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Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp (No Thaw): Crispy and Juicy in Minutes

A pile of perfectly cooked, seasoned air fryer frozen shrimp served with a bright lemon wedge on a white plate.

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Cook frozen shrimp directly in your air fryer without thawing. This simple method delivers crispy edges and juicy centers fast, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or easy appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb frozen raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail on or off)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Place the frozen shrimp in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat lightly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the oiled shrimp and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
  4. Place the seasoned frozen shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure crispiness.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
  6. Check the shrimp for doneness; they should be pink, opaque, and firm. If they are still slightly translucent, return them to the air fryer for 1 to 2 more minutes.
  7. Remove the crispy air fryer frozen shrimp immediately and serve hot with fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For garlic butter flavor, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and mix with 1 clove of minced garlic. Toss the cooked shrimp in the garlic butter immediately after removing them from the air fryer.
  • If you prefer a breaded texture, you can toss the seasoned shrimp in 1 tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
  • Cooking time varies based on the size of your shrimp; smaller shrimp cook faster.

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