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The Ultimate No-Thaw Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp: Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside

Close-up of perfectly cooked air fryer frozen shrimp seasoned with herbs and spices on a white plate.

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Cook frozen shrimp directly in your air fryer for perfectly tender, juicy results with crispy edges in under 15 minutes. This easy method requires no thawing and works great for appetizers or main dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound frozen raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, any size)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred simple seasoning blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the frozen shrimp directly into the air fryer basket in a single layer if possible; do not thaw them first.
  2. Drizzle the olive oil over the frozen shrimp. Sprinkle evenly with Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Toss gently to coat the shrimp.
  3. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp.
  4. Check for doneness: shrimp should be pink and opaque throughout. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce, or add to tacos, salads, or bowls.

Notes

  • For breaded frozen shrimp, cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  • If you want a garlic butter flavor, toss the seasoned shrimp with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder before air frying.
  • Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to achieve crispy edges.

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