How to Cook Frozen Breaded Butterfly Shrimp in an Air Fryer

It only crossed my mind recently that we could cook butterfly shrimp in an air fryer. It is funny to me because we are big air fryer users in my house. We were still cooking our shrimp in the traditional oven.

I feel silly to admit that by the way. So there are a few things that you need to know about cooking shrimp in the air fryer though. Don’t worry, it is super simple to do and I am gonna walk you through it now.

What You’ll Need

All you need is a package of your go-to frozen breaded butterfly shrimp and, of course, your trusty air fryer. No oil, no mess – it’s that straightforward.

Preparing Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is key. I learned the hard way that skipping this step means sacrificing that perfect crispiness we all crave in shrimp. So, set it to 400°F and let it warm up while you get your shrimp ready.

Cooking Process

Arranging Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer

I used to just toss them in, but arranging the shrimp in a single layer makes all the difference. It ensures each one gets evenly cooked and crispy. Trust me, no one likes soggy shrimp!

Setting Time and Temperature

Through trial and error, I’ve found that 400°F for 8-10 minutes works best. But remember, air fryers vary, so keep an eye on your shrimp the first time you try this. Plus these days some companies are starting to put air fryer instructions on the package. So take a look to see if your bag of shrimp has any notes but do know that air fryers do really vary so all of this is a general guideline.

Flipping or Shaking During Cooking

Here’s a little secret – give the basket a gentle shake halfway through. It helps cook everything evenly. I prefer to flip the shrimp but a good shake can work well too, especially depending on the type of air fryer.

Safety Tips

Let’s talk safety – always use oven mitts to handle the hot basket. And let the shrimp cool for a bit before diving in. I’ve burned my tongue one too many times!

I have also burned my fingers because I didn’t use tongs to remove the shrimp. Be careful because hot is still hot.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen shrimp without preheating the air fryer?

In my experience, preheating is a must for that perfect crunch. It’s worth the extra couple of minutes!

How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket?

A light spray of cooking oil on the basket does the trick. Learned that after a few sticky situations!

Is it necessary to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking?

Not really but it does help. Flipping ensures each shrimp gets its moment in the heat, resulting in that evenly cooked golden brown we all love.You can also just shake the basket to move the shrimp around.

How do I store and reheat leftover air-fried shrimp?

Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, just air fry at 350°F for a couple of minutes. They’ll be almost as good as fresh!

What are some easy sides to serve with air fryer shrimp?

Let me share some of my favorites:

• Garlic Butter Rice: It’s simple, but oh, so flavorful.
• Garlic Butter Rice: It’s simple, but oh, so flavorful.
• Steamed Vegetables: Think broccoli or green beans – healthy and easy.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet and savory match made in heaven.
• Quinoa Salad: Refreshing, nutritious, and a personal favorite.
• Cucumber and Avocado Salad: The perfect cool and creamy contrast to the crispy shrimp.

Conclusion

So there you have it – your guide to cooking the perfect frozen breaded butterfly shrimp in an air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and a healthier alternative to deep frying. Experiment with different shrimp brands and sides to find your ideal combo. And hey, don’t forget to check out our FAQ website for more handy cooking tips and tricks!