This Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Recipe delivers perfectly tender shrimp every single time. We use an easy trick to take our shrimp from the freezer to the dinner table in 10 minutes. With just 5 ingredients, you'll have a restaurant-style seafood dish any night of the week.
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Specially Created for Frozen Shrimp: Dry seasoning shrimp is delicious - but it doesn't work well on frozen shrimp. I made this recipe specifically for frozen shrimp, ensuring each bite is flavorful and tender.
- Versatile and Delicious: Enjoy these saucy shrimp as a main dish, toss them into pasta or gnocchi, or serve as a fancy appetizer on grilled baguettes.
- Perfectly Cooked Every Time: Even from a frozen state, the air fryer ensures juicy, tender shrimp for our garlic butter sauce.
Are you as obsessed with your air fryer as I am? Check out my recipes for Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe, Easy Shrimp in the Air Fryer and Air Fryer Fish Tacos.
And if you're in the market for a new air fryer, this beauty has rocked my world.
Ingredients for Frozen Shrimp Recipe:
Before we get to the step-by-step instructions, a few notes about the ingredients:
Shrimp: I'm using large, Argentine Red Shrimp for this recipe. The size of the shrimp dictates cooking time, so monitor so they don't over-cook!
Garlic + Butter: Fresh minced garlic and salted butter are my preference, but use what you have!
Dijon: the perfect umami for your garlic butter sauce. Omit if you dislike mustard. But it will make me sad.
Lemon: Because shrimp loves lemon. And the feeling is mutual.
Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.
How to Air Fry Frozen Shrimp
Step 1: Cook Shrimp
Preheat air fryer then add frozen shrimp (in single layer). Air fry for 5 minutes. Test shrimp for doneness - it should be opaque all the way through. If needed, add 60-90 additional seconds.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Microwave butter and garlic until soft. Stir in Dijon and lemon. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Saucy Shrimp and Serve!
Combine shrimp and sauce. Garnish with diced scallions and lemon wedges.
Do I need to thaw frozen shrimp before air frying?
No, you can air fry shrimp directly from frozen! Because our recipe includes a buttery sauce, it’s best to air fry the shrimp unseasoned, then toss them in the sauce after cooking to ensure perfect flavor distribution.
How long should I cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Exact cook times for frozen shrimp are dictated by the size of the shrimp and the temperature of your air fryer. Generally, cook frozen large shrimp at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. The shrimp are done when they’re opaque, and slightly firm.
Can I use pre-cooked frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked frozen shrimp work too! Reduce the cooking time by just a minute to ensure the shrimp is thawed and heated through, but not overcooked. Toss the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce immediately after reheating.
How do I prevent frozen shrimp from being watery?
The tray in the air fryer will allow the shrimp to cook and the excess water will fall away. Just make sure to leave that water in your air fryer when you remove the shrimp to toss them in the garlic butter sauce.
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Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer (with Garlic Butter Sauce)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 1x
Description
This air fryer shrimp recipe is a deliciously simple way to enjoy a protein-packed, flavorful meal with minimal effort. You don't even have to thaw the shrimp! Perfect for any occasion, it’s a must-try for shrimp lovers and air fryer enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, cleaned, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large garlic clove, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chives or scallions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees. In a glass measuring cup or microwave safe bowl, add butter, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Microwave for 35-45 seconds until butter is melted and sizzling and the garlic is fragrant.
- Once preheated, add frozen shrimp to air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 375 for 6 mins. Check shrimp to ensure doneness. If needed, air fry another 60-90 seconds.
- To the melted garlic butter, add lemon juice and Dijon and stir to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Toss shrimp into butter. Plate and garnish with diced scallions and lemon wedges.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Be sure to melt the butter and garlic together, and wait until just before serving to add the lemon juice and Dijon. Lemon juice can turn garlic a funny shade of green, so waiting until the end keeps the sauce gorgeous and velvety.
Storage Tips
- Cool Completely: Let the shrimp cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation.
- Use Airtight Containers: This helps keep refrigerator smells and flavors from mingling with our tasty shrimp.
- Refrigeration: Store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Reheat the shrimp for 2-3 minutes at 375 degrees, just until warm.
- Skillet: Heat a little butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until warm, being careful not to overcook.
- Pro Tip: Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, as reheating shrimp multiple times can affect their texture and flavor. Serve with fresh garnishes to brighten up the leftovers!
- Prep Time: 4
- Cook Time: 6
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
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