Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe: Crispy Delight

Crispy, succulent garlic butter shrimp from the air fryer will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Seafood enthusiasts know how quickly this dish comes together.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in just minutes.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of rich butter and aromatic garlic.

Perfectly golden and tender, these shrimp emerge from the air fryer with a delectable crunch.

Quick, simple, and absolutely mouthwatering – you’ll want to serve this recipe at every gathering.

Prepare to impress with this foolproof culinary marvel that screams gourmet without complicated techniques.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp In Air Fryer Is So Quick And Tasty

• Rapid Kitchen Magic: Prepare this mouthwatering dish in minutes with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting restaurant-quality flavors without complex techniques.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Packed with bold garlic butter sauce and customizable spice levels, these shrimp deliver an incredible taste experience that will impress family and dinner guests alike.
• No-Mess Cooking Adventure: Air fryer method ensures crispy, perfectly cooked shrimp without greasy cleanup, reducing kitchen chaos and streamlining meal preparation for maximum convenience.
• Versatile Dining Superstar: Adaptable recipe works wonderfully as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, complementing various side dishes and accommodating different dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps.

What You’ll Need For Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein and main flavor profile of the dish.

• Butter: Rich dairy product that creates a smooth, creamy base for the garlic sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds bold, savory flavor to the shrimp.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the shrimp's natural flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh, green garnish and subtle herbaceous note.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that provides a zesty, tangy accent to cut through the richness of the butter.

• Cooking Spray: Helpful non-stick agent to prevent shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket.

How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp In The Air Fryer

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Garlic Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they dance together into a mouthwatering mixture.

Step 2: Massage Shrimp with Flavor

Drop clean, peeled shrimp into the garlic butter sauce. Gently toss each shrimp, ensuring they’re completely coated with the aromatic blend. Let them soak up all the delicious seasonings.

Step 3: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to 400°F. Allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes, creating the perfect cooking environment for your seafood feast.

Step 4: Arrange and Cook Shrimp

Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Spread shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, giving the basket a shake midway through cooking. Watch for the shrimp to turn a beautiful pink and become perfectly opaque.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Transfer hot shrimp back to the original sauce bowl. Toss gently to re-coat with any remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate your golden shrimp with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with rice, pasta, or enjoy them as a standalone appetizer. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips To Make Air Fryer Shrimp Juicy And Crispy

• Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange shrimp in a single layer to ensure crispy, evenly cooked results without steaming.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Watch shrimp closely and cook just until they turn pink to maintain tender texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Let shrimp marinate in garlic butter sauce for 10-15 minutes before air frying to enhance taste absorption.
• Quick Clean-Up Trick: Line air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleaning and minimal sticking.

Fun Flavor Ideas For Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Variation: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor profile that brings Louisiana-style heat to your dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap paprika with dried oregano and add chopped fresh dill and lemon zest to create a Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use ghee instead of butter and serve with cauliflower rice to make the recipe low-carb and compatible with ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast for a rich, savory flavor that keeps the recipe dairy-free while maintaining its delicious taste.

Best Pairings With Air Fryer Shrimp

• Pair Zesty Citrus White Wine with Shrimp: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic butter's richness and cuts through the buttery flavor, enhancing the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Create Herbal Rice Side Dish: Prepare lemon-herb rice with parsley, dill, and a touch of lemon zest to mirror the garlic butter sauce's bright Mediterranean-inspired flavors and provide a perfect accompaniment.
• Craft Crispy Garlic Bread Companion: Toast rustic bread with garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh herbs, creating a crunchy side that soaks up the remaining sauce and adds textural contrast to the tender shrimp.

How To Store Garlic Butter Shrimp After Cooking

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Seal completely to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the seafood's quality.
• Place cooled shrimp in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm shrimp in 15-second intervals, stirring between each cycle. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Check temperature to ensure even heating.
• Warm shrimp in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp FAQ Guide

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before coating with garlic butter sauce. Make sure to remove excess moisture to help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for a pink color and a slight curl in the shrimp. They should be opaque and firm, not translucent or rubbery. Cooking time is typically 6-8 minutes at 400°F.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes. If you want no heat, simply omit them. The paprika adds flavor without significant spiciness. You can always adjust the spice level to your preference.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood straight to home kitchens with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Crispy, buttery shrimp emerge perfectly cooked in minutes, promising a delightful meal you can easily master.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Wet Ingredients and Garnish:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Cooked rice or pasta (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty garlic butter infusion by whisking melted butter with minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Gently tumble peeled and deveined shrimp into the aromatic sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the flavorful marinade.
3. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F, allowing it to warm up for approximately 5 minutes to create an optimal cooking environment.
4. Spritz the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent potential adhesion of shrimp during cooking.
5. Arrange shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer within the basket, working in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat circulation and even cooking.
6. Air fry the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, pausing midway to give the basket a gentle shake, promoting uniform cooking and golden-pink coloration.
7. Verify doneness by confirming shrimp have transformed to a vibrant pink hue and appear fully cooked through.
8. Transfer the succulent shrimp to a serving dish, drizzling any remaining garlic butter sauce from the original bowl for enhanced flavor.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges to provide a bright, citrusy accent.
10. Serve immediately, optionally presenting over rice or pasta for a more substantial meal, and savor the delectable garlic butter shrimp.

Notes

• Check shrimp freshness by ensuring they smell clean and ocean-like, not fishy or ammonia-like before cooking.
• Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to achieve crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming in air fryer.
• Season boldly but carefully – garlic and red pepper flakes can quickly overpower delicate shrimp flavor, so start with small amounts.
• Arrange shrimp in single layer without overcrowding for perfect golden-brown crispy texture and even cooking.
• Gluten-free modification: Use gluten-free seasoning and confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or rice.
• Swap butter with olive oil for heart-healthy alternative without compromising rich, savory flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg