Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer Recipe

Frozen shrimp: These should be peeled and deveined for convenience.

Olive oil: Used to coat the shrimp and help the spices adhere.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the shrimp.

Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky flavor and a bit of color.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

When preparing frozen shrimp in the air fryer, ensure they are spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the shrimp from achieving that desired crispy texture. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain optimal air circulation around each piece.

• peeled and deveined frozen shrimp - Substitute with peeled and deveined frozen scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for shrimp in many recipes.

• peeled and deveined frozen shrimp - Substitute with firm tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can mimic the texture of shrimp when marinated and cooked properly.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in air fryer recipes.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, ideal for air frying.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor profile that can enhance the dish similarly to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used, though it will add more heat than paprika.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also introduce a bit of moisture.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral flavor compared to regular table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without altering the color of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and a different type of spiciness compared to black pepper.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long the shrimp has been stored.
• Store the shrimp in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place the container or bag in the freezer.
• To reheat refrigerated shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen shrimp, reheat directly from the freezer by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cooking for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Avoid reheating shrimp multiple times as it can lead to a rubbery texture and loss of flavor.
• If you have leftover dipping sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the shrimp reheats evenly and maintains its crispy texture.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the leftover shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even reheating.
• Heat the shrimp for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Check the shrimp for doneness. They should be heated through and crispy. If not, add an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or garlic aioli.

For an alternative method using the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Lightly drizzle with olive oil to keep them moist.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are heated through and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for achieving a crispy texture on the shrimp.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the shrimp with olive oil and seasonings.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Tongs: Handy for tossing the shrimp in the seasoning mixture and for transferring the shrimp to and from the air fryer basket.

• Serving plate: A plate to serve the cooked shrimp immediately after they are done.

• Dipping sauce bowl: A small bowl to hold your favorite dipping sauce for serving with the shrimp.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a large bowl: Toss the frozen shrimp in a large bowl to ensure even coating of the seasonings.

Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating the air fryer while you prepare the shrimp to save a few minutes.

Single layer cooking: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Shake halfway: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.