Juicy Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Burgers: Ready in 13 Minutes!

Craving a quick and delicious seafood meal? These air fryer frozen shrimp burgers cook up perfectly straight from frozen—no defrosting needed! In just 13 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful shrimp burgers that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Serve them on a bun for a classic burger or enjoy them as a protein-packed patty with your favorite sides. This is the easiest way to cook frozen shrimp burgers, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to pan-frying!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Burgers

• Quick and Easy – No need to thaw! Just pop the frozen shrimp burgers into the air fryer, and they’ll be ready in 13 minutes. It’s the perfect hassle-free meal for busy days.

• Perfect Texture – These shrimp burgers come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with no mushy or dry spots. The air fryer ensures even cooking every time!

• Healthier Alternative – Air frying uses little to no oil, making this a healthier option compared to pan-frying. You get all the delicious flavor with fewer calories and less grease!

• Versatile Meal Option – Enjoy them on a bun with toppings for a classic shrimp burger, or serve them as a patty with salad, rice, or veggies for a lighter meal.

• Works with Any Brand – Whether you have Trader Joe’s shrimp burgers or another brand, this method works for all! Just follow the same simple instructions for perfect results.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Burgers:

• Frozen shrimp burgers – The star of the recipe! You can use Trader Joe’s shrimp burgers or any other brand. No need to defrost them before cooking.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Burgers:

• Air fryer – Cooks the shrimp burgers to crispy, juicy perfection in just minutes.
• Instant-read thermometer – Ensures the burgers are fully cooked to a safe 165°F inside.
• Spatula – Helps easily remove the shrimp burgers from the air fryer without breaking them.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Burgers

• Open the package and take out the frozen shrimp burgers.
• Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 13 minutes.
• Halfway through cooking, check to see if they need flipping (most brands don’t, but you can flip if desired).
• When done, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If not, cook for a few more minutes.
• Use a spatula to carefully remove the cooked shrimp burgers from the air fryer.
• Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, or enjoy as a patty with a side dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the shrimp burger on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a restaurant-style seafood burger.
• Skip the bun and serve the shrimp burger on a bed of lettuce tomato onion salad with a drizzle of lemon juice or your favorite dressing.
• Pair with fried brown rice, roasted brussels sprouts and carrots, and a flavorful sauce like homemade sriracha mayo or garlic aioli for a filling meal.
• Break the burger into chunks and serve in warm homemade flour tortillas with mango jicama slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
• Enjoy the shrimp burger with french fries, crunchy apple coleslaw, or steamed broccoli for a quick and easy meal.

Tips For Success

• No Preheating Needed – Air fryers cook quickly, so there’s no need to preheat. Just place the frozen shrimp burgers straight into the air fryer and start cooking!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – For even cooking, make sure the burgers are in a single layer with a little space between them. Stacking or overlapping can lead to uneven results.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer – While most shrimp burgers cook perfectly in 13 minutes at 400°F, air fryer models may vary. Check for doneness by inserting a thermometer into the center of the burger—165°F is the safe internal temperature.
• Crispier Texture? Extend Cooking Time – If you prefer a crispier burger, cook for 1–2 extra minutes at 400°F. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
• Flip if Desired – Most shrimp burgers don’t need flipping, but if you want extra browning on both sides, you can flip them halfway through.
• Adjust for Different Brands – While Trader Joe’s shrimp burgers cook perfectly in 13 minutes, other brands may have slightly different thicknesses. If yours are thicker, add a couple of minutes as needed.
• Serving Ideas – Dress up your shrimp burger with toppings like avocado, sriracha mayo, coleslaw, or even a fried egg for a gourmet twist!

Variations And Substitutions

• Different Brands of Shrimp Burgers – While this recipe is based on Trader Joe’s shrimp burgers, you can use any brand. Just follow the same air fryer method and adjust the cooking time if needed.
• Spicy Shrimp Burger – Love heat? Add sriracha, hot sauce, or Cajun seasoning to your burger toppings for an extra kick.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Burger – Brush the burger with a little melted garlic butter after air frying for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Low-Carb/Keto Option – Skip the bun and serve the shrimp burger on lettuce wraps or over a salad with a creamy avocado dressing.
• Gluten-Free Option – Many shrimp burgers are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label. Serve on a gluten-free bun or alongside roasted vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Option – Most shrimp burgers are dairy-free, but if making a burger, use dairy-free mayo or avocado slices as a creamy topping.
• Shrimp Burger Sliders – Use smaller buns or cut the burgers into halves for bite-sized sliders—perfect for parties!
• Lemon Herb Shrimp Burger – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the burger and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for a bright, fresh flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover shrimp burgers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Leftovers: You can also freeze cooked shrimp burgers! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To reheat, place the shrimp burger in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until heated through. This keeps the texture crispy.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a faster option, microwave the shrimp burger on a microwave-safe plate for 30–60 seconds, but note that the texture may be softer.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen shrimp burgers in the air fryer without defrosting?

Yes! There’s no need to defrost shrimp burgers before cooking. Just place them straight from frozen into the air fryer, and they’ll cook perfectly in 13 minutes at 400°F.

Do I need to flip shrimp burgers in the air fryer?

Flipping isn’t necessary, but you can flip them halfway through cooking if you want even browning on both sides. Most brands cook evenly without flipping.

How do I know when shrimp burgers are fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165°F in the center. If not, cook for an extra 2–3 minutes.

Can I add seasoning to frozen shrimp burgers before cooking?

Most shrimp burgers come pre-seasoned, but if you want extra flavor, brush them with garlic butter, Cajun seasoning, or a squeeze of lemon after air frying.

What should I serve with shrimp burgers?

You can serve them on a bun with toppings, over a salad, or as part of a shrimp burger bowl with rice and veggies. They also pair well with fries, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Other Easy Shrimp Recipes

Air Fryer Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp – This light and crispy air-fried shrimp is tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce for the ultimate appetizer or meal.

Avocado Shrimp Egg Salad – A protein-packed, creamy shrimp salad with avocado, eggs, and a zesty dressing, perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.

Shrimp and Asparagus on a Sheet Pan – A one-pan meal featuring juicy shrimp and tender asparagus roasted to perfection with garlic, lemon, and simple seasonings.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry – Tender shrimp and crisp broccoli are coated in a bold, garlicky stir-fry sauce with just the right amount of heat.

Other Easy Burger Recipes

Juicy Instant Pot Hamburger – These Instant Pot burgers are incredibly juicy, flavorful, and quick to make, perfect for an easy homemade burger night.

Healthy Turkey Burgers – Lean yet juicy, these turkey burgers are seasoned to perfection and make a delicious, protein-packed meal without the extra fat.

Easy Black Bean Cheeseburger – A hearty and flavorful black bean burger loaded with melty cheese, perfect for a satisfying meatless meal.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Vegan Air Fryer Meatless Meatballs
• Crispy Frozen Potato Wedges in the Air Fryer
• Crunchy Air Fryer Salmon Belly