I make this air fryer frozen shrimp recipe when I need an easy, high protein meal that comes together fast without thawing.
You'll love how simple this method is. The shrimp cook straight from frozen, turn out juicy and flavorful, and work for quick dinners, meal prep, or adding protein to salads and bowls.
Things to Know Before Air Frying Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
- Shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque so avoid overcooking
- Garlic butter sauce is optional and can be added at the end
- Preheating the air fryer helps the shrimp cook evenly
- Smaller air fryers may need the shrimp stirred halfway through
I've been creating easy high protein air fryer recipes since 2018, and shrimp is one of the fastest proteins to cook from frozen.
Try my Garlic Herb Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer, Frozen Sausage in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Boneless Turkey Breast (from Frozen), or Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast.
And don't forget to try our Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp (No Breading) recipe when you have defrosted shrimp or this Air Fryer Shrimp with Old Bay.
Ingredients Overview
- Frozen raw shrimp with tail on: A lean, high protein option that cooks quickly and stays juicy
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor at the end
- Olive oil: Helps coat the shrimp and prevents sticking
- Sea salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and balance
- Minced garlic cloves: Brings classic garlic flavor to the shrimp
Note: The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Key equipment: Air fryer and a medium mixing bowl.
How to Air Fry Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the shrimp cook evenly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the frozen raw shrimp, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the shrimp in the air fryer basket. They may overlap slightly if using a smaller air fryer like a Cosori.
Step 4: Air fry for 10 to 11 minutes total. Shake or stir the shrimp after 5 minutes so they cook evenly.
Step 5: Continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until the shrimp just turn pink and are cooked through. Add butter or lemon juice if desired and serve warm.
Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of garlic butter, serve the cooked shrimp with a Cajun seafood butter sauce for extra heat and bold flavor
- Add lemon juice instead of butter for a lighter finish
- Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable
- Toss cooked shrimp with pasta or rice after air frying
- Skip butter for a high protein low carb option
- Whole30 - Omit butter for Whole30 eating plans.
- Paleo - Either omit the butter completely or use ghee instead.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Serve this shrimp with Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli, Air Fryer Asparagus, or pesto zoodles for an easy meal. It also works well over salads, in tacos, or mixed into pasta dishes.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerate leftover shrimp for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F just until warmed. Freezing cooked shrimp is not recommended as it can affect texture.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen shrimp in a Ninja Foodi air fryer?
Yes. This recipe works in a Ninja Foodi using the same temperature and timing.
Can you air fry shrimp with the tail on?
Yes. Cooking shrimp with the tail on works well and helps retain moisture.
How do you cook precooked frozen shrimp in an air fryer?
Precooked frozen shrimp only need about 5 to 6 minutes at 400°F, just until heated through.
More High Protein Air Fryer Recipes
- Honey Mustard Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
- Easy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
- Frozen Burgers in Air Fryer
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Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp (Garlic Butter Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen shrimp raw with tail on
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 teaspoon garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 mins on 400F.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the frozen raw shrimp, olive oil, sea salt, ground black pepper, and minced garlic cloves.
- Spread the shrimp in the bottom of the air fryer basket, they'll be overlapping somewhat if you have a small air fryer (like we used).
- The shrimp will take 10-11 minutes of total cooking time. After 5 minutes, shake or stir the shrimp.
- Continue cooking the shrimp for 5-6 more minutes until it JUST turns pink and is cooked through.
- Add more seasoning like a drizzle of butter or squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve warm as a main dish or mixed into your favorite shrimp dish.
Video
Notes
- Shrimp cook quickly so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Shake or stir halfway through cooking for even results.
- Garlic butter is optional and best added at the end.
- Cooking time may vary slightly by air fryer model.
- If you have medium sized shrimp instead of the large, take 1 minute off of the cooking time.
- Since frozen shrimp has lots of moisture and ice crystals, the liquid will collect in the bottom of the unit. The seasoning doesn't stick as well as raw shrimp because of this, so adjust seasoning to taste after cooking.
- Be sure to purchase raw frozen shrimp for the recipe, the instructions are for raw shrimp and not pre-cooked frozen shrimp. If you have pre-cooked frozen shrimp you can still use them in the recipe just cook the shrimp for a total of 7 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
Nutrition
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