Craving a seafood dish that’s full of flavor but doesn’t take hours to make? This air fryer garlic butter shrimp recipe is exactly what you need! Juicy, tender shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even tossed into pasta or salads for a quick meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, including prep!
- Healthy: Shrimp is naturally low in calories and high in protein.
- Versatile: Serve this dish over rice, in tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Packed with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce takes these shrimp to the next level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4)
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for a smoky kick)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. - Prepare the Shrimp
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Set aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to mix well.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Coat in Garlic Butter
- Once the shrimp are cooked through and slightly crispy, transfer them to a bowl.
- Immediately toss the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce, making sure each piece is coated.
- Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. For an extra burst of flavor, add a lemon wedge on the side.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by running cold water over them for 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly. To avoid rubbery shrimp, keep an eye on the cooking time and remove them once they turn pink and opaque.
- Spice It Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Course: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Shrimp Tacos: Wrap the shrimp in soft tortillas, top with fresh slaw, and drizzle with chipotle mayo for a quick taco night.
- Pasta Dish: Toss the shrimp with cooked pasta and a bit more garlic butter for a delicious garlic butter shrimp pasta.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before seasoning and cooking them in the air fryer.
2. What size shrimp should I use?
I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe as they cook evenly and have a meatier texture.
3. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can use ½ tsp of garlic powder in a pinch.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- For extra flavor, let the shrimp marinate in the garlic butter sauce for 10-15 minutes before air frying.
- For an added crunch, toss the shrimp with a light panko breadcrumb coating before cooking.
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