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Make this Seapak popcorn shrimp air fryer recipe in 6-8 minutes at an air fryer temperature of 400F (200C). Flip the shrimp or shake the air fryer basket after 4 minutes of air frying time. This is how you air fry popcorn shrimp that are deliciously crispy without thawing or preheating the air fryer. Use this easy recipe to air fry Seapak popcorn shrimp, make Gorton’s popcorn shrimp in the air fryer, or your favorite brand.
Let’s make frozen popcorn shrimp in the air fryer! This recipe works for breaded popcorn shrimp. You could also air fry frozen butterfly shrimp, jumbo breaded shrimp, or shrimp tempura by adding a few minutes to air frying time.
The air fryer is seriously the best way to make popcorn shrimp crispy and golden brown. Plus, you can air fry Great Value breaded shrimp poppers, SeaPak shrimp, Gorton’s popcorn shrimp, and other shrimp bites in less time than it takes to preheat the oven. If you’re hungry now, there’s no need to wait!
🍤 Seapak Popcorn Shrimp Air Fryer
Wondering how to cook Seapak popcorn shrimp in air fryer? Here are step-by-step instructions for cooking frozen Seapak shrimp in an air fryer:
How to Air Fry Popcorn Shrimp
- Remove 6 ounces (170g) of shrimp from the box. Put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or air fryer tray. (Use the top rack if you have an air fryer oven.)
- Air fry popcorn shrimp for 4 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200C). (No preheat needed!) Then flip them and air fry an additional 2-4 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure popcorn shrimp is fully cooked to a minimum temp of 165F (74C). Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get a printable recipe card at the end of the post!
You can make air fryer Ninja Foodi Seapak popcorn shrimp, or use a Philips, Nuwave, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, Breville air fryer instead. Keep in mind that you may need to tweak the cooking time depending on the air fryer you use.
Some brands of frozen popcorn shrimp may benefit from spraying with oil spray before air frying. Most frozen breaded shrimp have enough oil in the breading that you don’t need to do this. Just get the shrimp and your favorite dipping sauce, and you should be good to go!
How long to cook frozen popcorn shrimp in an air fryer?
How long to air fry popcorn shrimp? What temperature do you air fry frozen breaded shrimp? It takes 6-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to air fry frozen popcorn shrimp.
⭐ What to Serve with Popcorn Shrimp
Here are (IMVHO) the best dips for popcorn shrimp:
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar sauce
- Ketchup
- Ranch dressing
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Honey mustard
Some other things you might want on hand besides shrimp dipping sauces are spices and quartered fresh lemons. A squeeze of lemon juice adds some brightness and ties everything together. Garlic powder, paprika, and salt and black pepper go well with practically everything.
Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp Side Dishes
Air fried popcorn shrimp works well as an appetizer or main course, and is perfect for shrimp tacos or shrimp po’ boys. Here are some of my favorite recipes for popcorn shrimp side dishes:
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Yellow Squash
- Jicama Fries Air Fryer Recipe
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
🌡️ Reheat Popcorn Shrimp in Air Fryer
Can you reheat frozen popcorn shrimp in an air fryer? Yes! Put your cold popcorn shrimp on an air fryer tray and reheat at 350F (177C) for about 3 minutes. Use the top rack position if you have an air fryer oven.
Leftover shrimp lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. I don’t recommend refreezing popcorn shrimp once it has been cooked. Just air fry what your family will eat!
FAQs
Is Seapak popcorn shrimp already cooked?
No, Seapak popcorn shrimp isn’t fully cooked. Most frozen popcorn shrimp is raw or partially cooked, with partially cooked breading.
How do you know when popcorn shrimp is done?
The best way to know whether popcorn shrimp is done is to use a meat thermometer. If it was partially cooked, it should reach a minimum safe internal temperature of 165F (74C). Raw shrimp and other seafood has a minimum safe temp of 145F (63C).
What are the Seapak popcorn shrimp cooking instructions?
The Seapak packaging recommends baking popcorn shrimp in an oven preheated to 450F (232C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. You can also make deep fried shrimp in oil heated to 350F (177C) for 2.5-2.75 minutes.
How do you cook Seapak shrimp in the microwave?
Don’t microwave popcorn shrimp for the best results! Microwaving popcorn shrimp is not recommended as the breading will become soggy, not crispy.
Can you cook frozen battered shrimp in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make air fryer battered shrimp too! If the frozen shrimp pieces are about the same size as breaded popcorn shrimp, the air frying times should be similar.
How to make popcorn shrimp in air fryer gluten-free?
To make air fryer frozen popcorn shrimp gluten-free, buy popcorn shrimp with gluten-free breading. I’ve seen gluten free frozen popcorn shrimp at Sam’s Club.
👩🏻🍳 Other Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes
Want more ways to cook shrimp in an air fryer? After you make this popcorn shrimp recipe, try one of these next:
Also, don’t miss this post on the Best Frozen Foods for the Air Fryer.
Watch How to Make It!
Seapak Popcorn Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe (Air Fry Popcorn Shrimp)
Ingredients
- 6 ounces frozen popcorn shrimp (170 grams; Gorton's shrimp or Seapak shrimp)
- dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Remove 6 ounces (170g) of shrimp from the box. Put them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or air fryer tray. (Use the top rack if you have an air fryer oven.)
- Air fry popcorn shrimp for 4 minutes at 400℉ (200℃). (No preheat needed!) Then flip them and air fry an additional 2-4 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure popcorn shrimp is fully cooked to a minimum temp of 165°F (74°C). Add additional air frying time if needed. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Is Seapak popcorn shrimp healthy? Yes and no. Most frozen breaded shrimp is more breading than shrimp, but it still helps you increase your intake of seafood. According to the general nutrition guidelines, adults are supposed to eat two servings of seafood each week, but most Americans don’t. Every little bit helps! That said, store-bought breaded frozen popcorn shrimp is an ultra-processed food. Making popcorn shrimp from scratch is likely a more nutritious option, but not realistic for many. Luckily, this Seapak shrimp air fryer recipe is fast, easy, and healthier than deep frying popcorn shrimp. The Seapak frozen popcorn shrimp I used provides 230 calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving. Per Cronometer, a 3-ounce serving of shrimp (no breading) provides 84 calories and 20 grams of protein. Shrimp without breading is a low-calorie lean protein. With the breaded popcorn shrimp, almost half the calories come from added fat. Additionally, you’re getting more calories from white flour in popcorn shrimp than you are from protein. You could save over 140 calories by choosing a serving of plain shrimp instead of breaded. The plain shrimp provides more filling protein too. No worries if you love popcorn shrimp though, it’s definitely possible to fit some “imperfect” food choices in an overall healthy diet. Hope you enjoy! Nutrition information is for 3 ounces (85g) of Seapak Popcorn Shrimp
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂