Air fryer cooking guide
Air Fryer Shrimp
How long to cook shrimp in an air fryer — times for fresh and frozen, the right temperature, and how to get plump, juicy prawns in under 10 minutes.
200°C / 392°F
6–9 min
How long to cook shrimp in an air fryer?
Air fry shrimp at 200°C (400°F) for 6–9 minutes, shaking halfway, until pink, opaque and curled into a loose C-shape. Frozen shrimp take 9–11 minutes. Shrimp cook fast — pull them as soon as they turn opaque to keep them tender.
Shrimp might be the fastest protein in the air fryer — a few minutes of high heat and they're plump, pink and ready. The only rule is don't walk away: they go from perfect to rubbery in under a minute.
Time & temperature chart
| Size / cut | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium, fresh / thawed | 200°C | 6–7 min | Shake at 3 min |
| Large / jumbo, fresh | 200°C | 8–9 min | Shake at 4 min |
| From frozen (raw) | 200°C | 9–11 min | No need to thaw |
| Frozen, pre-cooked (reheat) | 180°C | 4–5 min | Just warm through |
Times are a guide — air fryers vary by 10–20%. Always cook to the safe internal temperature, not just the timer.
How to air fry shrimp
- 1
Pat the shrimp dry and toss with a little oil, garlic, paprika and salt.
- 2
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 2 minutes.
- 3
Spread the shrimp in a single layer and air fry, shaking the basket halfway.
- 4
They're done the moment they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C.
- 5
Finish with a squeeze of lemon and serve straight away.
Pro tips
- Watch them closely — overcooked shrimp curl into a tight O and turn rubbery.
- A tight C-shape means just-done; a tight O means overdone. Aim for the loose C.
- Leave the tails on for finger food, or peel fully for pasta and rice bowls.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature do you cook shrimp in an air fryer?
200°C (400°F). High heat cooks shrimp quickly so they stay plump and juicy instead of drying out.
How long does shrimp take in an air fryer?
Fresh shrimp take 6–9 minutes depending on size; frozen raw shrimp take 9–11 minutes at 200°C. Shake the basket halfway.
Can you cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes, with no thawing. Add a couple of extra minutes and check that they're pink and opaque throughout before serving.
Shrimp recipes to try
SeafoodHoney Garlic Air Fryer Salmon
Flaky salmon with a sticky honey-garlic glaze, ready in 12 minutes. A weeknight dinner that tastes like a treat.
SeafoodAir Fryer Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw
Smoky Cajun shrimp, crisp lime slaw, warm tortillas, and a creamy spicy drizzle make these air fryer tacos fast, fresh, and full of flavour.
SeafoodSticky Sesame Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Bite-size salmon cubes cook fast with caramelised edges, then get tossed in a glossy garlic-ginger teriyaki glaze for easy rice bowls.
SeafoodCrispy Air Fryer Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Tender salmon cubes get crisp Cajun-spiced edges in the air fryer, then a creamy sweet-spicy bang bang drizzle for bowls, tacos or appetisers.