Are you craving a delicious shrimp dish but are short on time?
Well, why don’t you try popping a few frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
But wait, can you cook shrimp in an air fryer? Yes, you can!
It’s one of the easiest and quickest shrimp cooking methods there is.
Let’s also not forget about the fact that air frying is one of the healthiest cooking methods today because it can cut down calories by 70% to 80% because it uses less to no oil. (*)
But since the air fryer generation is just starting, you still need to know many things about cooking shrimp in the air fryer.
Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up all critical information (plus cooking tips) below, so keep on reading!
Can You Cook Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook shrimp in an air fryer. You can consider air fryer shrimp the easiest, most convenient, and quickest shrimp dish.
This cooking method is relatively fast because you can cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer! In addition, there’s no need to thaw the shrimp, so you can significantly reduce the preparation process.
Using an air fryer, you can have your shrimp frozen perfectly cooked on your table in less than 20 minutes. How amazing is that?
But does this apply to all types of shrimp? You can discover the answer below:
Yes, you can cook peeled shrimp in the air fryer. It’s the perfect option if you want shrimp dishes that are coated with different types of seasonings.
Can You Cook Frozen Shelled Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
But since the flesh is already exposed to the heat inside the air fryer, check it from time to time so it won’t turn into a rubbery mess.
Can You Cook Frozen Shell-on Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Cooking shrimps with their shells on is a good idea since the shell
provides an added layer of protection that keeps the moisture in.
This ensures that the shrimp stays soft and tender and prevents it from becoming dry or rubbery.
But of course, the cooking time should be extended for 1-2 minutes when cooking the shrimp with their shell on.
Can You Cook Breaded Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
If you love breaded shrimp dishes, you’ll be happy to know that you can cook them in the air fryer!
But, of course, we’re talking about frozen breaded shrimp items. So if you’re planning to make your own, freeze them before air frying them.
If you want to go down the more convenient route, it’s best to buy frozen breaded shrimp products at grocery stores.
How Long to Cook Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
The average cooking time for shrimps in an air fryer is around 6 to 10 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to flip the shrimps halfway through.
It will vary depending on the shrimp’s size and type. With that said, here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- The bigger the shrimp, the longer the cooking time.
- Pre-cooked shrimp will require a shorter cooking time—around 6 to 7 minutes.
- Breaded shrimp will require a longer cooking time—8 to 10 minutes.
The cooking time we’ve shared with you is just an estimate. You must check the shrimp from time to time to see if it’s already fully cooked. (*)
How to Cook Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
Here are some cooking tips to make sure that your air fryer shrimp will be a success:
First, arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
Next, cook all the shrimp in a single layer. If you have lots of shrimps to air fry, do so in batches.
This is important because stacking shrimps on each other won’t lead to uneven cooking.
Read the air fryer instructions.
Some air fryers would require that you coat the basket with cooking oil or use a cooking spray before adding the shrimp. Some don’t.
That’s why you should read the user manual first to know whether or not you should add oil.
Experiment with seasonings.
We all know that shrimps are delicious and won’t require too much seasonings. But let’s face it. Plain shrimps can become boring over time. That’s why you don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs so that you can jazz up your shrimp dishes.
Final Words
Can you cook shrimp in an air fryer? Yes, you can, and you should if you want to save time and effort! Not only that, but air frying is also healthier, so you should take advantage of this fantastic invention.
To make your air fryer shrimp recipes a success, make sure that you follow all our cooking tips. Don’t forget to check out our seasoning ideas too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reheat shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat shrimp in the air fryer.
To avoid overcooking them, reheat them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 5 minutes. Make sure to flip halfway through.
What seasonings can you use on air fryer shrimp?
The sky is the limit when it comes to air fryer shrimp seasonings! You can get as creative as you want to, but here are a few tried-and-tested options:
- Old Bay Seasoning,
- Cajun,
- Italian Seasoning,
- Cumin or Smoked Paprika (for a boost of flavor),
- Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder (for a dose of heat),
- Fresh Herbs (Dill, Cilantro, and Parsley),
- Butter, Lemon, and Garlic,
- and many more.
What breaded shrimp recipes can you cook in an air fryer?
As long as they are frozen, you can cook just about any breaded shrimp recipe in the air fryer. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Butterfly shrimp,
- Popcorn shrimp,
- Beer-battered shrimp,
- and breaded shrimp (with breadcrumbs).
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