Name: Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Popcorn Shrimp (frozen); 2 tsp Cooking Spray

With a bag of frozen popcorn shrimp and an air fryer or Ninja Foodi, you can have golden-brown, crunchy shrimp ready in no time. Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Shrimp is perfect for game day, movie night, or any time you need a crispy and crunchy snack!

popcorn shrimp with cocktail sauce on a plate

Popcorn shrimp is a popular seafood appetizer that’s bite-sized and breaded to perfection. It’s made using small, plump shrimp that are coated in a crispy, golden-brown breading. They’re perfect for snacking on during movie nights or game days, and they’re even better when made in an air fryer.

Using an air fryer to cook frozen popcorn shrimp is not only the best and quickest way to prepare it, but it also results in a healthier version of the classic fried dish.

The air fryer uses hot air to circulate around the shrimp, which crisps up the breading while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender. And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes or less to cook. No need to preheat the oven or deep-fry in oil!

🍤What You’ll Need

Frozen Popcorn Shrimp – Popular brands include, SeaPak, Gorton’s, Phillips, and Van de Kamp’s. These brands offer a variety of different coatings and flavors, including classic breaded, garlic butter, and spicy Cajun, to name a few. They can typically be found in the frozen seafood section of most grocery stores.
Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi – You can use any air fryer you have to make this recipe. We love using the Ninja Foodi for its versatility and reliability.
Tongs – The popcorn shrimp will be hot right out of the air fryer basket, so it’s important to use tongs when removing them.

📖How To Make Frozen Popcorn Shrimp In Air Fryer

1️⃣Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

2️⃣Assemble the frozen shrimp: Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other.

3️⃣Air fry popcorn shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.

4️⃣Remove and serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

👩‍🍳Chef’s Tips

Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the frozen popcorn shrimp. This helps ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and turn out perfectly crispy.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange the shrimp in a single layer with a little space between each one so that the hot air can circulate around them and cook them evenly.
When flipping the shrimp halfway through cooking, use tongs or a spatula to avoid damaging the breading. Be gentle but firm to ensure that both sides of the shrimp cook evenly and turn golden brown.
Serve the popcorn shrimp immediately after removing them from the air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. If you need to cook multiple batches, keep the cooked batches in a warm oven until ready to serve.
How long to cook frozen popcorn shrimp in air fryer depends on the size and temperature of your air fryer. Generally, frozen popcorn shrimp will be fully cooked in 10 minutes. Adjust cooking time as necessary.
Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite pairing for the popcorn shrimp. Some popular options include bbq sauce, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy!

🍗More Easy Air Fryer Appetizers From Frozen

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