Unlock the Deliciousness: How to Cook Raw Shrimp to Perfection in Your Ninja Foodi

As a proud owner of the versatile Ninja Foodi, you have an amazing cooking appliance at your fingertips that can help you prepare restaurant-quality meals right in your own kitchen. One of the many things the Ninja Foodi excels at is cooking succulent, flavorful shrimp that will wow your family and friends.

In this article I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook raw shrimp in the Ninja Foodi to juicy tender perfection every time. From choosing the right shrimp to mastering cooking techniques, you’ll gain the skills to unlock the full potential of your Ninja Foodi and enjoy delicious shrimp dishes anytime. Let’s get started!

Why the Ninja Foodi is Great for Cooking Shrimp

With its pressure cooking capability advanced crisping lid and range of smart programs, the Ninja Foodi allows you to achieve perfect doneness for shrimp while infusing maximum flavor. Here are some key advantages

• Retains moisture: The pressurized environment gently cooks the shrimp, sealing in moisture and preventing overcooking.

• Intense flavor infusion: Cooking under pressure forces seasonings and marinades to penetrate deep into the shrimp.

• Crispy texture: The air fry setting lets you finish shrimp with an incredibly crispy, crunchy exterior.

• Versatility: You can pressure cook, air fry, broil, bake, or roast shrimp all in one pot.

• Convenience: With its helpful programs, the Ninja Foodi delivers consistent, fuss-free shrimp every time.

Choosing the Best Shrimp for Cooking

Not all shrimp are created equal! Here are some tips for selecting shrimp that will shine when cooked in the Ninja Foodi:

• Size: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp. Bigger shrimp hold up better to cooking and have a nice presentation.

• Shell state: Peeled and deveined shrimp streamline prep. But shell-on shrimp can infuse more flavor.

• Fresh or frozen: Both work! Make sure frozen shrimp are thawed before cooking.

• Raw vs. cooked: Raw shrimp deliver superior texture and absorb more flavor. Avoid pre-cooked.

• Sustainably caught: Choose wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp when possible.

Ninja Foodi Shrimp Cooking Time Chart

Shrimp cook quickly in the Ninja Foodi. Follow these pressure cooking time guidelines based on size:

Shrimp Size	Cook Time
Colossal	1-2 minutes
Jumbo	2 minutes
Large	3 minutes
Medium	4 minutes

Adjust cooking times up for extra-large or shell-on shrimp. For air frying or broiling, cook just until shrimp turn opaque, about 5-8 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Raw Shrimp

Ready to cook some amazing shrimp in your Ninja Foodi? Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Your Shrimp

• Peel, devein, and dry raw shrimp if needed. Leave shell on for more flavor (increase cook time a bit).
• Pat shrimp dry so they brown nicely later.
• Season shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cajun seasoning, or other spices.

2. Preheat the Ninja Foodi

• Select the Pressure Cook or Air Fry/Air Crisp function.
• Set temperature to 350°F – 400°F.
• Allow 5 minutes for preheating.

3. Cook the Shrimp

• Place shrimp in a single layer in the pot or basket. Don’t overcrowd.
• Pressure cook for recommended time based on size. Quick release pressure after cooking.
• For crispy air fried shrimp, cook at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Finish and Serve

• Toss shrimp with extra seasonings, glaze, or sauce if desired.
• Enjoy shrimp on their own, in tacos, over salad or pasta, and more!

And that’s it! In just a few minutes, you can enjoy tender and flavorful restaurant-quality shrimp cooked right in your multifunctional Ninja Foodi.

Handy Tips for Shrimp Success

• Don’t crowd the pot. Cook shrimp in batches for even cooking.
• Brush raw shrimp with oil before air frying for extra crispy results.
• Freeze extras to use later in fried rice, pasta, soups, etc.
• Mix up flavor profiles – cajun, lemon pepper, Mediterranean, garlic butter, and more!
• For easy shell removal after cooking, use shell-on shrimp.

Must-Try Ninja Foodi Shrimp Recipes

Ready to put your shrimp cooking skills to work? Here are some mouthwatering Ninja Foodi shrimp recipes to try:

Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy fried shrimp doused in a sweet, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. This crowd-pleaser is made for dipping!

Shrimp Boil

All the flavors of a classic Louisiana shrimp boil cooked in the pot – shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes steeped in a seasoned broth.

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Spicy blackened shrimp meets soft tortillas, avocado, cotija cheese, and quick pickled onions for an amazing taco night.

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Plump shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning come together in a hearty, saucy pasta dish.

Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Buttery garlic shrimp on top of rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and pasta. Comfort food at its finest!

Shrimp Fried Rice

Takeout-worthy shrimp fried rice made quick in the Ninja Foodi, stuffed with veggies, shrimp, eggs, and sesame oil.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Bright lemony shrimp sautéed in herb garlic butter makes an easy, impressive meal any night of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Shrimp in the Ninja Foodi

Can you cook frozen shrimp in the Ninja Foodi?

Yes, you can cook frozen shrimp directly in the Ninja Foodi! Just add a minute or two to the cook time. Thawing first isn’t necessary.

Should you thaw shrimp before cooking in the Ninja Foodi?

For best results, thaw frozen shrimp before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking. But for convenience, frozen shrimp can go straight into the pot.

Is it better to cook shrimp with shells on in the Ninja Foodi?

Shells-on shrimp will have a little more flavor, but peeled shrimp are easier to eat. Either way works, just adjust cook times slightly up for shells.

How long does it take to cook raw shrimp in the Ninja Foodi?

Cook times range from 1-4 minutes depending on size. Jumbo shrimp take about 2 minutes, large around 3 minutes. Adjust as needed.

Can you pressure cook and then air fry shrimp in the Ninja Foodi?

Absolutely! Pressure cook shrimp first to lock in moisture and flavor. Then air fry to get that crispy, golden exterior. Delicious!

Enjoy Endlessly Delicious Shrimp with Your Ninja Foodi

Get creative with seasonings and sauces, try new shrimp recipes, and enjoy this seafood staple in delicious new ways with your Foodi. Your friends and family will be so impressed by the restaurant-worthy shrimp you can easily turn out thanks to the Ninja Foodi’s incredible versatility and performance. Happy shrimp cooking!