Frozen Butterfly Shrimp In Air Fryer: Crispy, Golden & Ready in Minutes!

Cooking frozen butterfly shrimp in the air fryer is a total game-changer! This quick and easy recipe transforms frozen shrimp into a golden, crispy, and restaurant-quality delight in just 10 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, this method delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, all straight from your freezer to your plate.

Why You’ll Love Frozen Butterfly Shrimp In The Air Fryer

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for when you need a fast meal or snack without compromising on taste. The air fryer takes the hassle out of cooking frozen shrimp, making it a go-to option for busy days.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: The shrimp come out crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked, just like they would at your favorite seafood spot. The air fryer ensures even cooking and that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• No Defrosting Needed: Forget waiting for shrimp to thaw! The air fryer handles frozen shrimp beautifully, saving you time and effort.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means no greasy pans or splattering oil to clean up afterward. It’s a mess-free and stress-free process.
• Versatile Snack or Meal: These crispy shrimp are perfect on their own, paired with dipping sauces, or added to salads, tacos, or rice bowls for a complete meal.

Ingredients For Frozen Butterfly Shrimp In The Air Fryer

• Frozen Butterfly Breaded Shrimp: These come perfectly coated and ready for air frying, delivering crispy, golden bites with juicy shrimp inside.

For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Frozen Butterfly Shrimp In The Air Fryer

• Air Fryer: The key to making these shrimp crispy and golden in just 10 minutes.
• Scissors: For opening the package of frozen shrimp with ease.
• Spatula: Helps safely remove the shrimp from the air fryer basket without breaking the crispy coating.
• Plate: For serving the perfectly cooked shrimp right away.

How To Make Frozen Butterfly Shrimp In The Air Fryer

• Start by opening the package of frozen butterfly shrimp. There’s no need to defrost them – they’ll cook perfectly straight from frozen.
• Lay the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes.
• Check the shrimp once the timer goes off. If they’re not as golden and crispy as you like, add another 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
• Use a spatula to transfer the shrimp to a plate and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, juicy shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these crispy butterfly shrimp as an appetizer with dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, horseradish sauce, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
• Add them to a quinoa salad for a quick and protein-packed meal with a satisfying crunch.
• Pair with rice or arugula pasta for a full dinner option that’s both hearty and delicious.
• Use them as a topping for fish tacos or a filling for wraps to create a fun and flavorful handheld meal.
• Arrange them on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for an elegant party appetizer.

Tips For Success

• Preheat Not Needed: There’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. It heats up quickly and cooks the shrimp evenly without extra steps.
• Single Layer is Key: Always arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping them may lead to uneven cooking, leaving some shrimp less crispy.
• Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Air fryer models vary, so keep an eye on your shrimp the first time you try this recipe. If they aren’t golden and crispy after 10 minutes, cook them for another 1-2 minutes and check again.
• Shake or Flip (Optional): While not required, shaking the basket halfway through cooking or flipping the shrimp can help ensure even browning.
• Don’t Skip the Plate: Serve the shrimp immediately after cooking to enjoy them at their crispiest and most delicious. If they sit too long, they might lose their crunch.

Variations And Substitutions

• Seasoned Coating: While the frozen shrimp already come breaded, you can add a light sprinkle of your favorite seasoning blend before air frying. Options like Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or garlic powder work great for an extra flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free breaded shrimp in the freezer aisle if you’re avoiding gluten. These can be cooked the same way in the air fryer for equally delicious results.
• Low-Calorie Option: For a lighter version, opt for frozen shrimp with a thinner breading or a panko coating. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer with less overall breading.
• Spicy Shrimp: For a kick of heat, drizzle the cooked shrimp with hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes right after air frying.
• Homemade Shrimp Alternative: If you want a completely homemade option, coat raw shrimp in breadcrumbs and freeze them before air frying. While more time-consuming, this lets you control the ingredients fully.

Storage And Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To bring back the shrimp’s crispy texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This method works best for maintaining the crunchiness.
• Reheating in the Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a conventional oven. Preheat it to 375°F and reheat the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 7-10 minutes.
• Microwave Option: While not ideal, you can use a microwave for quick reheating. However, the shrimp may lose some crispiness. Heat in short bursts until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh shrimp for this recipe instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh breaded shrimp, but the cooking time will be slightly shorter. Keep an eye on the shrimp to ensure they don’t overcook.

Do I need to spray the air fryer basket with oil?

No, most frozen breaded shrimp already contain oil in the breading, so there’s no need to add extra oil. If your air fryer tends to stick, you can lightly mist the basket with nonstick spray.

What dipping sauces pair well with butterfly shrimp?

Classic cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, spicy mayo, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice are great options to enhance the flavor of the shrimp.

Can I cook multiple layers of shrimp in the air fryer?

It’s best to cook the shrimp in a single layer for even crisping. If you need to cook a large batch, it’s better to do it in multiple rounds.

How do I know when the shrimp is done?

The shrimp is done when the breading is golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. However, frozen breaded shrimp are pre-cooked, so you’re primarily ensuring they’re heated through and crispy.

Other Easy Shrimp Recipes

Stir-Fried Shrimp With Broccoli: A quick and healthy stir-fry combining tender shrimp and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.

Shrimp Teriyaki Recipe: Juicy shrimp glazed in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, perfect for rice or noodles.

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp: Succulent shrimp baked with a buttery garlic and parmesan topping for a flavorful dish.

Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp – Easy Frozen Shrimp Recipe: Crispy, golden popcorn shrimp made effortlessly in the air fryer straight from frozen.

Avocado Egg Salad With Shrimp: A creamy egg and avocado salad topped with plump shrimp for a protein-packed meal or side.

Roasted Shrimp And Asparagus On A Sheet Pan: A one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp and roasted asparagus with minimal cleanup.

Keto Shrimp Cucumber Avocado Appetizer Bites: Light and refreshing appetizer bites with shrimp, cucumber, and avocado perfect for keto diets.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Frozen Mussels In The Air Fryer
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters
• Air Fryer Crispy Gnocchi Recipe