How Long to Cook Butterfly Shrimp in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Crispy Results

Air fryers have become an incredibly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make deliciously crispy foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more using little to no oil One of my personal favorite things to make in the air fryer is butterfly shrimp! The air fryer gives the shrimp an unbeatably crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

But when it comes to air frying shrimp, a common question is how long do you need to cook butterfly shrimp in an air fryer to achieve ideal doneness? The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the wattage of your particular model of air fryer. However, I’ve tested this recipe extensively in my own air fryer, and have narrowed down a reliable cook time that results in perfect shrimp every single time

In this article I’ll share my tips and tricks for cooking butterfly shrimp in the air fryer including

• The ideal internal temperature and doneness to look for
• How long on average you should cook butterfly shrimp based on testing
• Helpful tips to ensure evenly cooked shrimp
• How to tell when the shrimp is done
• Delicious seasoning ideas and serving suggestions

After reading this guide, you’ll feel confident that you know exactly how long to air fry butterfly shrimp to crispy, mouthwatering perfection. Let’s get started!

What is the Ideal Internal Temperature for Cooked Shrimp?

When cooking any type of shrimp, it’s important to cook it to an internal temperature that destroys bacteria, but doesn’t result in overcooked, rubbery shrimp.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this temperature, the shrimp is fully cooked through and safe to eat.

If you cook shrimp to a higher internal temperature, around 155-165°F, the texture will become unpleasantly tough and chewy. So for tender, juicy shrimp, 145°F is ideal.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Butterfly Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

I’ve tested cooking butterfly shrimp multiple times in my air fryer, using an instant read thermometer to carefully monitor the internal temperature.

On average, it takes approximately 7-10 minutes to cook butterfly shrimp in an air fryer to reach an internal temperature of 145°F, depending on the size of your shrimp.

I recommend checking the temperature after 6 minutes, then cooking longer if needed in 1 minute increments, until the desired doneness is reached.

Here are some more specific cook times based on shrimp size:

• Small butterfly shrimp (16-20 count): 6-8 minutes
• Medium butterfly shrimp (21-25 count): 7-9 minutes
• Jumbo butterfly shrimp (16/20 count): 9-11 minutes

These times are based on air frying the shrimp at 400°F, which I’ve found to be the ideal temperature for achieving a crispy breaded coating on the outside.

Tips for Evenly Cooked Air Fryer Shrimp

To ensure your shrimp cooks evenly from edge to edge, follow these tips:

• Make sure shrimp are spread in a single layer – This allows air flow on all sides. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

• Flip shrimp halfway through – This exposes both sides directly to the circulating hot air for even crisping.

• Brush shrimp with oil – The small amount of oil helps facilitate browning. You can also spritz the air fryer basket with oil before adding the shrimp.

• Use a light breadcrumb coating – Too thick of a coating can insulate the shrimp and lead to undercooking. A light coating ensures proper heat transfer.

How to Tell When Butterfly Shrimp is Done

It can be tricky to tell when shrimp is fully cooked through just by looking. Here are a few ways to test doneness:

• Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature, as mentioned above. This is the most reliable method.

• Cut into the thickest part of a shrimp – The interior should be opaque throughout with no translucent portions.

• Check breading texture – The coating will transition from pale and soft to golden brown and crispy when done.

• Listen for audible cues – Properly cooked shrimp will sound crispy and crackly when you remove the basket from the air fryer.

Once you’ve cooked shrimp in the air fryer a few times, you’ll get a better sense of exact timing and visual cues for your particular model.

Delicious Seasonings and Serving Suggestions

While plain air fried shrimp is delicious all on its own, there are so many ways to add flavor. Before breading, try seasoning your butterfly shrimp with any of the following:

• Lemon pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder and paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning

Then, serve your crispy air fried shrimp with:

• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce
• Tartar sauce
• Remoulade
• Ranch dressing
• Hot sauce

Crispy air fried shrimp also pair well in lettuce wraps, tacos, pasta dishes, and more!

The options are endless for such a versatile ingredient.

Let’s Get Crispy Shrimp in Your Air Fryer!

With the right time and temperature guidelines, you’ll be rewarded with shrimp that is crispy and golden brown on the outside, while still moist and tender inside.

So grab your favorite bag of frozen shrimp from the freezer and your favorite air fryer seasoning blend. Let’s get cooking some deliciously crispy, mess-free shrimp without breaking out the deep fryer!