smaller shrimp may cook faster, while jumbo shrimp might need an extra minute or two.
- Check doneness visually. Perfectly cooked shrimp turn pink with curled tails and opaque flesh.
- Customize your seasoning. Try Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or chili flakes for a fun twist.
- Add a sauce. Garlic butter, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce pair beautifully with crispy air-fried shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked frozen shrimp?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery in the air fryer. Raw shrimp yield better texture and flavor.
Do I need to flip the shrimp halfway through?
Yes! Shaking or flipping halfway ensures even cooking and crispness on all sides.
How long do leftovers last?
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time by 2–3 minutes since fresh shrimp cook faster.
What should I serve with air fryer shrimp?
They’re delicious with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad. For something fun, turn them into shrimp tacos or serve with garlic bread and a lemon aioli dip.