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With my easy air fryer jumbo shrimp directions, you can cook frozen shrimp without thawing! Air fryer shrimp are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or appetizer. All you need is shrimp and your favorite dipping sauce for a high protein main dish that’s low carb, keto, low calorie, and gluten free. It’s a great option when you want something quick and delicious!
Making air fried raw frozen shrimp is such a simple idea, I wondered if it were even worth posting. I mean, with one ingredient, this is barely a recipe.
However, these are the kind of ideas that people use most. When you don’t have 1-2 hours for dinner, 10 minutes to air fry shrimp is a lot more realistic on a busy weeknight.
Think of this article on how to cook frozen raw shrimp as both a tutorial and a flexible dinner idea. Add some bagged salad or other veggies, and you’ve got yourself a fast, nutritious meal.
🛒 Air Fryer Shrimp Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need for my jumbo shrimp air fryer “recipe”:
- 12-ounce bag of frozen shrimp (340g)
- Dipping sauce of choice
You don’t even need cooking oil spray! I tested both peeled, deveined, tail-on raw shrimp and shell-on shrimp, and I prefer shell-on shrimp for air frying since the shells help to keep the shrimp from drying out. That said, peeled shrimp will work here too.
Shrimp size impacts air fryer cook time. Frozen shrimp are labeled with a count per pound, like “26/30” (extra large or jumbo), meaning 26–30 shrimp per pound. Extra large, jumbo, and colossal shrimp are great for dipping, but smaller ones are usually cheaper and may cook more evenly.
If your air fryer is smaller than mine, you may need to air fry shrimp in batches.
🍤 How to Make Air Fryer Jumbo Shrimp
Gently separate any frozen shrimp that are sticking together. If you can’t pull them apart with your fingers, put them in a bowl of cool water to release them. Pat them dry and put the shrimp in the air fryer basket.
For jumbo or extra large shrimp (26/30), air fry at 400F (200C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Use the top rack if you have an air fryer oven. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note: Smaller shrimp cook faster, so start checking at 5 minutes. Colossal shrimp (11/15) may need a few extra minutes. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can turn rubbery.
How to air fry cooked frozen shrimp?
Try cooking the shrimp for half of the time listed in this recipe. For example, raw frozen 26/30 shrimp should air fry for 8-10 minutes. Try air frying cooked frozen 26/30 shrimp for only 5 minutes.
🦐 Air Fryer Shrimp Tips
Per the USDA, cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145F (63C). A meat thermometer makes this easy to check.
To make frozen breaded shrimp in the air fryer (such as Gorton’s or Seapak butterfly shrimp), preheat your air fryer to 390F (200C). Air fry frozen breaded shrimp for 5-8 minutes. Use the top rack if you have an air fryer oven.
Air Fryer Shrimp Storage
Store cooked shrimp leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Chilled leftover shrimp is delicious with dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce, guacamole, or this gluten free sweet and sour sauce. To reheat shrimp, air fry at 350F (177C) for 2-3 minutes.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Jumbo Shrimp (Frozen Shrimp Recipe)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces raw frozen shrimp (340 grams; peeled or shell-on)
- dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Gently separate any frozen shrimp that are sticking together. If you can’t pull them apart with your fingers, put them in a bowl of cool water to release them. Pat them dry and put the shrimp in the air fryer basket.
- For jumbo or extra large shrimp (26/30), air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Use the top rack if you have an air fryer oven. Note: Smaller shrimp cook faster, so start checking at 5 minutes. Colossal shrimp (11/15) may need a few extra minutes. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can turn rubbery.
- Check to make sure the shrimp reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Shrimp is a lean protein that’s low calorie, low in carbohydrates, and naturally satisfying. Many of us don’t eat the recommended two servings of seafood per week. Adding shrimp to your diet can be a simple way to move in that direction. Here, we’re air frying raw frozen shrimp with no breading. In general, this is a lighter option than breaded or beer battered shrimp. Skipping the breading also means leaving out added white flour, sugar, and oil, so the focus stays on the shrimp itself. I like serving shrimp as the protein in MyPlate Meals, paired with veggies and a carb of your choice. You could also toss it with pasta and Old Bay seasoning, or season it with Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, or a squeeze of lemon. Air fryer shrimp scampi or garlic shrimp are great options too, and shrimp also works in tacos, fajitas, or as a simple appetizer. It’s extremely versatile! Nutrition information for one serving of extra-large shrimp without dipping sauce.
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 🙂
Have you made other types of seafood in the air fryer? What’s your favorite so far?