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The Ultimate No-Thaw Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Recipe: Juicy, Crispy & Ready in 15 Minutes

A white bowl filled with perfectly cooked air fryer frozen shrimp seasoned with black pepper and herbs.

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Cook frozen shrimp straight from the freezer in your air fryer for a quick, satisfying meal. This method yields juicy, tender shrimp with crispy edges in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound frozen raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, medium or large size)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Take the frozen shrimp directly from the freezer bag. You do not need to thaw them.
  2. Place the frozen shrimp in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat lightly.
  3. In a small dish, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning, if using.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the oiled shrimp and toss again until the shrimp are evenly coated.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius). This step is important for even cooking.
  6. Place the seasoned frozen shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to achieve crispiness.
  7. Air fry for 8 minutes.
  8. Open the basket, shake well, and continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly crispy on the edges. Total cook time is usually 11 to 13 minutes.
  9. Remove immediately and serve as a quick dinner or fast frozen appetizer.

Notes

  • For best results and maximum crispiness, avoid overlapping the shrimp in the air fryer basket.
  • If you prefer a garlic butter flavor, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and toss the cooked shrimp in it immediately after removing them from the air fryer.
  • This method works well for adding to air fryer shrimp tacos or salads.

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