How To Cook Frozen Shrimp (4 Ways)

Want to know the best way to cook frozen shrimp? That all depends on what kitchen gadgets you have on hand. Learn How To Cook Frozen Shrimp In Four Easy ways using the Air Fryer, Sous Vide, Instant Pot, or cook it right on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal!

We’ve all been in that situation where we realize that we totally forgot to defrost our meat or fish for dinner. If that fish is shrimp, there’s no need to worry!

You can easily cook shrimp straight from frozen using these four easy methods. Once it’s defrosted and cooked through, you can use it in your favorite meals like Keto Bang Bang Shrimp, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Burgers, shrimp tacos, or just enjoy it as a healthy protein-packed snack with a bit of cocktail sauce!

🦐How To Cook Frozen Shrimp

Instant Pot Frozen Shrimp

The instant pot is an electric pressure cooker that builds heat quickly with pressure to cook foods extremely fast. To cook frozen shrimp in an instant pot, follow these simple directions.

1. Start by adding one cup of water to the pot. Then, add your frozen shrimp to a steamer basket or trivet that will fit inside of the pot.-
2. Next, close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for one minute per pound of shrimp. For example, set the timer for five minutes if you are cooking one pound of shrimp.
3. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting. Be careful of the hot steam that will come out!
4. Remove the lid and check to make sure your shrimp is cooked through. You can put the lid back on and cook for an additional minute or two if it’s not quite done.

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

The air fryer is a great way to defrost and cook frozen shrimp because it uses dry circulating heat to cook food which gives it a great texture inside and out. This will work with raw shrimp or even frozen coconut shrimp.

1. Since you are thawing AND cooking the shrimp during this process, it’s best to start with a preheated air fryer. Turn your air fryer to 400F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2.  Place frozen shrimp on the bottom of your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
3. At the 5-minute mark, flip using tongs or a spatula. Cook for another 5 minutes and check if they are cooked through.
4. If they aren’t, cook for another 2-5 minutes or until the shrimp is no longer opaque.

Sous Vide Frozen Shrimp

The sous vide cooking method uses circulating water to cook food in a vacuum-sealed bag. This is a great way to cook frozen shrimp because it ensures that the shrimp will be cooked evenly throughout.

1. Add water to a large pot and add your immersion circulator. Set to 135F or desired temperature.
2. Add your frozen shrimp to a bowl. Sprinkle on baking soda, salt, pepper, and oil. Toss to combine.
3. Add the seasoned shrimp to a single flat layer using a vacuum sealer or the water displacement method.
4. Once the water bath reaches the desired temperature, submerge the bag in the water bath, making sure all of the shrimp are underwater. You may need to use a weight or heavy kitchen utensil to keep it down. Leave it in the water bath for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the shrimp from the water bath. If using right away, serve while warm. If using later, submerge in an ice bath for 5 minutes before transferring to the fridge.

Stovetop Frozen Shrimp

Don’t have any fancy kitchen gadgets except a skillet? No problem! Frozen shrimp can easily be cooked on the stovetop in a skillet using these simple instructions.

1. Add the shrimp to a large skillet with a small amount of water and turn to medium heat.
2. Cover with a lid and let the shrimp thaw occasionally stirring until the shrimp are fully defrosted.
3. Drain out the excess liquid, add 1 tbsp of oil or butter, turn the heat up slightly, and saute with the oil using your favorite seasonings and any additional oil if needed.

🧊How To Thaw Frozen Shrimp

If you prefer your shrimp thawed before you cook it your favorite way, you can defrost it using these simple instructions.

1. The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow it to thaw slowly and evenly without any risk of bacteria growth.
2. If you’re in a pinch and need to thaw your shrimp faster, place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This method is best if you cook the shrimp immediately after thawing.
3. Do not thaw frozen shrimp on the countertop as this can cause bacteria to grow rapidly.

👩🏻‍🍳More Helpful Kitchen Tips

• How To Reheat Food In The Air Fryer
• How To Cook Frozen Burger Patties On The Stovetop
• How To Make Your Own Mayo In 60 Seconds
• How To Freeze Thanksgiving or Cream Gravy
• 5 Ways To Keep Burgers From Shrinking

Print Recipe

No ratings yet

How To Cook Frozen Shrimp (4 Ways)

Learn How To Cook Frozen Shrimp In Four Easy ways using the Air Fryer, Sous Vide, Instant Pot, or cook it right on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal!

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Course: Air Fryer, Main Course, Sous Vide

Keyword: how to cook frozen shrimp, how to cook frozen shrimp in a skillet, how to cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer, how to cook frozen shrimp in the instant pot, how to sous vide frozen shrimp

Servings: 4

Author: Valerie Skinner

Ingredients

• 1 pound Shrimp frozen

Instructions

Instant Pot Frozen Shrimp

• Start by adding one cup of water to the pot. Then, add your frozen shrimp to a steamer basket or trivet that will fit inside of the pot.
• Next, close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for one minute per pound of shrimp. For example, set the timer for five minutes if you are cooking one pound of shrimp.
• Once the timer goes off, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting. Be careful of the hot steam that will come out!
• Remove the lid and check to make sure your shrimp is cooked through. You can put the lid back on and cook for an additional minute or two if it’s not quite done.

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

• Since you are thawing AND cooking the shrimp during this process, it’s best to start with a preheated air fryer. Turn your air fryer to 400F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
• Place frozen shrimp on the bottom of your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
• At the 5-minute mark, flip using tongs or a spatula. Cook for another 5 minutes and check if they are cooked through.
• If they aren’t, cook for another 2-5 minutes or until the shrimp is no longer opaque.

Sous Vide Frozen Shrimp

• Add water to a large pot and add your immersion circulator. Set to 135F or desired temperature.
• Add your frozen shrimp to a bowl. Sprinkle on baking soda, salt, pepper, and oil. Toss to combine.
• Add the seasoned shrimp to a single flat layer using a vacuum sealer or the water displacement method.
• Once the water bath reaches the desired temperature, submerge the bag in the water bath, making sure all of the shrimp are underwater. You may need to use a weight or heavy kitchen utensil to keep it down. Leave it in the water bath for 25 minutes.
• Remove the shrimp from the water bath. If using right away, serve while warm. If using later, submerge in an ice bath for 5 minutes before transferring to the fridge.

Stovetop Frozen Shrimp

• Add the shrimp to a large skillet with a small amount of water and turn to medium heat.
• Cover with a lid and let the shrimp thaw occasionally stirring until the shrimp are fully defrosted.
• Drain out the excess liquid, add 1 tbsp of oil or butter, turn the heat up slightly, and saute with the oil using your favorite seasonings and any additional oil if needed.