How Long Do You Put Shrimp in the Air Fryer? Quick Guide

Love shrimp but hate the mess or the waiting game? The air fryer is your new best friend! It cooks shrimp to crispy, tender perfection in a flash, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals or impressive appetizers. But the big question everyone asks is: exactly how long do you put shrimp in the air fryer to get them just right?

The sweet spot for most raw, unbreaded shrimp in an air fryer is typically between 5 to 8 minutes. However, a few factors can influence this timing. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know to nail perfect air-fried shrimp every single time.

What Affects Air Fryer Shrimp Cooking Time?

While 5-8 minutes is a great general guideline, here’s why you might need to adjust:

• Shrimp Size: Smaller shrimp (like 31/40 count) will cook faster, perhaps in 4-6 minutes. Larger shrimp (like U/15 or U/20) might need the full 7-9 minutes to cook through.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh or thawed shrimp cooks quicker. Frozen shrimp will naturally take longer, as they need to thaw and then cook.
• Breaded vs. Unbreaded: Breaded shrimp usually requires a longer cooking time to get that beautiful golden crisp, often 8-12 minutes.
• Air Fryer Model: Just like ovens, not all air fryers are created equal. Some models run hotter or circulate air more efficiently, so your specific appliance might vary slightly.
• Crowding: Overfilling your air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and can extend the time needed.

The Ideal Temperature for Air Frying Shrimp

For most shrimp, whether raw, fresh, or thawed, the ideal temperature range is 380°F to 400°F (193°C to 204°C). This high heat ensures the shrimp cooks quickly, staying tender on the inside while getting a lovely texture on the outside without drying out. If you’re cooking breaded shrimp, staying closer to 380°F might be better to prevent the breading from burning before the shrimp is cooked through.

How to Cook Shrimp in the Air Fryer: A Simple Guide

Ready to make some delicious air-fried shrimp? Follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare Your Shrimp

• Thaw (if frozen): If you’re using frozen raw shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes or by leaving them in the fridge overnight.
• Pat Them Dry: This is a crucial step! Use paper towels to pat the shrimp thoroughly dry. Excess moisture will steam rather than crisp, preventing that perfect air-fried texture.

2. Season Them Up

• A Little Oil: In a bowl, toss the dry shrimp with a tablespoon of light cooking oil (like olive, avocado, or canola oil). This helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning.
• Flavor Time: Add your favorite seasonings! A simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works wonderfully. For a kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne. Lemon pepper or Old Bay seasoning are also fantastic options.

3. Preheat Your Air Fryer

• Don’t skip this step! Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (193-204°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the shrimp starts cooking immediately and consistently.

4. Arrange and Cook

• Single Layer is Key: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping or crowded. If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches.
• Cook: Air fry for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through (around the 3-4 minute mark). This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Air Frying Breaded Shrimp

If you’re using breaded shrimp (fresh or frozen), the process is slightly different:

• Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
• Arrange: Place breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket. No need for extra oil if they’re already breaded.
• Cook: Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking. The longer time allows the breading to become golden and crispy.

Cooking Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer (Without Thawing)

While thawing is recommended for best results, you *can* air fry frozen, raw, unbreaded shrimp directly, but it will take longer:

• No Oil/Seasoning Yet: Place the frozen shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Initial Cook: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5-7 minutes to thaw them out. Shake the basket well.
• Drain & Season: Remove the shrimp, drain any excess water, then toss them with a little oil and your seasonings.
• Final Cook: Return to the air fryer and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and pink.

How to Tell When Shrimp Is Done

Shrimp cooks quickly, so it’s essential to watch them closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery. Look for these signs:

• Color Change: Raw shrimp are typically grayish and translucent. Cooked shrimp will turn a beautiful opaque pink.
• Shape: As shrimp cooks, it curls. When it forms a loose “C” shape, it’s usually perfect. If it’s tightly curled into an “O” shape, it’s likely overcooked.
• Internal Temperature: For absolute certainty, shrimp is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Tips for the Best Air-Fried Shrimp

• Don’t Overcook! This is the golden rule for shrimp. Start with the lower end of the cooking time and add more if needed.
• Single Layer: Always arrange shrimp in a single layer with space between them for optimal air circulation.
• Shake the Basket: Shaking helps ensure even cooking and browning.
• Preheat: It really makes a difference in texture and cooking speed.
• Pat Dry: Remove as much moisture as possible for crispy results.
• Lightly Oil: Just enough to help seasonings stick and promote browning, but not so much that it causes smoke.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Basket: Leads to steamed, rather than crispy, shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Forgetting to Preheat: Makes cooking times inconsistent and can lead to less crispy results.
• Not Drying the Shrimp: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness in an air fryer.
• Overcooking: Rubber-like shrimp are no fun. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put raw shrimp in an air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is excellent for cooking raw shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first if they were frozen and pat them dry for the best results.

Do you need to spray shrimp before air frying?

A light toss with oil (about 1 tablespoon per pound of shrimp) is generally better than spraying. It helps seasonings adhere and ensures more even browning, though a light spray can work if you prefer.

What temperature should I air fry shrimp?

For most raw, unbreaded shrimp, 380-400°F (193-204°C) is ideal. For breaded shrimp, stick closer to 380°F to prevent the breading from burning.

How long do I cook 1 lb of shrimp in the air fryer?

The total weight doesn’t change the cooking time per shrimp. It just means you’ll likely need to cook them in multiple batches to maintain a single layer, ensuring each batch cooks in 5-8 minutes.

Can you cook frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Place them in a single layer at 380°F (193°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until golden and crispy.

Conclusion

Mastering how long do you put shrimp in the air fryer is all about understanding a few simple variables: shrimp size, whether it’s breaded or not, and making sure you don’t overcrowd the basket. With an average cooking time of just 5-8 minutes at 380-400°F, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked, tender, and delicious shrimp in no time. So go ahead, experiment with your favorite seasonings, and get ready for a fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal!