How to Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Butterfly Shrimp

Air frying has become one of the most popular cooking methods for making deliciously crispy foods without all the fat and calories of deep frying, It’s a great way to cook frozen butterfly shrimp so they turn out tender on the inside with an incredibly crispy coating,

If you want to learn how to make this easy appetizer or main dish that everyone will love, then keep reading. This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to make perfectly crispy air fryer frozen butterfly shrimp every time.

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Shrimp in an Air Fryer

Air frying is ideal for cooking frozen shrimp for a few key reasons:

• It cooks food quickly with hot air circulating all around the shrimp. This allows the shrimp to heat evenly and prevents overcooking.

• You only need a small amount of oil to lightly coat the shrimp. This gives you that delicious crunch without adding a ton of extra fat and calories.

• The constant flow of air makes the shrimp’s breading extremely crispy and crunchy. It mimics the texture of deep fried shrimp without the grease.

• Frozen shrimp cooks up just as tasty as fresh in the air fryer. There’s no need to thaw it first.

• Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in the basket. You avoid the splatter and mess of pan frying.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Shrimp in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple tips for perfect air fryer frozen shrimp every time:

• Use raw frozen shrimp that is peeled, deveined, and butterfly cut. This ensures even cooking.

• Opt for shrimp that is either breaded or battered. Plain shrimp may dry out.

• Air fry shrimp in batches for best results. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

• Flip the shrimp halfway during cooking so both sides get crispy and golden brown.

• Spritz shrimp with a light coating of oil before air frying. This enhances browning.

• Adjust cook times based on the size of your shrimp. Larger shrimp need a few more minutes.

• Use tongs to carefully flip and remove shrimp. Air fryer baskets get very hot.

Step-by-Step Guide for Air Fryer Frozen Butterfly Shrimp

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for perfect air fryer frozen butterfly shrimp:

Ingredients Needed

• Frozen butterfly shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined)
• Cooking oil spray
• Seasonings of choice (Cajun, lemon pepper, etc.)

Prep the Shrimp

• Remove desired amount of frozen shrimp from freezer. Do not thaw.
• Place shrimp in a single layer on paper towels. Do not overcrowd.
• Spray shrimp lightly on all sides with cooking oil.

Set Up Air Fryer

• Pre-heat air fryer to 400°F.
• Grease or spray air fryer basket lightly with oil.

Air Fry the Shrimp

• Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
• Air fry for 5 minutes at 400°F.
• Remove basket and flip shrimp using tongs.
• Air fry for 3-5 more minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Finish and Serve

• Remove crispy shrimp from air fryer and place in serving dish.

• Season with salt, pepper, cajun seasoning or other seasonings as desired.

• Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

• Enjoy on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces!

Cooking Times for Air Fryer Shrimp

Air fryer cooking times can vary based on the model you have, but here are general guidelines:

• Medium Shrimp (36-45 per pound): 8 minutes total
• Large Shrimp (26-35 per pound): 10 minutes total
• Jumbo Shrimp (16-25 per pound): 12 minutes total

Always check for doneness and adjust cooking times if needed. Shrimp should have an internal temperature of 145°F when done.

Delicious Pairings for Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp

Your crispy air fried shrimp taste great served on their own, but here are some delicious pairings to try:

• Cocktail or tartar sauce for dipping
• Lemon wedges
• Melted garlic herb butter for dipping or drizzling on top
• Spicy marinara sauce for dipping
• Crisp lettuce wraps or tacos
• Remoulade, aioli or spicy mayo sauce
• Rice pilaf or risotto
• Sauteed vegetables like zucchini and squash
• Pasta salad or potato salad

The possibilities are endless for how to serve your easy air fryer shrimp. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer or entree perfect for any occasion.

Common Questions About Air Frying Frozen Shrimp

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making frozen shrimp in an air fryer:

How long do you cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer?

Cook times range from 8-12 minutes depending on size of shrimp. Larger shrimp need a few more minutes.

Can you put frozen shrimp directly in the air fryer?

Yes, shrimp can go directly from freezer to air fryer without thawing first.

Should you flip shrimp during air frying?

It’s recommended to flip shrimp halfway during cooking to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides.

What temperature do you cook shrimp in an air fryer?

Cook at 400°F for best results when air frying frozen shrimp.

How do you know when shrimp is done in the air fryer?

Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns opaque in color and is lightly golden brown on the outside.

Do you have to spray the shrimp with oil before air frying?

A light coating of oil helps enhance browning and crisping but is not required.

Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Shrimp at Home

Cooking frozen shrimp in an air fryer makes it taste like you ordered take-out. It gives you that satisfying crunch without much effort or constant monitoring at the stove.

In just 10 minutes or less, you can enjoy a tasty batch of perfectly cooked crispy shrimp. It’s sure to become a new go-to in your dinner rotation.

So next time you get a craving for seafood, give this easy air fryer frozen butterfly shrimp recipe a try! Your family will be amazed at the quick, crispy, and delicious results.