Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good air fryer? It’s a game-changer for getting that perfect crispy texture without all the oil and fuss of deep-frying. And when it comes to quick, delicious, and easy meals, frozen shrimp is definitely a go-to. But if you’re specifically hunting for the best frozen breaded shrimp for air fryer cooking, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve scoured the market to find top-notch breaded shrimp options that come out perfectly golden and crispy in your air fryer. Plus, we’ll even look at a few other convenient frozen shrimp products that, while not always breaded, are fantastic air fryer companions for a quick meal or snack. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and appetizer game!
Our Top Picks for the Best Frozen Breaded Shrimp & Air Fryer-Friendly Shrimp Options
Here’s our breakdown of 7 great frozen shrimp products, perfect for when you need a quick, delicious, and crispy seafood fix.
1. Zatarain’s Shrimp Alfredo, Frozen Meal, 10.5 oz
While not a breaded shrimp product itself, Zatarain’s Shrimp Alfredo is a beloved New Orleans-inspired frozen meal that features savory shrimp and linguine in a creamy cheese sauce. If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful shrimp-centric dinner that complements your air fryer for other crispy sides, or if you simply want a fuss-free meal where shrimp is the star, this is a solid choice for its convenience and delicious flavor profile. It’s a great example of how frozen shrimp can be incorporated into an easy weeknight dinner, even if it’s not the “breaded” variety.
- Features:
- Frozen pasta meal from Zatarain’s, a New Orleans tradition since 1889
- Features savory shrimp and linguine pasta in a zesty, creamy cheese sauce
- A New Orleans twist on classic shrimp alfredo
- Prepared and on the table in just 6 minutes
- Frozen dish can be cooked in the microwave or oven
- Flavorful New Orleans-inspired convenient meal for any night of the week
- Keep on hand in your freezer for a quick and easy lunch or dinner
- Pros:
- Extremely quick preparation time (6 minutes).
- Rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce.
- A complete meal in one convenient package.
- Authentic New Orleans taste.
- Cons:
- Not breaded shrimp, so it won’t yield that crispy texture.
- Focuses on a full meal rather than just shrimp.
- User Impressions: Customers love this for its incredible speed and surprisingly good flavor for a frozen meal. Many praise it as a go-to for busy nights when they crave something hearty and satisfying without much effort.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
2. 365 by Whole Foods Market, Breaded Butterfly Shrimp, 10…
Now, if you’re truly on the hunt for the best frozen breaded shrimp for air fryer cooking, this option from 365 by Whole Foods Market is a prime contender. These butterfly shrimp are designed for that perfect crisp. They’re responsibly sourced and free from certain preservatives, making them a thoughtful choice for your next family meal or appetizer spread. Pop them in your air fryer, and you’ll get a beautiful, golden-brown crunch every time.
- Features:
- Responsibly Farmed or sustainable wild-caught
- Certain preservatives prohibited, including sodium bisulfite and STPP
- Traceable to farm or fishery
- Pros:
- Excellent for achieving a crispy texture in an air fryer.
- Responsibly sourced, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
- Free from undesirable preservatives.
- Great as an appetizer or a main course component.
- Cons:
- May be a bit pricier than conventional brands.
- Availability might be limited to Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh.
- User Impressions: Shoppers consistently praise the quality and flavor of these shrimp, noting how well they crisp up in the air fryer. They appreciate the commitment to sustainable sourcing and the clean ingredient list.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
3. Amazon Fresh Brand, Raw Medium Peeled & Deveined Tail Off…
Alright, so these aren’t breaded. But if you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to control your ingredients, Amazon Fresh’s Raw Medium Peeled & Deveined Tail Off shrimp are an excellent blank canvas for your air fryer creations! You can easily bread them yourself with your favorite coating, or simply cook them plain with a dash of seasoning for a healthy, protein-packed addition to salads, tacos, or pasta. Their convenience (peeled and deveined) makes home preparation a breeze, fitting perfectly into an air fryer-focused kitchen.
- Features:
- 1-pound resealable bag of raw, peeled, and deveined medium shrimp with tails removed (41-50 count per pound)
- Responsibly Sourced: 4-Star Certified by Best Aquaculture Practices
- Phosphate Free
- Tails removed for an easy, relaxed eating experience
- High-quality food that fits every budget, every day.
- An Amazon Brand
- Pros:
- Versatile for custom recipes (breading, seasoning, etc.).
- Conveniently peeled and deveined with tails off.
- Responsibly sourced and phosphate-free.
- Great value for a pound of shrimp.
- Cons:
- Requires home preparation if you want breaded shrimp.
- Not a “ready-to-eat” frozen meal.
- User Impressions: Customers love the quality and convenience of these raw shrimp. They appreciate the tail-off feature for easy eating and find them perfect for a variety of homemade dishes, from stir-fries to, yes, even homemade air fryer breaded shrimp.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
4. Birds Eye Voila! Garlic Shrimp Frozen Dinner,…
Another excellent option for those busy weeknights when you want a complete meal with shrimp without much fuss, Birds Eye Voila! Garlic Shrimp Frozen Dinner is a convenient solution. This family-size bag offers shrimp, pasta, and mixed vegetables in a savory garlic sauce. While it’s primarily designed for skillet or microwave cooking, its presence in your freezer means quick, satisfying shrimp meals are always at hand, complementing your air fryer for other crispy elements you might want to add, like garlic bread or veggies. It’s all about creating an easy, delicious dinner experience.
- Features:
- One 21 oz family size bag of Birds Eye Voila! Garlic Shrimp Frozen Meal
- Quick and easy to prepare with shrimp, pasta, broccoli, carrots and corn coated in a savory garlic sauce
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Simply pour sauce and ingredients in a skillet or microwave-safe bowl and heat
- Store in the freezer until ready to enjoy
- Pros:
- Complete meal in one bag, very convenient for families.
- No artificial preservatives or flavors.
- Quick preparation time (around 15 minutes).
- Savory garlic sauce that many find delicious.
- Cons:
- Not breaded shrimp for air frying.
- Requires a skillet or microwave for cooking.
- User Impressions: This meal is a consistent hit for its ease and flavor. Busy parents and individuals often rely on it for a quick, filling, and relatively healthy dinner, praising its taste and how quickly it comes together.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
5. Amazon Fresh Brand, Cocktail Shrimp With Sauce, Frozen,…
While not a hot, crispy air fryer dish, Amazon Fresh Brand Cocktail Shrimp with Sauce is an absolute crowd-pleaser for appetizers. This tray of cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp comes with its own cocktail sauce, making it the ultimate grab-and-go option for entertaining or a quick snack. If you’re using your air fryer for other hot appetizers, having these ready-to-serve cold shrimp means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests. It’s a testament to how versatile frozen shrimp can be in simplifying your life.
- Features:
- Tray of 20 cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp and 4 ounces of cocktail sauce
- Responsibly Sourced: 4-Star Certified by Best Aquaculture Practices
- Phosphate Free
- Timeless, crowd-pleasing appetizer for celebrations big and small
- High-quality food that fits every budget, every day.
- An Amazon Brand
- Pros:
- Extremely convenient – fully cooked and ready to serve.
- Includes cocktail sauce.
- Responsibly sourced and phosphate-free.
- Perfect for quick appetizers or entertaining.
- Cons:
- Not suitable for air frying (intended to be served cold).
- Not breaded shrimp.
- User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the convenience and quality of these cocktail shrimp. They appreciate having a quick, classic appetizer ready for unexpected guests or just a simple, elegant snack.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
6. Lean Cuisine Frozen Meal Shrimp Scampi, Protein Kick…
Lean Cuisine’s Shrimp Scampi offers a “Protein Kick” with shrimp, angel hair pasta, and vegetables in a garlic butter wine sauce. This frozen entrée is designed for those looking for a healthier, quick meal option that still packs a punch of flavor. While you won’t be air-frying the scampi itself (it’s a microwave meal), it perfectly fits into a lifestyle where quick, balanced, and convenient frozen meals are key, especially if your air fryer handles other parts of your meal prep. It’s a satisfying portion under 400 calories, making it a smart choice for a speedy lunch or dinner.
- Features:
- Shrimp with angel hair pasta and vegetables in a garlic butter wine sauce.
- Under 400 calories (350 calories).
- Ready in 6 minutes.
- 16 grams of protein (25% daily value).
- No artificial flavors or colors.
- SNAP and EBT Eligible item.
- Pros:
- Very fast preparation (6 minutes).
- High in protein, great for wellness goals.
- Low in calories but satisfying.
- No artificial ingredients.
- Cons:
- Not breaded shrimp.
- Designed for microwave cooking, not air frying.
- User Impressions: Users love this Lean Cuisine meal for its quick prep time, decent flavor, and how it helps them stay on track with their dietary goals. It’s a popular choice for a convenient and light lunch or dinner.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
7. Sea Pak Shrimp & Seafood Co Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, 1.32…
Rounding out our list of the best frozen breaded shrimp for air fryer cooking, the Sea Pak Shrimp & Seafood Co Jumbo Coconut Shrimp are an absolute treat! These aren’t just breaded; they’re coated in a sweet, crispy coconut breading that gets wonderfully golden and crunchy in the air fryer. They’re perfect for a party appetizer or a unique main course, delivering that delightful sweet and savory experience. Plus, SeaPak encourages incorporating more seafood into your diet, making these a delicious way to meet those recommendations.
- Features:
- Jumbo-sized shrimp with a sweet coconut breading.
- USDA recommends eating at least 8 oz of seafood a week for a healthier diet.
- Pros:
- Excellent flavor profile (sweet and savory coconut).
- Achieves a fantastic crispy texture in the air fryer.
- Jumbo size offers a satisfying bite.
- Great for appetizers or a unique meal.
- Cons:
- May contain added sugars due to the coconut coating.
- Potentially higher in calories than plain shrimp.
- User Impressions: These are consistently a fan favorite, praised for their incredible taste and how easy they are to prepare. People love how perfectly they cook up in an air fryer, making them a go-to for entertaining or a special weeknight treat.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I really cook any frozen breaded shrimp in an air fryer?
A: Yes, most frozen breaded shrimp varieties are perfect for the air fryer! The circulating hot air helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust without the need for excessive oil, making them a healthier and less messy alternative to deep frying. Always check the package instructions for specific air fryer recommendations if available.
Q2: What’s the best temperature and time for air frying frozen breaded shrimp?
A: A common starting point is 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 8-12 minutes. However, cook times can vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of the shrimp, and the amount you’re cooking. It’s best to check at the halfway point and shake the basket for even cooking.
Q3: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen shrimp?
A: Preheating is generally recommended for best results. It ensures your air fryer is at the optimal temperature from the start, leading to more consistent cooking and a crispier exterior on your shrimp. A 3-5 minute preheat is usually sufficient.
Q4: How do I get my air-fried shrimp extra crispy?
A: For maximum crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in a single layer if possible, or in batches, to allow the hot air to circulate freely around each piece of shrimp. A light spray of cooking oil before air frying can also enhance crispiness, especially for breadings that might dry out.
Q5: Can I air fry frozen raw shrimp?
A: Absolutely! If you have raw, peeled, and deveined frozen shrimp, you can air fry them plain (after thawing or directly from frozen, adjusting cook time) or bread them yourself for a homemade touch. Raw shrimp generally cook quickly in an air fryer, usually around 8-10 minutes at 350-375°F (175-190°C), depending on size.
Q6: Are air-fried frozen shrimp a healthy meal option?
A: Air frying generally makes frozen breaded shrimp a healthier option compared to deep-frying because it uses significantly less oil. While breaded shrimp still contain carbohydrates and fats from the coating, choosing responsibly sourced options and pairing them with fresh vegetables can make for a balanced and delicious meal.
Q7: What are some good dipping sauces for air-fried shrimp?
A: The possibilities are endless! Classic cocktail sauce is always a winner. Other popular choices include sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, lemon aioli, tartar sauce, or a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Ready to Get Crispy?
Whether you’re after the quintessential best frozen breaded shrimp for air fryer cooking or just a quick, convenient frozen shrimp meal, the options available today are fantastic. An air fryer truly transforms frozen seafood into a crispy, golden delight with minimal effort. So go ahead, grab a bag (or two!) of your favorite, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal or appetizer!