Experience the unparalleled flavor and tender texture of our easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp, an exceptional dish that perfectly balances rich seasoning with a luscious butter sauce. This versatile recipe is an ideal choice, whether served as a captivating main course, a delightful side dish, or an irresistible appetizer.
Irresistible Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp: Your Quick & Flavorful Seafood Fix
The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, proving itself far more than a passing trend. Its ability to deliver crispy, perfectly cooked results with minimal oil has cemented its place in kitchens worldwide. As a passionate home cook, I’ve been continually amazed by the versatility and efficiency of this appliance, and air fryer recipes remain consistently popular among readers seeking delicious and convenient meals.
Among the most requested dishes, shrimp recipes stand out, and for good reason. Shrimp cooks quickly, absorbs flavors beautifully, and is a fantastic source of lean protein. This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is an absolute triumph, yielding shrimp that are incredibly tender and infused with a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more. It’s a culinary winner that deserves a permanent spot in your weekly menu rotation.
Imagine succulent shrimp, seasoned to perfection and cooked to a golden crisp in under 15 minutes, then tossed in a decadent garlic butter sauce. This dish isn’t just fast; it’s a gourmet experience made simple. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a gathering, or looking for an elegant side, this air fryer shrimp delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Adore This Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in less than 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Explosive Flavor: A savory blend of garlic and butter, enhanced by a carefully chosen seasoning mix, ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer guarantees shrimp that are tender on the inside with a slight, satisfying crisp on the outside – never rubbery!
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve it as a stand-alone main, a vibrant side, or an impressive appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess compared to pan-frying, simplifying your post-meal routine.
- Healthier Option: Achieve delicious fried texture with significantly less oil, making it a lighter alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp
For optimal results and ease of cooking, we recommend using large shrimp, typically sized around 26-30 shrimp per pound. This size offers a good balance, ensuring the shrimp cook through evenly without drying out, while also providing a satisfying bite. While large shrimp are preferred, you can certainly use other sizes, just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly. The key is to use approximately 1 pound of shrimp in total.
Leaving the tails on is primarily for presentation, giving the shrimp a more elegant and appealing look, especially when serving as an appetizer where guests might hold them by the tail. Some people also find that the tails add a subtle depth of flavor during cooking. However, removing the tails is entirely a matter of personal preference and can make the shrimp easier to eat, particularly if you’re mixing them into pasta or a salad. Either way, the flavor profile of the dish will remain exquisite.
The versatility of this garlic butter shrimp makes it a fantastic addition to almost any meal.
- As a Main Dish: Serve it alongside fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or a creamy polenta. For a heartier meal, combine it with pasta – it’s absolutely divine tossed with a rich fettuccine alfredo or a simple lemon-garlic spaghetti. Add some steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a complete and balanced plate. A side of crusty brown bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing garlic butter sauce.
- As a Side Dish: It makes a sophisticated accompaniment to grilled chicken, steak, or even a robust vegetarian lasagna. The vibrant flavors and quick cooking time ensure it won’t overshadow your main but will complement it beautifully.
- As an Appetizer: Arrange the shrimp elegantly on a platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also serve them with toothpicks, or even skewer them before air frying for an easy-to-handle bite. A simple dipping sauce, perhaps a spicy aioli or extra lemon butter, would be a wonderful addition.
- Creative Pairings: Consider adding it to a fresh salad, topping on tacos, or making delightful shrimp sliders.
Yes, preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) is essential for this particular recipe. While some air fryer recipes might not strictly require preheating, it makes a significant difference when cooking shrimp. Preheating ensures the air fryer basket is at the correct temperature from the moment the shrimp are introduced, leading to immediate searing, even cooking, and that desirable slightly crispy texture. Skipping this step can result in less consistent cooking and a softer texture.
For all my air fryer recipes, I consistently recommend using olive oil spray. Unlike many other nonstick sprays that contain ingredients which can build up and gunk up the air fryer basket over time, olive oil spray is gentle on the appliance and prevents residue. When it comes to air fryer liners, I generally advise against them unless they are specifically designed with numerous perforations or holes. Standard liners restrict the crucial airflow within the air fryer, which defeats the very purpose of using the appliance. The circulating hot air needs to flow freely around the food to ensure even cooking and to achieve that perfectly crispy exterior we all love from an air fryer. Maximize your air fryer’s potential by ensuring proper air circulation.
Leftover air fryer garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and flavor. For longer storage, these delectable shrimp can also be frozen. Once cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply move the frozen shrimp to the refrigerator overnight. When ready to reheat, you have a couple of options: gently warm them in the microwave until heated through, or for the best texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are thoroughly warm and slightly crispy again. This method helps restore some of their original texture.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Shrimp: Approximately 1 pound, peeled and deveined, with tails on or off (your preference).
- Olive Oil: For coating the shrimp, helping the seasonings adhere and promoting even cooking.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to enhance natural flavors.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These aromatic spices provide a savory base for the shrimp’s seasoning.
- Olive Oil Spray: Essential for preventing sticking in the air fryer basket and ensuring a crisp finish.
- Unsalted Butter: The star of our rich and luxurious garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced, to infuse the butter sauce with incredible aroma and taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the butter, elevating the overall flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who enjoy a subtle hint of heat to complement the savory and tangy notes.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): Chopped, for a burst of fresh color and herbaceous flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this irresistible dish is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavor-packed shrimp:
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp (tails on or off, as desired) into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 ½ teaspoons of olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss gently to ensure every piece of shrimp is thoroughly coated with the delicious seasoning mix. This initial seasoning is key to building the foundational flavor of your shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it preheats, lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent any sticking. Once preheated, carefully arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer within the basket. It is crucial not to overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook the shrimp in two or more batches to ensure optimal airflow and even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steamed, rather than air-fried, shrimp.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Air fry the shrimp for approximately 6 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the specific model of your air fryer. The shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn a vibrant pink color, curl into a “C” shape, and become opaque throughout. If you’re cooking in batches, repeat this step for any remaining shrimp, ensuring each batch is cooked evenly and to the desired tenderness.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the shrimp are air frying, prepare your luscious garlic butter sauce. In a small skillet or saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted and gently simmering, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn it bitter.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat to stop the cooking process. Whisk in 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using for a touch of heat), and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley. The residual heat from the butter will warm the added ingredients without overcooking them, preserving their vibrant flavors.
Finally, transfer the perfectly air-fried shrimp to a serving platter or a large bowl. Drizzle or gently toss the warm garlic butter sauce over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated in the flavorful goodness. Serve immediately and savor the incredible taste!
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, and to explore exciting new flavors, consider these tips and variations:
- Don’t Overcrowd: This is the golden rule for air frying. Overcrowding the basket lowers the temperature and steams the food instead of crisping it. Cook in batches for best results.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Before seasoning, gently pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: While garlic powder and onion powder provide a great base, using fresh minced garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the sauce truly elevates the flavor profile. Fresh parsley also adds a wonderful brightness.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper could also be added to the shrimp seasoning for an extra kick.
- Herbacious Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs. Dill, chives, or even a hint of fresh thyme could add a different dimension to the garlic butter sauce.
- Smoky Flavor: For a subtle smoky note, add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the shrimp seasoning.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you’re a true garlic enthusiast, don’t shy away from adding an extra clove or two to the sauce.
- Parmesan Perfection: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the finished shrimp or stirred into the warm butter sauce before serving adds a salty, umami depth.
Explore More Delicious Seafood and Air Fryer Recipes!
If you loved this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’re in for a treat! We have an array of other fantastic recipes that will satisfy your cravings for flavorful seafood and easy air fryer meals. Expand your culinary repertoire with these mouth-watering options:
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Shrimp Boil
- Shrimp Étouffée
- The Best Shrimp Dip
- Shrimp Tacos
- Fried Panko Shrimp
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables
- Buttery Creole Shrimp
- Southern Fried Shrimp
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on (or off)
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive Oil Spray (for air fryer basket)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add the olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all the shrimp evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned shrimp into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper airflow.
- Air fry for 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, curled, and opaque throughout. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Repeat with any remaining batches.
- While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small skillet or saucepan, melt the ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if desired), and 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.
- Pour or spoon the freshly made garlic butter sauce over the cooked shrimp. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any size shrimp you prefer, as long as the total weight equates to approximately one pound. Adjust cooking times for smaller or larger shrimp.
- If you prefer no spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes from the sauce.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you will likely need to cook the shrimp in multiple batches to ensure they are in a single layer and cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- These shrimp can be frozen for later enjoyment. Refer to the FAQs section above for detailed instructions on how to freeze and reheat leftovers properly.
- We like leaving the tails on for presentation and ease of handling as an appetizer, but you are welcome to remove them if you prefer.
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information
Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Sodium: 723mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used and exact preparation methods.
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