Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the breading crisp up quickly.

Prepare the basket. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush on a small amount of oil. This helps prevent sticking and boosts crunch.

Add the frozen shrimp. Place them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Do not thaw and don’t pile them up or they’ll steam instead of crisp.

Air fry for 6–8 minutes for small or popcorn shrimp, or 8–10 minutes for larger butterfly shrimp. Shake the basket or flip the shrimp halfway through for even browning.

Check for doneness. Shrimp should be golden and crisp. If they need more color, add 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcooking—shrimp turn rubbery fast.

Season and serve. While hot, squeeze on fresh lemon. Add a sprinkle of salt, Old Bay, or Parmesan if you like. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.