If you love shrimp, you HAVE to try this recipe. You will really enjoy cooking this frozen shrimp in the air fryer. The outside is very salty and crispy, and it gives the shrimp a nice bite. And when you pair it with the perfect dipping sauce you’ll have no regrets whatsoever.
Air frying has become one of the most popular ways to cook shrimp quickly and easily while achieving a deliciously crispy texture. When it comes to butterfly shrimp, air frying allows you to skip the mess and hassle of deep frying while still getting that satisfying crunch we all crave.
But knowing exactly how long to air fry butterfly shrimp can be tricky. Undercook them, and they’ll be soggy and limp. Cook them too long, and you’ll end up with shrivelled, rubbery shrimp. The cooking time can vary based on the size of your air fryer and the size of the shrimp.
After testing different cook times, I’ve narrowed down the ideal air fryer cooking time for juicy, tender shrimp encased in a perfectly crispy coating. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to master air frying butterfly shrimp.
Why Air Fry Butterfly Shrimp?
Air frying has so many advantages when it comes to cooking shrimp
-
It provides an easy, mess-free way to achieve the crispy crunch of deep-fried shrimp without all the oil
-
The rapid, circulating heat of an air fryer cooks food quickly, meaning your shrimp is ready in 10 minutes or less. No more waiting around for the oven to preheat!
-
Butterfly shrimp cooks more evenly in an air fryer thanks to the hot air circulating around it from all sides.
-
Minimal oil is needed when air frying Just a light mist of oil gives you all the crispiness without any of the guilt!
-
Clean-up after air frying shrimp is so easy since there’s no messy oil splatters.
For these reasons, air frying is absolutely my preferred method for cooking butterfly shrimp.
How Long Should You Air Fry Butterfly Shrimp?
When it comes to getting the texture just right, cook time is critical. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
-
Small butterfly shrimp (4-6 shrimp per pound): Cook for 5-7 minutes at 400°F.
-
Medium butterfly shrimp (16-20 shrimp per pound): Cook for 7-9 minutes at 400°F.
-
Jumbo butterfly shrimp (6-10 shrimp per pound): Cook for 8-10 minutes at 400°F.
These times are based on shrimp that has been thawed if using frozen. I don’t recommend cooking shrimp directly from the frozen state, as it alters the texture.
Always check for doneness before removing the shrimp from the air fryer. The coating should be golden brown and the shrimp meat should be opaque throughout. To check for opacity, cut into one of the shrimp to inspect the interior.
Tips for Air Frying Butterfly Shrimp
Follow these tips to take your air fried shrimp from great to spectacular:
-
Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between each shrimp so air can properly circulate around them. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.
-
Use a light coating of oil: Mist the shrimp with olive oil or spray with cooking spray before air frying. The oil helps the breading get ultra crispy.
-
Bread them evenly: Make sure shrimp are evenly coated in breadcrumbs or batter. Patchy areas lead to soggy spots.
-
Flip halfway: Flip the shrimp over about halfway through the cook time for evenly golden results.
-
Keep cook time the same: Don’t increase cook time for more shrimp. Just cook smaller batches to avoid overcrowding.
-
Check for doneness: Always cut into a shrimp to inspect that the inside is opaque, not translucent.
-
Let rest briefly: Let the cooked shrimp rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.
Coating and Breading Options
One of the fun parts about cooking butterfly shrimp is choosing how to coat or bread them before air frying. Here are some tasty options:
-
Plain breadcrumbs: Classic and simple, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
-
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese style breadcrumbs that get ultra crispy.
-
Cracker meal: Crushed saltine crackers create a crispy, salty coating.
-
Cornflake crumbs: Crushed cornflakes bring sweet crunchiness.
-
Tempura batter: Light and crispy Japanese-style batter.
-
Beer batter: Frothy batter made with beer for lighter texture.
-
Flavored breadcrumbs: Try lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, ranch, etc.
-
Floured: For a delicate crunch, coat in flour, then egg, then more flour.
No matter which coating you choose, keeping the shrimp from being overcrowded and cooking at 400°F for the recommended time for the size of your shrimp will set you up for crispy, juicy success!
Now that you know exactly how long to cook butterfly shrimp in the air fryer, you can enjoy this quick and easy fried shrimp recipe anytime. Say goodbye to disappointing results and dive into perfectly crispy, tender shrimp popped straight from your air fryer to your plate. Bon appétit!
How To Make Frozen Breaded Shrimp In The Air Fryer
Place the frozen breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
After the 8 minutes are up, check the shrimp for crispiness.
If they need more time, cook them for three minutes at a time until they are done (the exact time will depend on the size and number of shrimp).
What To Serve With Breaded Shrimp
With breaded shrimp, I like to serve them with a sauce that really brings out the flavor of the shrimp. For example, I like to serve baked salmon with this creamy garlic yogurt dill sauce.
These are some of the other dipping sauces I like to add to the rotation:
- Cocktail Sauce is an old-fashioned spicy dip for shrimp. So good!.
- Nice Definitely one of my go-to’s.
- Tzatziki Sauce—This smooth dipping sauce goes well with the crunchy shrimp.
If you want to eat the air-fried shrimp as a meal, I suggest you pair it with cilantro lime rice and some roasted asparagus spears. It’s a perfectly balanced meal!.
Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp | Crispy Butterfly Shrimp | Air Fryer Frozen Section |
How long to cook frozen butterfly shrimp in air fryer?
The cooking time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, but as a general guideline, you can cook frozen butterfly shrimp in an air fryer for about 8-10 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen butterfly shrimp?
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Do you flip butterfly shrimp in an air fryer?
It is not necessary to flip the butterfly shrimp when using an air fryer. These appliances circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and a crisp exterior without the need for flipping. Can I use oil to enhance the flavor and texture of the butterfly shrimp?
How long do you cook breaded shrimp in an air fryer?
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Cook the shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness.