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Cooking frozen shrimp tempura in the air fryer is not only quick and convenient but also gives you that perfect crispy texture without the grease of deep frying. This dish is ideal for a speedy dinner or a savory appetizer.

Shrimp tempura on a plate with hand holding one

Why I Love This

If you don’t have time to make traditional homemade shrimp tempura, grabbing a bag of frozen already-made shrimp tempura is the next best thing. No need for a dredging station or a big mess. Making this dish straight from frozen is a quick and easy way to have a delicious appetizer or main meal on the table in less than 10 minutes.

I can’t tell you how often I use the air fryer to make something straight from frozen. It’s a massive time saver when juggling work, school, and after-school activities. These shrimp tempura are one of my favorites to make!

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Make them with a side of frozen broccoli or frozen green beans for a complete dinner.

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Ingredients

  • Frozen Shrimp Tempura: These can be found in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
Box of frozen shrimp tempura.

Variations

  • Spicy Tempura: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes before cooking for a spicy kick.
  • Garlic Parmesan: Toss with garlic powder and parmesan after cooking for a savory twist.

How to Cook Frozen Shrimp Tempura in the Air Fryer

STEP 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a uniform cooking environment.

STEP 2 – Arrange the frozen shrimp tempura in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure each piece cooks evenly.

Frozen shrimp tempura in the basket of the air fryer.

STEP 3 – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through to ensure they get crispy on all sides.

Fullt cooked frozen shrimp tempura being help by tongs over the air fryer  basket.

Tips for Making Frozen Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura

  • Single Layer: Ensure shrimp are in a single layer in the basket for even cooking.
  • No Thawing: Cook them straight from frozen for the best texture.
  • Shake or Flip: Flipping or shaking halfway through the cooking process ensures all sides are crispy.
Close up photo of shrimp tempura in dipping sauce.

FAQs

How do I ensure my shrimp tempura doesn’t become soggy?

To keep the tempura crispy, avoid any overlap in the air fryer. Also, serve them immediately after cooking for the best texture.

Can I cook other frozen seafood in the air fryer using this method?

Absolutely! This method is great for a variety of frozen seafood options like fish fillets and frozen shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the seafood.

What are the best dips for shrimp tempura?

Classic tempura dipping sauce, spicy mayo, or a simple soy sauce dip complement the shrimp beautifully.

Close up of shrimp tempura being help and dipped in sauce, ready to a bite.

This air fryer recipe not only simplifies your cooking process but also provides a healthier alternative to the traditionally fried tempura, letting you enjoy your favorite dish guilt-free.

Whether you’re preparing a quick snack or an elaborate meal, air fryer shrimp tempura fits perfectly into any menu, promising a delicious and crispy outcome every time.

More Frozen Air Fryer Recipes

Fully cooked from frozen shrimp tempura in the air fryer basket.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Tempura

By Jen West
The convenience of cooking air fryer frozen shrimp tempura is almost unmatched! Made in less than 10 minutes, it's a quick and easy appetizer or main dish.
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 8 shrimp tempura, frozen

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes to ensure a uniform cooking environment.
  • Arrange the frozen shrimp tempura in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure each piece cooks evenly.
    shrimp tempura in the basket of the air fryer
  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
    fully cooked froen air fryer shrimp tempura in the basket of the air fryer

Notes

Ensure shrimp are in a single layer in the basket for even cooking.
Cook them straight from frozen for the best texture.
Flipping or shaking halfway through the cooking process ensures all sides are crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 28kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.4g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 0.4g, Saturated Fat: 0.04g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 226mg, Potassium: 45mg, Vitamin A: 72IU, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 1 vote

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Jen West says:

    5 stars
    Quick and easy perfect little appetizer!