This Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp recipe is the fastest way to cook juicy, flavorful shrimp straight from the freezer, no thawing required. Ready in under 10 minutes, these air fryer shrimp are perfect for quick dinners, tacos, salads, or meal prep. Learn how to season and cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer for tender results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 10 minutes
- No thawing needed – Cook straight from frozen
- Family-friendly – Mild, customizable flavors
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable frozen shrimp
- Customizable – Season it any way you like
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen shrimp (peeled & deveined recommended)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional for finishing
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Melted butter or garlic butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Place frozen shrimp in a bowl (no thawing).
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.
- Remove when shrimp are pink, opaque, and curled.
- Finish with lemon juice or butter, then serve immediately.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or a spatula
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Cook at 400°F and avoid overcrowding
- Frozen breaded shrimp: Skip oil and cook 8–10 minutes
- Spicy version: Add cayenne or chili powder
- Asian-style: Toss with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil after cooking
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over rice or quinoa
- Add to shrimp tacos or wraps
- Toss into salads or pasta
- Pair with air fryer vegetables or garlic bread
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 7g
(Values vary by shrimp size and seasoning.)
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp recipe proves that fast food can still be fresh, healthy, and delicious. With no thawing and minimal prep, it’s the perfect solution for last-minute meals or easy protein any night of the week.
Save it, print it, and share it you’ll come back to this one often.
FAQ
Can I cook shrimp straight from frozen?
Yes, the air fryer cooks frozen shrimp perfectly without thawing.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
They turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I use cooked frozen shrimp?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 4–5 minutes, just enough to heat through.
Do I need oil?
A small amount helps the seasoning stick and improves texture, but it’s optional.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the air fryer.