Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional
- chopped parsley
- lemon wedges
- red pepper flakes
- grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryerPreheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prep the shrimpPat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Make the garlic butter mixtureStir together the melted butter, garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Season the shrimpToss the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture until evenly coated.
- Air fry the shrimpPlace the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the shrimp are pink, lightly golden, and cooked through.
- ServeServe immediately with parsley, lemon wedges, red pepper flakes, or parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Large shrimp work best because they stay juicy and cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the basket or the shrimp may steam instead of roast.
- Shrimp cooks quickly, so start checking early.
- Add extra melted garlic butter after cooking for even more flavor.
Ingredients at a Glance
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 220
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 0g
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
1. Pat the shrimp dry
Dry shrimp holds the garlic butter mixture better and cooks more evenly.
2. Mix the garlic butter
Combine the butter, garlic, seasonings, and lemon juice.
3. Coat the shrimp well
Toss until every piece is evenly covered.
4. Air fry for a few minutes
Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and lightly golden.
5. Serve right away
Finish with parsley or lemon and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Use large shrimp for the best texture
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning
- Cook in a single layer
- Do not overcook
- Spoon extra garlic butter over the shrimp before serving
Easy Variations
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Use extra lemon juice and lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
Parmesan Garlic Shrimp
Finish with a little grated parmesan after cooking.
Herb Garlic Butter Shrimp
Add parsley or dill for a fresher finish.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Serve it with:
- rice
- pasta
- salad
- roasted vegetables
- quinoa
- garlic bread
- meal prep bowls
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1 to 2 minutes, just until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the shrimp
Shrimp becomes rubbery very quickly if cooked too long.
Not drying the shrimp first
Wet shrimp does not hold the garlic butter mixture as well.
Overcrowding the basket
A crowded basket can stop the shrimp from roasting properly.
Using too much butter before cooking
Too much butter can drip off quickly, so keep the balance right and add more after cooking if needed.
FAQ
How long does garlic butter shrimp take in the air fryer?
Most large shrimp cook in about 4 to 5 minutes at 400°F.
Is air fryer garlic butter shrimp healthy?
Yes. It is high in protein and can still fit into a balanced meal, especially with vegetables or rice.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thawed shrimp gives the best texture and cooks more evenly.
Can I make this with pre-cooked shrimp?
It is better with raw shrimp because pre-cooked shrimp can overcook too easily.
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
It works well with rice, pasta, salad, vegetables, or meal prep bowls.
More High-Protein Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos
- Air Fryer Salmon Meal Prep Bowls
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Salmon
Save This Recipe for Later
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