How to Defrost Prawns Quickly (4 Methods!)

If you're in a rush and need defrost prawns quickly here are my favorite methods to do so. Whether you're thawing them to keep them raw for a dish like a seafood boil, or to cook frozen shrimp right away in the air fryer, I'm sharing my secret methods to get them thawed in no time!

Remember, while these methods can help you defrost frozen prawns quickly and safely, it's important to use them immediately. Defrosted prawns need to be cooked immediately after thawing to prevent any foodborne illnesses, per United states department of agriculture.

I have a full list of seafood freezing guide so you know what you can and can't freeze.

Method 1: How to Defrost and Cook Prawns in the Air Fryer

If I'm making a dish like this shrimp rice bowl, I almost always take my frozen shrimp and cook them directly in the air fryer.

This frozen shrimp in the air fryer recipe has saved me on many nights when it's nearly 5pm and I have yet to thaw a protein for dinner. and no defrosting prawns needed - they go from frozen to cooked in about 10 minutes.

Method 2: How to Defrost Prawns in Water

I love this method for a super quick last minute dinner. I used it to whip up my shrimp yakisoba that's mouthwatering good!

1. Place the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag.
2. Fill a large bowl or the sink with cold water and place the bag of shrimp in the water. Make sure it's fully submerged.
3. Change the water every 10 minutes to make sure it doesn't get too cold.
4. Thawing time may vary. I find that smaller shrimp may take half the time that larger shrimp take. Cook be anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
5. Once the shrimp is completely thawed, remove them from the water and pay them dry with a paper towel before using them in your recipe.

Method 3: How to Defrost Prawns in the Microwave

Defrosting frozen prawns in the microwave can be one of the fastest and most efficient ways to get your prawns ready for your dish if done right.

1. Place the frozen prawns in a large microwaves safe dish. I like to thaw in batches and pick a dish that's flat so the shrimp can be arranged in an even layer.
2. Set the microwave to defrost or low power. Check your microwave settings on how to do this.
3. Microwave the prawns in short intervals, 1-2 minutes at a time.
4. Once the prawns thaw, remove them and rotate with frozen shrimp until you've cycled through the amount you need.
5. Be careful not to leave them in the microwave for too, as they can quickly become rubbery and overcooked.
6. Once all of them have thawed, rinse them under cold water to help remove excess ice or frost.
7. Pat them dry with a paper towel before using them.

Method 4: Defrosting Frozen Prawns in the Sink

1. Take the frozen shrimp out of the packaging and place them in the colander.
2. Place the colander in the sink and run a gentle stream of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Thawing time will vary depending on the size of the prawns.
3. Once shrimp has thawed, remove them and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking them.

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