If you want a restaurant style appetizer at home, then you have to try this Aldi boom boom shrimp in the air fryer. Crispy breaded shrimp is tossed or dipped in a sweet chili sauce for a delicious appetizer option that’s ready in just about 10 minutes!
Aldi’s frozen boom boom shrimp bring the crispy breaded shrimp from your favorite restaurant home. Thanks to your air fryer, they cook up in under 10 minutes, for an appetizer or snack that’s easy and delicious!
While the term is often used interchangeably, note that boom boom shrimp are actually different from bang bang shrimp, which has a creamier sauce. If you prefer that style, make sure to check out my Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmonrecipe!
The Aldi version of boom boom shrimp is naturally gluten-free due to a cornstarch breading, so it works for a variety of dietary needs. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack, and even a light meal paired with sides. Top a salad with them, or make shrimp tacos too!
These crispy shrimp are perfect for Lent, your feast of seven fishes, or any time you’d like some crispy, juicy shrimp!
Ingredients List
10 ounce box Aldi frozen boom boom shrimp
Ingredient Notes and Tips
While I’m making Aldi’s boom boom shrimp, these air fryer instructions work for similarly sized breaded shrimp of any variety. So, whether it’s bang bang, boom boom, or any small-sized shrimp, they’ll work just fine. Try Seapak dynamite shrimp, Trader Joe’s shrimp boom bah, or Royal Asia or Northern Chef boom boom shrimp!
Yes, there are often air fryer directions printed on the package (at Aldi, anyway – not all brands do this). However, remember that air fryers can vary a lot in terms of cooking times and temperature, which is why I always test them and provide information I learn along the way to help!
The entire 10 ounce package fits in my 4-qt air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in batches (or cook fewer servings total)
Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Remove the boom boom shrimp from all packaging and place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes, until they are browned and crispy
Serve with included boom boom (sweet chili sauce) for dipping, or use a bowl to toss the hot shrimp directly in the sauce to coat. Pro tip: run the sauce packet under hot water while the shrimp cook to thaw
What to Serve With Boom Boom Shrimp
Jasmine rice
Cucumber salad
Garlic noodles
Fried rice
Grilled pineapple
Fruit salsa
Coleslaw
Crab rangoon
Crab cakes
Green salad
Caesar salad
Corn salad
Tortillas
Mango based cocktails
Pineapple based cocktails
White wine
Champagne
There are lots of great pairings for Aldi boom boom shrimp, depending whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a meal. I like to put them on tortillas with corn slaw for taco night, but there are many other choices as well.
Try boom boom shrimp with Aldi Frozen Crab Rangoon in the Air Fryer, Aldi Crab Cakes in the Air Fryer, a Mango Mule Mocktail, or a Pineapple Upside Down Mimosa!
Recipe FAQs
What Is Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp?
Aldi boom boom shrimp is a popular frozen appetizer from Aldi grocery stores. Small shrimp are breaded with cornstarch and served with a Thai sweet chili sauce.
Cooking them in the air fryer results in crispy shrimp in less time than the traditional oven.
Can I Cook Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp Directly from Frozen in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook Aldi boom boom shrimp directly from frozen, with no defrosting required.
Run the sauce packet under hot water to defrost it while the shrimp is cooking.
What Temperature and Time Settings Should I Use to Air Fry Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp?
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through.
Add 2-3 minutes and an additional flip if you do not preheat. Remember that cooking times can vary between air fryers, so adjust as needed.
What Are Some Good Garnishes for Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp?
Garnish boom boom shrimp with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving for added flavor and presentation.
They can also be served with tortillas and a slaw for tacos, on a salad, or as a rice bowl for interesting flavor and texture combinations.
Can I Make a Large Batch of Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp in the Air Fryer for a Party?
You can make as many boom boom shrimp at a time as fit in a single layer in the basket or rack of your air fryer.
If you are making more than will fit, cook in batches to achieve the most even cooking and best results.
Can I Freeze Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp After Air Frying Them?
It is not recommended to refreeze Aldi boom boom shrimp after cooking once, as they will dry out.
Store in the refrigerator instead for 2-3 days, and reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F to re-crisp before serving.
Are There Any Alternative Cooking Methods for Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp Besides Air Frying?
Yes, besides air frying, Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp can also be baked in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Then, flip and broil for 5 additional minutes to crisp.
The air fryer method takes half the time (not even counting preheating) and delivers the same or better result texturally.
Recipe Pro Tips
If you preheat your air fryer, reduce cooking time by 3 minutes to start
My shrimp were hot and crispy after 7 minutes total in my Ninja air fryer (and I did not preheat). I added a couple extra minutes to test and did not notice a change in browning level, so I would just pull them once they’re crispy and sizzling
You do not need to spray any oil on the shrimp as there is plenty already present in the breading (you’ll see it come out as they cook). For other brands besides Aldi, make sure to check the ingredients and add a mist as needed to help with crisping
Storage and Reheating Tips
You can store any leftover boom boom shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I do not recommend refreezing after cooking once, as the texture starts to worsen
To reheat, air fry the boom boom shrimp at a lower temperature of 350°F for 3-5 minutes (shake the basket once) until they are warmed and re-crisped. If they were sauced, use a square or parchment or nonstick foil under the shrimp to contain the mess
Overall Review of Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp
My overall review of the Aldi (Fremont Fish Market) boom boom shrimp is that it comes out really crispy and juicy. It is very easy to prepare in the air fryer, so a teen or older child capable of safely using the air fryer could definitely make them!
It’s a great fast appetizer option, taking me just 7 minutes to cook, so it’s something I would love to keep on hand for last minute company, or as a quick app or side for a fish dinner.
My only negative is that the shrimp themselves have very little flavor without the sauce. They are very much designed to be a neutral canvas and seem to be there mostly for the crunchy texture. All the flavor is in the sauce, so if you don’t like sweet chili, you’ll be very disappointed I think.
They are, however, great when added to a flavorful slaw on tacos or in a seasoned rice bowl, and add a nice crispy element. You could also choose a different sauce to dip them in if preferred (but you definitely need something).
Making Aldi boom boom shrimp in the air fryer is so quick and easy! In under 10 minutes, you’ll have crispy, juicy shrimp ready to dive into a sweet chili sauce for the perfect appetizer. You can also add them to a salad or taco shells to make into a meal!
Starting with a frozen version takes all the hard work out of cleaning and breading the shrimp, which is my favorite part. Plus, Aldi’s version is naturally gluten free, so it fits a variety of different dietary needs!
These crispy shrimp are perfect for Lent, your feast of seven fishes, taco Tuesday, or any time you’re craving some crunch and seafood.
Looking for bigger shrimp? Check out my Margaritaville Boomerang Shrimp in the Air Fryer for another tasty option!
Aldi Boom Boom Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe
Aldi’s frozen boom boom shrimp come out crispy, juicy, and delicious in the air fryer in under 10 minutes! They’re a perfect appetizer or light meal when combined with side dishes.
10Ouncebox frozen Aldi boom boom shrimp(Fremont Fish Market)
Instructions
Remove the boom boom shrimp from all packaging and place into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
10 Ounce box frozen Aldi boom boom shrimp
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket after 5 minutes, until they are lightly browned and crispy
Serve with included boom boom (sweet chili sauce) for dipping, or use a bowl to toss the hot shrimp directly in the sauce to coat. Pro tip: run the sauce packet under hot water while the shrimp cook to thaw
Notes
While I’m making Aldi’s boom boom shrimp, these air fryer instructions work for similarly sized breaded shrimp of any variety. So, whether it’s bang bang, boom boom, or any small-sized shrimp, they’ll work just fine. Try Seapak dynamite shrimp, Trader Joe’s shrimp boom bah, or Royal Asia or Northern Chef boom boom shrimp!
There are air fryer directions printed on the package. However, remember that air fryers can vary a lot in terms of cooking times and temperature, which is why I always test them and provide information I learn along the way!
My shrimp were hot and crispy after 7 minutes total in my Ninja air fryer (and I did not preheat), and this is less than the box originally called for. I added a couple extra minutes to test and did not notice a change in browning level, so I would just pull them once they’re crispy and sizzling
If you preheat your air fryer, reduce cooking time by 3 minutes to start
You do not need to spray any oil on the shrimp as there is plenty already present in the breading (you’ll see it come out as they cook). For other brands besides Aldi, make sure to check the ingredients and add a mist as needed to help with crisping
You can store any leftover boom boom shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I do not recommend refreezing after cooking once, as the texture starts to worsen
To reheat, air fry the boom boom shrimp at a lower temperature of 350°F for 3-5 minutes (shake the basket once) until they are warmed and re-crisped. If they were sauced, use a square or parchment or nonstick foil under the shrimp to contain the mess
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, amount of sauce used, any toppings or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer frozen foods, aldi air fryer recipes, aldi boom boom shrimp air fryer, crispy shrimp, fremont fish market, frozen boom boom shrimp, frozen breaded shrimp in air fryer, frozen shrimp appetizer
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
