Precooked Shrimp In The Air Fryer (Fresh or Frozen)

Discover the ease and convenience of making delicious precooked shrimp in the air fryer with this quick guide. Perfectly heated shrimp with a hint of crispness make a versatile addition to any meal, ready in minutes!

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you looking for a way to whip up a scrumptious seafood dish without spending ages in the kitchen? 

Well, have I got a treat for you! Let’s talk about making precooked shrimp in the air fryer. It’s a game-changer for those busy weeknights or when you just need a quick and healthy appetizer for your guests.

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room: why use precooked shrimp? I know, I know, we all love that fresh-from-the-sea taste, but sometimes convenience is king. 

Precooked shrimp is a fab time-saver, and with the air fryer, you can bring back that just-cooked taste and texture in minutes!

If you love to air fry shrimp you may also want to try my Panko Shrimp In The Air Fryer or my Tempura Shrimp In The Air Fryer.

WHY AIR FRYER PRECOOKED SHRIMP?

Using an air fryer to heat up precooked shrimp is an absolute breeze. Not only does it heat the shrimp evenly, but it also gives them a slightly crisp edge that’s just divine. 

Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to pan-frying since you’re using minimal oil. And the best part? It’s super quick, so you won’t miss any of the fun if you’re hosting a get-together.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS FOR THE AIR FRYER FROZEN SHRIMP

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the cooked shrimp (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Precooked, thawed shrimp (tails on or off, your choice!)
• Olive oil or your preferred cooking spray
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt and black pepper
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving
• Optional: Your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor

HOW TO MAKE

1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial for getting that nice, even cook on the shrimp.
2. While the air fryer is heating up, take your precooked shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and ensures a crisper outcome.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil or give them a quick spray. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper over the shrimp. Toss until they’re evenly coated with the seasonings.
4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Remember, we want to avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation.
5. Cook the shrimp for 4-6 minutes, or until they are heated through and start to get a little golden around the edges. There’s no need to flip them halfway, but you can give the basket a gentle shake if you like. If the shrimp are raw and frozen then cook for 10 minutes.
6. Once done, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them for that zesty kick.
7. Serve immediately! These shrimp are fantastic on their own or as a protein boost to salads, pastas, or shrimp tacos.

HOW TO SERVE THESE JUICY SHRIMP

– Dip them in a homemade cocktail sauce or a creamy garlic aioli.
– Toss them with a fresh green salad and a vinaigrette dressing.
– Add them to a warm pasta dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
– Make shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw and a spicy mayo drizzle.
– Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

For an extra pop of flavor, add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or a dash of chili flakes before cooking.

– Always check the shrimp at the lower end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking. They should be just hot enough without becoming rubbery.
– Experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect shrimp flavor. The air fryer is great for locking in those spices!

STORING LEFTOVER SHRIMP

Got some leftover shrimp from that air fryer feast? No problemo! 

Storing your shrimp properly means you can enjoy them just as much the second time around. Here’s the lowdown on keeping those leftovers fresh and ready for another round.

First up, let’s talk fridge. You’ll want to get those shrimp into the refrigerator as soon as possible. 

Speed is key – don’t leave them out for more than two hours after cooking, or one hour if it’s super hot out. Bacteria loves a shrimp party, and we’re not inviting them!

Pop your shrimp in a shallow airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. 

This is like tucking them into a cozy bed, keeping them safe from air and any funky odors in your fridge. They’ll stay good for up to three days like this.

FAQS

CAN I COOK RAW SHRIMP IN THE AIR FRYER?

Absolutely! Cooking raw shrimp in the air fryer is an easy way to enjoy a delicious main dish. Just clean the shrimp, season them to your liking, and cook for 9-12 minutes at 400°F until they are golden brown and cooked through.

HOW CAN I MAKE AIR FRYER COCONUT SHRIMP?

To make air fryer coconut shrimp, you’ll need to dip the shrimp in a batter, then coat them with a mixture of bread crumbs and shredded coconut. 

Place the shrimp in the air fryer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden brown.

IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO DEFROST SHRIMP?

The easiest way to defrost shrimp is to place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re completely thawed. Remember to change the water halfway through to ensure even thawing.

This step is not necessary to have perfectly cooked shrimp.

WHAT’S THE IDEAL COOK TIME FOR DIFFERENT SIZES OF SHRIMP?

Cook time can vary depending on the size of the shrimp. Small or popcorn shrimp may only need 2-3 minutes, while larger shrimp could take 5-6 minutes. 

Always ensure the shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F to be safely consumed.

DO YOU HAVE ANY AFFILIATE LINKS FOR YOUR FAVORITE AIR FRYER OR OTHER KITCHEN TOOLS?

My favorite air fryer is the Wonder Oven from Our Place. It’s very aesthetic and works amazing with so many different functions.

WHAT ARE SOME FAVORITE WAYS TO SEASON SHRIMP?

Some favorite ways to season fresh shrimp include a squeeze of lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Experiment with your favorite seasoning blends to find what you love most.

Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Frozen Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breasts
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts

IF YOU TRIED THIS DELICIOUS SHRIMP RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS QUICK DINNER ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails