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.
Crispy panko breaded shrimp is a favorite appetizer for good reason – the combo of the tender shrimp inside and the crunchy panko coating outside is irresistible! While deep frying is the traditional cooking method, using an air fryer is a healthier and easier alternative with equally delicious results.
But when it comes to air frying frozen pre-breaded panko shrimp from the grocery store how long do you actually cook them for? I tested cooking times extensively to determine the ideal air fryer duration to achieve perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
In this article, I’ll share my tips for cooking frozen panko shrimp in the air fryer, including:
- Suggested cook times based on shrimp size
- How to tell when the shrimp are fully cooked
- Helpful tips for crispy, evenly cooked results
- Flavor ideas to take your air fried shrimp to the next level
With my time-tested method you’ll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality crispy panko shrimp at home with your air fryer!
Air Fryer Cook Time for Frozen Panko Shrimp
Cooking frozen pre-breaded panko shrimp in the air fryer is quick and convenient. The circulating hot air crisps up the coating and cooks the shrimp at the same time.
After testing various cook times, here is what I found to be the ideal air fryer duration for frozen panko shrimp:
- Small shrimp (16-20 count): 7-9 minutes
- Medium shrimp (21-25 count): 8-10 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (16/20 count): 10-12 minutes
I recommend cooking the shrimp at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. Always check a few shrimp for doneness before removing from the air fryer.
The cooking range accounts for differences in the wattage of air fryer models. Start with the lower time, and add 1-2 minutes more if needed.
How to Tell When Shrimp are Cooked Through
It can be difficult to tell if shrimp are fully cooked just by looking. Here are a few ways to test doneness:
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Use an instant read thermometer to check temperature – shrimp are done at 145°F.
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Cut into a shrimp to check the interior – it should be opaque throughout.
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Check the breading – it will turn from pale to golden brown when finished cooking.
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Listen for a crispy, crackling sound when shrimp are shaken.
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The shrimp will become firm when fully cooked.
Checking the internal temperature is the most reliable method. But the more you make this recipe, the better sense you’ll have of visual and textural signs of doneness when air frying.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked, Crispy Shrimp
Follow these tips for evenly cooked panko shrimp with a perfectly crisped coating:
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Make sure shrimp are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
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Lightly spray shrimp with oil before air frying.
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Flip shrimp halfway during cooking time.
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Don’t overload the basket – cook in batches for best results.
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Use a light hand when breading shrimp to prevent a thick coating.
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Pat off any excess moisture from shrimp before breading.
Fun Flavor Ideas and Dipping Sauces
While plain air fried panko shrimp is delicious on its own, there are so many possibilities for added flavor:
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Season shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, or Italian seasoning before breading.
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Use flavored panko varieties like garlic panko.
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Mix in a bit of grated parmesan or pecorino cheese into the panko.
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Drizzle shrimp with melted garlic butter after cooking.
Serve your crispy air fried panko shrimp with:
- Lemon wedges
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Sweet chili sauce
- Honey mustard sauce
The options are endless! Use your favorite seasonings and dipping sauces to customize these crispy shrimp to suit your tastes.
Enjoy Restaurant-Worthy Shrimp at Home
With the proper timing, your air fryer can produce shrimp that rivals your favorite restaurant appetizers in terms of texture and flavor. Now you know exactly how long to cook frozen panko shrimp to achieve that crunchy panko coating and tender, juicy shrimp interior.
I recommend starting with the lower end of the time range provided, and adding a minute or two more if your shrimp need it. In no time, you’ll have this air fryer recipe memorized!
Let your air fryer do the work to deliver perfectly crispy, mess-free shrimp that your family and friends will devour. Ditch the deep fryer and enjoy lighter, healthier panko shrimp that taste just as delicious thanks to your air fryer.
More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
If you loved this crispy ‘fried’ breaded shrimp recipe, check out some of my other air fryer recipes!
These are my favorite main dish recipes:
Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Shrimp
People are always telling me what I should look for to cook in the air fryer, and I think I have found something good. I’ve tried so many things; from sweet potatoes to hamburgers to air fried french toast!.
This time, I’m calling all you seafood lovers out there. Fried shrimp is now my favorite way to cook an old favorite. If you don’t have an air fryer, click here to see the one I recommend.
This air fryer shrimp recipe is amazing and incredibly simple to make. All you need is one thing: frozen breaded shrimp. That’s it!.
You can buy breaded shrimp online or use any brand of frozen shrimp. They always turn out great and are ready in less than 10 minutes. No need to thaw!.
However, if you really want to make them from scratch, you can coat shrimp in egg and roll them in bread crumbs.
If you are trying to stay low-carb, you should try cooking this frozen shrimp in the air fryer (no breading needed!)
Don’t like shrimp? You should give this crispy breaded fish a taste. Tender fish fillet with a delicious crispy exterior… to die for!.
CRUNCHY Air Fryer Shrimp (100% as Delicious as Fried Shrimp!)
How to cook frozen Panko shrimp in air fryer?
Seasonings: I added a lolot of seasonings that you can use, you can also use salt, and black pepper, depending on if you are using seasoned panko. Place the frozen Costco panko shrimp into the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F, for 8 to 12 minutes, flip halfway during ht cooking process.
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.
How long to cook butterfly shrimp in air fryer?
If you are cooking frozen butterfly shrimp the cook time is 7-9 minutes for 10-15 shrimp. How many you are cooking depends on how big your air fryer is. When you are cooking butterfly shrimp they must be in a single layer. Do not defrost them. You want them to be solid frozen when you put them in the air fryer. Single layer.
Can You air Fry Kirkland Panko shrimp?
Instructions on how to air fry Kirkland brand Panko Shrimp from the frozen section at your local Costco store. One of my favorite things are my air fryer and Costco. In the summer time I especially love my air fryer as it keeps me from having to turn on the oven and heating up the kitchen.