Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen pre cooked shrimp. With just a few minutes in the air fryer, you can heat up those frozen shrimp from the freezer and have a tasty appetizer or main dish ready in no time. But exactly how long should you cook already cooked shrimp in the air fryer to get ideal results?
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Shrimp Cook Time
There are a few key factors that determine the exact air fryer cook time needed for pre cooked shrimp:
-
Size of the shrimp – Smaller shrimp will cook faster than jumbo or colossal shrimp, Adjust time accordingly,
-
Frozen vs, thawed – Frozen shrimp will take longer to heat through than thawed shrimp,
-
Quantity – Don’t overcrowd the air fryer, Cook shrimp in batches for even cooking,
-
Air fryer model – Times can vary based on the size and power of different models.
-
Desired doneness – Cook longer for very hot shrimp or less for just heated through.
Recommended Cook Times for Pre Cooked Shrimp
Taking these factors into account, here are the approximate air fryer cook times to use for frozen pre cooked shrimp:
-
Small or medium shrimp, frozen – 3 to 4 minutes at 400°F
-
Small or medium shrimp, thawed – 2 to 3 minutes at 400°F
-
Jumbo or colossal shrimp, frozen – 4 to 5 minutes at 400°F
-
Jumbo or colossal shrimp, thawed – 3 to 4 minutes at 400°F
For raw shrimp, add 1 to 2 minutes to the cook times above. Always check for doneness and cook longer if needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for cooking already cooked shrimp in the air fryer:
-
Pre heat air fryer to 400°F.
-
Pat thawed shrimp dry. Separate any frozen shrimp.
-
Toss shrimp with a tablespoon of oil or melted butter and seasonings.
-
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
-
Cook using the recommended times above, checking frequently.
-
When shrimp are hot and lightly golden, remove from air fryer and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some top tips to ensure your air fried pre cooked shrimp turn out perfectly:
-
Use a light coating of oil or butter – This helps the shrimp heat evenly.
-
Season the shrimp before air frying – Try Old Bay, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning.
-
Don’t overfill the air fryer – Cook shrimp in batches if needed.
-
Give a quick shake halfway through – This helps shrimp cook evenly.
-
Check early and often – Shrimp overcooks quickly.
-
Rest cooked shrimp briefly before serving – This allows heat to evenly distribute.
More Delicious Ways to Use Air Fried Shrimp
Once you’ve mastered the simple art of heating up pre cooked shrimp in the air fryer, here are some tasty ways to use them:
-
Shrimp tacos or burritos – Top with pico de gallo, avocado, cotija cheese.
-
Shrimp salad – Toss with lettuce, tomato, lemon vinaigrette.
-
Shrimp appetizer – Serve with cocktail or remoulade sauce.
-
Shrimp sandwiches – Layer on brioche buns with tartar sauce.
-
Shrimp pasta – Toss with linguine, garlic, olive oil, parmesan.
-
Shrimp skewers – Alternate with vegetables, pineapple.
-
Garlic butter shrimp – Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, herbs.
The possibilities are endless! Air frying makes easy work of preparing delicious shrimp recipes any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when pre cooked shrimp is done in the air fryer?
Check shrimp at the shorter end of the cook time range. They are done when hot throughout and lightly golden brown. The meat will become opaque.
Can you cook raw shrimp in an air fryer?
Yes, raw shrimp works well in the air fryer. Just add 1 to 2 minutes to the cook times recommended for pre cooked shrimp. Check frequently for doneness.
Is it okay to cook frozen shrimp directly in the air fryer?
Cooking frozen shrimp in the air fryer works well. Just be sure to separate any stuck together pieces first. And allow a few extra minutes of cook time.
What temperature should you cook shrimp at in an air fryer?
400°F is ideal for air frying shrimp. This allows the exterior to quickly get hot and slightly crispy while heating the interior.
Get Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Shrimp Every Time
Cooking pre cooked shrimp in the air fryer is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare this tasty seafood. In just a few minutes, you can heat frozen shrimp to perfection. Keep these air fryer shrimp cook times and tips in mind for tender, deliciously golden results. Then get ready to enjoy your favorite shrimp dishes on busy weeknights!
More Delicious Recipes to Try with Your Air Fryer
Once youve mastered using your air fryer to cook pre-cooked shrimp, the culinary possibilities expand tremendously. The Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad is a bright and fresh meal. It has crispy shrimp, creamy avocado, and a tangy dressing. When you want something a little spicy, the Spicy Shrimp Salad with Air Fryer Shrimp is a great choice. The spices blend beautifully with the crispiness of the air-fried shrimp, making it a must-try. If you like hearty sandwiches, the Air Fryer Shrimp PoBoy Sandwich is a great choice. Each bite has a great crunch that goes well with the soft bread and fresh ingredients. The air fryer method is used in all of these recipes to make the shrimp taste and texture better, so you can be sure of a delicious meal every time. Like to talk about or have questions about cooking already-cooked shrimp in an air fryer? Join the conversation in the
Mastering the Art of Cooking Pre Cooked Shrimp in Your Air Fryer
Happy shrimp lovers! If you want a quick and tasty meal, your air fryer is the only thing you need. With just a few easy steps, you can turn shrimp that has already been cooked into a dish that will make your mouth water.