Prepare to be blown away by this mouthwatering Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Butter! It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This recipe combines the magic of air frying with the irresistible allure of garlic butter, resulting in a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have this dish on the table in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those hectic evenings when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of perfectly cooked shrimp and rich, garlicky butter is simply divine. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will have you reaching for more.
- Healthier Option: Air frying uses minimal oil, making this a lighter alternative to traditional pan-fried or deep-fried shrimp dishes.
- Versatile: These shrimp can be served in countless ways – over rice, with pasta, in tacos, or even as a protein-packed appetizer.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of the show. The tails add extra flavor, but feel free to remove them if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch to help the seasonings stick and promote browning.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
- Butter: The base for our indulgent garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor to the butter sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for adding a hint of heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the shrimp before serving.
- Lemon Lover’s Dream: Add some lemon zest to the garlic butter for an extra citrusy punch.
How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat and Cook
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 6 minutes, until pink and curled.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the shrimp cooks, melt butter in a pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in lemon juice and remaining seasonings.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Drizzle the garlic butter over the cooked shrimp and garnish with parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Watch Closely: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor in your butter sauce.
- Preheat Properly: Give your air fryer a few minutes to preheat for the best results.
How to Serve
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta
- Tuck into warm tortillas for quick shrimp tacos
- Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges for an elegant appetizer
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a light meal
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled shrimp and garlic butter separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can sauté the shrimp in a pan over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Can I make this recipe with different seafood?
Absolutely! This method works well with scallops or even bite-sized pieces of firm white fish like cod or halibut.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the garlic butter?
You can use a plant-based butter substitute or olive oil infused with garlic for a dairy-free version.
This Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Butter is a testament to how simple ingredients and quick cooking can result in a truly spectacular meal. The tender, perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in aromatic garlic butter is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something special without the fuss. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with this delicious, effortless dish!
Print
Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in perfectly cooked Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Butter, a quick and delicious meal that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressive entertaining.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the garlic butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring each shrimp is well-seasoned.
- Preheat and cook: Preheat the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray, then add the shrimp to the air fryer in a single layer without overlapping. Air fry for 6 minutes or until the shrimp is pink, curled, and opaque. Repeat with the remaining shrimp, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Make the garlic butter: While the shrimp are cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and parsley, if using.
- Serve: Drizzle the garlic butter over the cooked shrimp and serve immediately. For a complete meal, serve over rice if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic in the butter sauce for the best flavor.
- Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to ensure the proper temperature.
- Cooking time may vary depending on shrimp size. Adjust as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 250
