I love shrimp scampi, but sometimes I just don’t have the time for cleaning shrimp and chopping garlic. So, instead I turn to Seapak and make frozen shrimp scampi in the air fryer instead! It cooks up perfectly in under 10 minutes for a convenient, yet delicious, meal.
If you’re short on time but still craving that garlic butter flavor of shrimp scampi, then start with a frozen version! It’s pre-seasoned and ready to cook, so there’s no preparation involved.
Whether you use Seapak or another brand doesn’t really matter, you’ll be able to get dinner on the table in under 10 minutes thanks to the air fryer! It turns out juicy, delicious scampi directly from frozen.
Of course, you could also use the oven, but the air fryer is faster, or the stove, but there’s more stirring required there. Plus, this option is great if you don’t have an oven or stove option, and it comes out far texturally better than the microwave could.
Looking for a homemade version? Then make sure to check out my easy Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi recipe which cooks in just 15 minutes. It’s bursting with juicy shrimp and bold garlic flavor!
Ingredients List
Frozen shrimp scampi (such as Seapak)
Sides if desired (optional)
Equipment Note: The frozen shrimp comes pre-sauced, so it will thaw as it cooks. I recommend a baking dish that fits in your air fryer basket to contain everything.
However, if you don’t have one, you could use some foil (roll the edges to contain the sauce), or make sure your air fryer is clean and be prepared to pour the sauce out of the bottom of the basket or drip tray after cooking (be warned, it will be messy this way)!
Ingredient Tips and Notes
Any brand of frozen shrimp scampi is fine. My store happens to carry Seapak, but other popular brands include Sam’s, Margaritaville, and Michael Angelo’s
The size of the box varies by brand, usually between 8-12 ounces (or closer to 20 if you find a “family size” variety). You can cook as much at a time as fits in your air fryer in a single layer without altering cooking time
Serving options include pouring the shrimp scampi over noodles, rice, polenta, or grits for a meal, or putting individual shrimp and sauce on a toasted baguette slice for an appetizer. I’m serving atop my easy Microwave Grits!
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you unpackage your shrimp
Place the frozen shrimp scampi into an oven safe baking dish that fits in your air fryer (or a piece of foil) in a single layer
Add the shrimp into the preheated air fryer and cook on the air fry setting for 8 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway through to stir, or until shrimp reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (per Seapak’s recommendation)
Serve with your favorite sides for dinner or with toasted bread as an appetizer
How Long Do You Cook Frozen Scampi in an Air Fryer?
The cooking time for frozen scampi typically ranges from 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer.
Times may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer and the shrimp size.
Can I Add Extra Ingredients to the Frozen Shrimp Scampi for More Flavor?
Yes, you can enhance the dish by adding fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before or after air frying for additional flavor.
Additionally, you can serve the scampi over pasta, grits, polenta, or other similar items to add texture and flavor to the dish.
Should I Thaw Frozen Shrimp Scampi Before Air Frying?
No, you can directly cook frozen shrimp scampi in the air fryer. Thawing is unnecessary and might lead to overcooking.
If your scampi is frozen in a block, instead of thawing, simply cook for 1-2 minutes and then break it apart and spread it out evenly.
How Do I Prevent Frozen Shrimp Scampi from Overcooking in the Air Fryer?
Monitor the cooking time closely, ensuring the shrimp are not overcrowded so they cook evenly. Additionally, check for doneness periodically to prevent overcooking.
The recommendation for frozen shrimp scampi is 165°F internal temperature. Once it reaches there, stop cooking to avoid a rubbery texture.
Can I Make Multiple Batches of Frozen Shrimp Scampi in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can make multiple batches if your air fryer accommodates multiple servings in a single layer. Ensure each batch cooks evenly by not overcrowding the basket.
Otherwise, cook one batch at a time and place foil over the cooked batches to hold them warm while the others complete, since cooking time is very quick overall.
Are There Any Alternative Serving Suggestions for Frozen Shrimp Scampi?
While pasta is a traditional accompaniment, you can serve shrimp scampi over rice, quinoa, or on a bed of mixed greens for varied options.
To serve as an appetizer instead, toast some baguette slices or garlic bread and top with a shrimp and a drizzle of sauce on each.
Recipe Pro Tips
Seapak frozen shrimp scampi uses raw shrimp. If your brand is already cooked and you’re simply reheating, then less time may be needed (make sure to read the package)!
I made this recipe in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and it was perfectly cooked and verified via instant read thermometer after 8 minutes total. Note that other air fryer brands and models may vary in terms of needed time, as well as different brands of frozen scampi
If you don’t preheat your air fryer (we’ve all been there), then plan to add an additional 3-5 minutes of cooking time to account for the lower starting temperature (it should still work out fine, though)!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Do not refreeze once it has already been cooked once
To reheat, air fry in a small oven safe container or on a piece of foil for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until heated through (times will vary depending on the size of the shrimp, but frozen scampi shrimp are generally on the smaller side). You can also microwave for about 1 minute on high (though I find they get slightly more rubbery this way)
If you love seafood dinners but are short on time, then make frozen shrimp scampi in the air fryer instead! Whether you use Seapak or another brand, it’s easy to get a delicious meal on the table in under 10 minutes!
Scampi is perfect for your feast of seven fishes, or as a quick “surf” option for your surf and turf dinner alongside my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Fileton date night or Valentine’s Day. However, you can enjoy it anytime you like; no special occasion required!
I’m serving mine over some grits with a side salad to complete the meal, but you can dress shrimp scampi up in a number of ways! Pasta, like fettuccine, is a traditional accompaniment, but polenta, quinoa, and other grains are perfect too.
Turn them into an appetizer that’s perfect for Christmas or New Year’s by serving individual sauced shrimp on top of a toasted baguette slice. Yum!
Quick Frozen Shrimp Scampi in the Air Fryer
This quick Seapak frozen shrimp scampi in the air fryer cooks in under 10 minutes! It’s perfect for the holidays, date night, or even just a convenient weeknight meal anytime.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you unpackage your shrimp
Place the frozen shrimp scampi into an oven safe baking dish that fits in your air fryer (or a piece of foil) in a single layer
10 Ounce box frozen shrimp scampi
Add the shrimp into the preheated air fryer and cook on the air fry setting for 8 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway through to stir, or until shrimp reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (per Seapak’s recommendation)
Serve with your favorite sides for dinner or with toasted bread as an appetizer
Notes
Any brand of frozen shrimp scampi is fine. My store happens to carry Seapak, but other popular brands include Sam’s, Margaritaville, and Michael Angelo’s. Note that Seapak uses raw shrimp – if you use a pre-cooked brand you’ll need less cooking time
The size of the box varies by brand, usually between 8-12 ounces (or closer to 20 if you find a “family size” variety). You can cook as much at a time as fits in your air fryer in a single layer without altering cooking time
Serving options include pouring the shrimp scampi over noodles, rice, polenta, or grits for a meal, or putting individual shrimp and sauce on a toasted baguette slice for an appetizer
I made this recipe in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and it was perfectly cooked and verified via instant read thermometer after 8 minutes total. Note that other air fryer brands and models may vary in terms of needed time, as well as different brands of frozen scampi
If you don’t preheat your air fryer, plan to add an additional 3-5 minutes of cooking time to account for the lower starting temperature
Store any leftover scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Do not refreeze once it has already been cooked once
To reheat, air fry in a small oven safe container or on a piece of foil for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or until heated through (times will vary depending on the size of the shrimp, but frozen scampi shrimp are generally on the smaller side)
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any garnishes or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer frozen seafood, air fryer shrimp for pasta, frozen shrimp in air fryer, frozen shrimp scampi in air fryer, meals with frozen shrimp, shrimp in garlic butter sauce
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!
