Frozen shrimp in air fryer

Frozen shrimp in air fryer is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by I Heart Umami on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 25 min

Cost: $9.85 total, $2.46 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Frozen Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined (large or medium size, still frozen)
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces for quick melting)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Granules (or 1 clove fresh minced garlic)
  • 0.5 tsp Paprika (regular sweet paprika)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 spray Non‑stick Cooking Spray (to coat the air‑fryer basket)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer (Optional)

    Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it run for 2 minutes to ensure even heat.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Prepare Basket

    Lightly spray the air‑fryer basket with non‑stick cooking spray, making sure the surface is evenly coated.

    Time: PT30S

  3. First Air‑Fry – Defrost Shrimp

    Place the frozen shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Air‑fry for 3 minutes at 400°F. The shrimp will thaw but not cook through.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 400°F

  4. Melt Butter

    While the shrimp are defrosting, place the butter pieces in an oven‑safe dish and put it in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, or until fully melted.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Season Shrimp

    Transfer the thawed shrimp to a mixing bowl. Add garlic granules, paprika, salt, pepper, and drizzle the olive oil. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Second Air‑Fry – Finish Cooking

    Return the seasoned shrimp to the air‑fryer basket. Air‑fry for 2 minutes at 400°F. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Serve with Butter Sauce

    Immediately transfer the hot shrimp onto the butter‑filled dish to catch the juices. Serve while hot.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
1 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Frozen shrimp in air fryer

Recipe by I Heart Umami

Crispy, buttery, garlicky shrimp cooked straight from frozen in an air fryer. A quick, pantry‑friendly appetizer inspired by Indian street‑food flavors, finished in a butter‑catching dish for maximum juiciness.

EasyIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.85
Total cost
$2.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • First air‑fry must be short (3 min) to defrost without overcooking.
  • Melt butter gently; avoid browning for a clean buttery flavor.
  • Season and toss the shrimp while still warm for better adhesion.

Safety Warnings

  • Butter and oil become very hot; use oven mitts when handling the dish.
  • Do not overcook shrimp – they become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of garlic shrimp in Indian cuisine?

A

Garlic shrimp, often called "jhinga garlic" in coastal Indian regions, is a popular street‑food snack that showcases the love for bold, aromatic spices and butter‑rich sauces common in South Indian cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of garlic shrimp in Indian cuisine?

A

In Kerala, shrimp are cooked with coconut oil, curry leaves, and mustard seeds, while in Goa the dish features vinegar and red chilies. The version on this recipe leans toward a simple garlic‑paprika blend for a quick, universal flavor.

cultural
Q

How is garlic shrimp traditionally served in Indian coastal regions?

A

It is usually served hot, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lemon, alongside steamed rice or as a side to a larger seafood thali.

cultural
Q

During which Indian celebrations or occasions is garlic shrimp commonly enjoyed?

A

Garlic shrimp is a favorite at festivals like Onam and Navratri when families gather for elaborate feasts, as well as at casual gatherings and beachside shacks.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with garlic butter shrimp?

A

Pair it with coconut‑lime rice, a light cucumber raita, or a crisp papadum for texture contrast. A simple dal or vegetable stir‑fry also balances the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter shrimp in an air fryer?

A

Overcrowding the basket, cooking the shrimp too long, and letting the butter burn are the biggest pitfalls. Follow the short defrost and finish times, and keep the butter under 350°F.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a first short air‑fry to defrost the shrimp instead of thawing them in the microwave?

A

Air‑frying gently removes ice without partially cooking the shrimp, preserving texture. Microwaving can start cooking the edges, leading to uneven doneness.

technical
Q

Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can season the frozen shrimp and keep them sealed in the freezer. Melt the butter separately and store it in a small jar in the refrigerator; reheat both before the final air‑fry.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel I Heart Umami specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel I Heart Umami focuses on quick, flavor‑forward recipes that highlight umami‑rich ingredients, often using modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers and sous‑vide for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel I Heart Umami's approach to Indian‑inspired cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

I Heart Umami blends traditional Indian spice profiles with convenience‑oriented techniques, such as air‑frying frozen seafood, whereas many Indian channels emphasize stovetop or tandoor methods.

channel

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