Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Boom Bah Shrimp

Craving crispy, restaurant-style shrimp without leaving your kitchen? This Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah is the perfect quick and easy recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Using frozen shrimp straight from the box and no preheating required, you’ll have perfectly cooked, golden-brown shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that tastes just like bang bang shrimp—ready in just 10 minutes!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah

• These shrimp come out of the air fryer with the most amazing crispy coating. No messy oil or deep fryer needed! The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch with just a press of a button. It’s the easiest way to enjoy battered shrimp at home.

• The included sauce packet adds the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s bold, flavorful, and coats the shrimp beautifully. You don’t need to make any sauce yourself—it’s all ready to go. Just toss and enjoy!

• From freezer to plate in just 10 minutes—this recipe couldn’t be simpler. There’s no prep, no chopping, and no cleanup. Just open the package, air fry, and toss in sauce. It’s the ultimate no-fuss meal or appetizer.

• If you love bang bang shrimp, you’ll be obsessed with this version. It tastes just like your favorite restaurant appetizer but for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can enjoy it in your pajamas! Total win.

• Whether you need a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this shrimp has you covered. It’s freezer-friendly and always ready when you are. Just keep a box in your freezer for those “what’s for dinner?” moments. Everyone will love it!

Ingredients For Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah

• Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah – This frozen meal includes crispy battered shrimp and a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce packet. Everything you need is already in the box!

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

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah

• Air fryer – Cooks the shrimp to crispy perfection without the need for oil or deep frying. It gives the shrimp that golden, crunchy texture in just 10 minutes.

How To Make Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah

• Take the shrimp out of the Trader Joe’s package and set the sauce packet aside.

• Arrange the frozen shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

• Cook the shrimp at 400°F for 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

• While the shrimp are cooking, place the sauce packet in a bowl of warm water or run it under hot tap water to thaw.

• Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the air fryer.

• Open the thawed sauce packet and pour it over the hot shrimp.

• Gently toss the shrimp so they’re fully coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.

• Serve immediately and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the shrimp as an appetizer on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing—perfect for parties and gatherings.

• Pair it with fluffy white rice or jasmine rice to turn it into a complete and satisfying main dish.

• Add the shrimp to an avocado, tomato cucumber salad, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a crispy, spicy shrimp salad.

• Make shrimp tacos by tucking them into homemade flour tortillas with mango jicama slaw and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.

• Enjoy them with a side of roasted carrots and brussels sprouts or homemade air fryer fries for a balanced and delicious meal.

Tips For Success

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate and helps every shrimp get nice and crispy. If needed, cook in batches. It’s worth it for the best texture.

• Skip the preheat. You don’t need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. Just place the shrimp in, set the time and temperature, and go! You’ll still get perfectly golden results.

• Thaw the sauce while shrimp cook. Place the sealed sauce packet in a bowl of warm water as soon as the shrimp go in. This gives it time to thaw gently. If it’s not fully thawed after cooking, run it under hot tap water and squeeze to loosen.

• Toss gently for even coating. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the shrimp with the sauce once they’re cooked. Be gentle so you don’t break the crispy coating. Tossing while hot helps the sauce stick better.

• Serve right away. These shrimp are best eaten immediately after cooking and tossing in sauce. That’s when they’re crispiest on the outside and juicy inside. Waiting too long can make the breading soggy.

Variations And Substitutions

• Make it lighter. Skip the sauce if you’re looking to reduce sugar or calories. The shrimp still taste amazing on their own with a crispy coating and tender center. You can also serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for brightness. This is a great option for those wanting a lower-sugar or less spicy version.

• Add extra heat. Love it spicy? Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top after tossing in the sauce. You can also mix in a little chili garlic sauce or spicy mayo. It’s an easy way to turn up the heat!

• Turn it into a meal. Instead of serving the shrimp as a snack or appetizer, turn them into a full meal by pairing with rice, noodles, or in a stir-fry. You can even wrap them in lettuce leaves or tortillas for shrimp wraps or tacos. Add a slaw or crunchy veggies for a satisfying bite. These shrimp are super versatile!

• Use your own sauce. If you don’t want to use the packet included, swap in your favorite sauce. Thai sweet chili sauce, bang bang sauce, or even buffalo sauce all work well. It’s a fun way to customize the flavor based on your preferences. Just make sure the shrimp are hot when you toss them so the sauce clings well.

• Make it gluten-free. This particular Trader Joe’s version is not gluten-free due to the battered coating. But if you have a gluten-free version of frozen battered shrimp, the same air fryer method will work. Just check labels carefully. And be sure to use a gluten-free sauce if substituting.

Storage and Reheating

• Storing leftovers. If you have leftover shrimp, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the shrimp and sauce separately if possible. This helps keep the breading from getting too soft.

• Reheating in the air fryer. To bring back the crispiness, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 380°F for about 3–5 minutes. This will help the breading crisp up again without drying out the shrimp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy. Always check that the shrimp are heated through before serving.

• Reapplying sauce. If the sauce was stored separately, you can warm it under hot water again before tossing with the reheated shrimp. If already coated, you can serve as-is or add a little fresh sauce on top to refresh the flavor. Either way, they’ll still be tasty!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the shrimp directly from frozen?

Yes! Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah is meant to be cooked from frozen. There’s no need to thaw the shrimp before putting them in the air fryer. Just remove the shrimp from the package, place them in a single layer in the basket, and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. They come out perfectly crispy every time.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, preheating is not necessary for this recipe. You can put the shrimp into a cold air fryer and still get amazing results. The shrimp will still turn golden brown with a crispy coating. Skipping the preheat also saves time and keeps the process simple.

What if the sauce packet isn’t thawed by the time the shrimp are ready?

If the sauce packet is still partially frozen after the shrimp are done, just run it under hot tap water. Squeeze it gently to help it thaw faster. It doesn’t take long, especially if the water is warm. Once thawed, cut it open and pour it over the shrimp.

How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce has a sweet and spicy flavor similar to bang bang shrimp. It’s not too hot, but it does have a little kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use less sauce or mix it with a bit of mayo to tone it down. If you love heat, feel free to add extra sriracha or chili flakes!

Can I use this method with other types of frozen shrimp?

Yes, this air fryer method works well with other types of frozen battered or breaded shrimp. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and size of the shrimp, so check for doneness and adjust as needed. Just follow the same 400°F temperature and start checking around 8–10 minutes. You can also use your own sauce if the shrimp you buy don’t come with one.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the shrimp ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer before serving. Store the sauce separately and toss it with the shrimp just before serving. This helps maintain the crispy texture. You can also keep cooked shrimp warm in the air fryer at 250°F for a few minutes if needed.

Is this similar to bang bang shrimp?

Yes! Many people say Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah tastes just like bang bang shrimp. The crispy battered coating and the sweet-spicy sauce are very similar. It’s like a restaurant-style appetizer you can make at home in minutes. Super tasty and easy!

What should I serve with these shrimp?

These shrimp go great with rice, noodles, or a crunchy slaw. You can also use them to make tacos or lettuce wraps. They pair well with steamed veggies or air fryer fries for a fun combo. Or just serve them on a platter with toothpicks as an appetizer!

Other Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes

Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm – This low-carb hearts of palm pasta is a quick and healthy alternative to traditional noodles—gluten-free, keto-friendly, and ready in minutes!

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Mini Hot Dogs – These air fryer mini hot dogs cook up golden brown and flaky in just 10 minutes—perfect for parties or a fun snack.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Green Onion Pancakes – Get crispy, chewy green onion pancakes straight from the freezer to the air fryer—so easy and delicious with no flipping required.

Trader Joe’s Frozen Falafel Air Fryer – Air fryer falafel turns out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside—no oil needed and ready in just 10 minutes!

Corn Ribs in the Air Fryer – These air fryer corn ribs are crispy, sweet, and totally addictive—a fun twist on corn that makes the perfect side or snack.

Frozen Tamales in the Instant Pot – Cooking frozen tamales in the Instant Pot is fast and foolproof—steamed to perfection and ready to enjoy without any prep.

Air Fryer Frozen Soft Pretzels – These frozen soft pretzels come out warm and chewy in the air fryer—perfectly baked with that classic golden crust every time.

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