I love tempura shrimp, but it never seems to hold onto its crispiness when you order takeout. Instead of slogging it to the restaurant to get my fix, now I make frozen tempura shrimp in the air fryer. It gets nice and crispy, so it’s just as delicious and I don’t even need to leave home!
Save time having to prep and batter your shrimp and start with frozen tempura shrimp instead. It’s all ready to go, flash frozen, and cooks easily in your air fryer right from frozen – no defrosting required!
They’re super versatile too. Whether you’re going to roll them into some delicious sushi rolls or enjoy them on their own, tempura shrimp make a great appetizer, lunch, or even dinner when paired with some sides.
Best of all, frozen tempura shrimp in the air fryer is ready in around 10 minutes, making it quick and convenient for a midday meal or a weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need
Frozen tempura shrimp, any brand
Additional sides or sauces for serving (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
You can use any brand of frozen tempura shrimp you like. I have Fremont Fish Market (Aldi) here, but I’ve also used Seapak, Kirkland (Costco) and Trader Joe’s frozen tempura shrimp. They all work great!
Some brands come with dipping sauce. If yours doesn’t and you want a sauce, Tentsuyu is the traditional soy-based accompaniment. It’s also great with sweet chili, honey mustard, Yum Yum sauce, or spicy mayo for some less traditional options
How to Cook Frozen Shrimp Tempura in Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, and remove frozen tempura shrimp from all external packaging
Place the shrimp in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
Cook on air fry setting for 8-10 minutes at 390°F, pausing to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a complete meal
Yes, you can air fry frozen tempura shrimp, such as Seapak, Trader Joe’s, and other brands.
They do not require defrosting ahead of time, and may be cooked directly from their frozen state.
How Long Do I Cook Frozen Tempura Shrimp in the Air Fryer?
You cook frozen tempura shrimp in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes. Very large shrimp may require slightly longer.
The shrimp are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety reasons.
What Temperature Do You Air Fryer Tempura Shrimp?
Typically, you air fry tempura shrimp at a temperature of 390°F.
If your air fryer does not have that setting, you may cook them at 400°F and reduce time by 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, for a less browned exterior, cook at 375°F for 1-2 more minutes.
Is Frozen Shrimp Tempura Already Cooked?
Yes, typically frozen shrimp tempura is already cooked.
You can tell by the color of the breading typically. If it is already browned, it has been cooked before freezing. If it is blonde colored, then it has not. Always refer to the box to check for the words fully cooked if you’re unsure.
Recipe Pro Tips
There is no need to add additional oil before cooking, as frozen tempura shrimp already has it in the coating prior to freezing
If your shrimp comes with a frozen sauce packet, place it in a glass of hot water to thaw while your shrimp is cooking
Most frozen tempura shrimp have a flat side and a rounded side. I recommend facing them all the same way in the basket, which makes it easier to tell which ones you’ve flipped during the process
My shrimp were perfect (verified via thermometer) after 8 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other air fryers and different brands of shrimp may vary slightly
Making frozen tempura shrimp in the air fryer is so easy, and they’re ready in less than 10 minutes! They make for a perfect lunch, or a dinner when paired with some sides.
I think on their own you really need a dipping sauce, as the breading doesn’t have tons of flavor. However, if you’re going to roll your shrimp tempura into a sushi roll, that will give you plenty of additional tastes!
If you love shrimp tempura and don’t want to suffer through cold takeout or sit in the restaurant, then these are absolutely perfect. Reach for the freezer instead of the keys, and you won’t be sorry!
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, and remove frozen tempura shrimp from all external packaging
3 Frozen tempura shrimp
Place the shrimp in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
Cook on air fry setting for 8-10 minutes at 390°F, pausing to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a complete meal
Notes
You can use any brand of frozen tempura shrimp you like. I have Fremont Fish Market (Aldi) here, but I’ve also used Seapak, Kirkland (Costco) and Trader Joe’s frozen tempura shrimp. They all work great!
Some brands come with dipping sauce. If yours doesn’t and you want a sauce, Tentsuyu is the traditional soy-based accompaniment. It’s also great with sweet chili, honey mustard, Yum Yum sauce, or spicy mayo for some less traditional options
There is no need to add additional oil before cooking, as frozen tempura shrimp already has it in the coating prior to freezing
If your shrimp comes with a frozen dipping sauce packet, place it in a glass of hot water to thaw while your shrimp is cooking
Most frozen tempura shrimp have a flat side and a rounded side. I recommend facing them all the same way in the basket, which makes it easier to tell which ones you’ve flipped during the process
My shrimp were perfect (verified via thermometer) after 8 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other air fryers and different brands of shrimp may vary slightly
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, dipping sauces and sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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!
