Frozen Popcorn Shrimp in Air Fryer

I've made Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp countless times, and it's spot on every time! This frozen popcorn shrimp is perfect for those who love seafood and are looking for a quick and effortless way to enjoy crispy shrimp without the mess of deep frying. Using the air fryer not only simplifies the process but also results in a deliciously crispy texture while being lighter and healthier.

Quick and Easy Popcorn Shrimp in the Air Fryer

This recipe transforms your frozen breaded shrimp into a golden and crunchy delight with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a seafood favorite with less oil and no mess.

If you love this shrimp recipe, you might want to check out this article with over 15 of our favorite air fryer shrimp recipes.

Items Needed:

• Air Fryer (I use the 5.8 qt Cosori Air Fryer)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

• Frozen Breaded Shrimp: Ideal for a hassle-free preparation, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Variations on Popcorn Shrimp

• Shrimp Tacos: Fill tacos with shrimp and top with your favorite fixings for a quick meal.
• Shrimp Salad: Toss them onto a fresh green salad for a protein boost.
• Shrimp Po Boy: Stuff them into a hoagie with lettuce, tomato, and tartar for a New Orleans-style sandwich.

How to Cook Popcorn Shrimp in the Air Fryer

STEP 1 - Preheat Your Air Fryer: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the shrimp become perfectly crispy.

STEP 2 - Prepare the Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or use parchment paper to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

STEP 3 - Arrange the Shrimp: Place the frozen popcorn shrimp in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer to allow for even cooking.

STEP 4 - Cook: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crisping.

STEP 5 - Serve: Enjoy your shrimp fresh out of the air fryer with dips or as part of another dish.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

• Avoid Overcrowding: Keep shrimp in a single layer with space between them for the best results.
• Check for Doneness: Depending on your air fryer’s power, you may need less or more time, so adjust accordingly.
• Experiment with Brands: Different brands of breaded shrimp may cook up differently, so find your favorite.

NOTE: This recipe was made using a basket style 5.8 qt Cosori Air Fryer. If you are using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time according to the wattage of your device. All air fryers cook a little differently. Cooking a small test batch is always recommended to understand how your air fryer may cook differently and how you might need to slightly adjust the cooking methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp

How do I serve air fryer frozen popcorn shrimp?

Popcorn shrimp can be served in several different ways. You can serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or cocktail sauce and eat them as an appetizer or main dish with a side of french fries. You can also make them as yummy shrimp tacos. Or you can serve them on a bed of lettuce as a salad with your favorite salad dressing. One of my favorite ways to serve popcorn shrimp is as a Shrimp Po Boy on a hoagie bun with fresh lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce or remoulade sauce.

What dipping sauces work well with popcorn shrimp?

Classic cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy mayo can enhance these crispy shrimp.

How do I make popcorn shrimp from scratch?

If using raw shrimp, I love to use jumbo shrimp that is already split and deveined.

Just remove the shell and the tail, and then coat them in all purpose flour, then dip into a beaten egg mixture, panko breadcrumbs seasoned with ground black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, and then place into the air fryer basket and cook accordingly.

I like to make a dipping station with seasoned flour, the egg mixture in a separate bowl, a bowl of panko crumbs, and then place them on a cooling rack or paper towel until the remaining shrimp are all coated.

If you love making flavored, crispy popcorn shrimp from scratch, check out this recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. It's one of my favorites and full of delicious flavors.

These crispy fried shrimp are easy to make when they are straight from the freezer, but also just as delicious when you make them from scratch. It's an easy meal for a main course or an appetizer.

If you're looking for more delicious recipes like this one, we have a great list of you can choose from.

More Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes:

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