Perfectly crispy popcorn shrimp from your air fryer is just minutes away! This quick-cooking method transforms frozen shrimp into golden, restaurant-worthy bites without the excess oil.

At just 96 calories per serving and packed with 23g of protein, these crunchy morsels make a fantastic appetizer or light meal option. Whether you’re hosting friends or wanting a quick weeknight dinner fix, this 12-minute recipe delivers irresistible results that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Shrimp

Frozen Popcorn Shrimp: 1 pound (standard box size), keep frozen for best results

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation: Take out your popcorn shrimp from the package while keeping them frozen – no thawing needed!
Basket Arrangement: Place the frozen shrimp in your air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them for proper air circulation
Cooking Time: Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes for perfect crispiness
Mid-Cook Shake: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a gentle shake to ensure even cooking
Final Touch: Cook until shrimp turn beautifully golden and crispy on the outside
Serving: Plate while hot and pair with your preferred dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment

Serving Suggestions

These crispy popcorn shrimp are super versatile! Try them with classic cocktail sauce, tangy remoulade, or creamy tartar sauce. They’re perfect for casual get-togethers – just add some lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a nice presentation. Make it a complete meal by serving them with coleslaw, french fries, or a fresh green salad.

Quick Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp

Keep your shrimp from sticking by giving the air fryer basket a light spray with oil before cooking. Don’t stack the shrimp too high – a single layer works best for maximum crispiness. If you hear the shrimp moving around when you shake the basket halfway through cooking, that’s perfect! It means they’re not stuck together and will cook evenly.

Storage Tips

These little shrimp are best eaten right away while they’re hot and crispy! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll crisp right up again! Skip the microwave, which can make them soggy.

Easy Variations

Want to spice things up? Try sprinkling your favorite seasoning on the shrimp right after cooking – Old Bay seasoning, cajun spice, or even a dash of ranch seasoning powder work great! For a fun twist, toss the hot crispy shrimp in bang bang sauce or sweet chili sauce.