Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp: Easy 15-Minute Recipe

There’s nothing quite like walking through your front door after a long day, knowing you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just minutes. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is exactly that kind of recipe—a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the fuss. The aroma of sizzling garlic butter and herbs fills your kitchen as plump shrimp transform into perfectly tender, slightly crispy morsels in your air fryer. The best part? This easy air fryer garlic butter shrimp recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for both last-minute dinner emergencies and planned entertaining. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish delivers impressive flavor with surprisingly little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

• ✅ This quick air fryer garlic butter shrimp meal is ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
• ✅ A healthy garlic butter shrimp air fryer dish with less oil than traditional methods
• ✅ Perfect crispy air fryer shrimp with garlic butter sauce without any breading needed
• ✅ Great as a low carb air fryer garlic butter shrimp option for those watching their carbohydrate intake
• ✅ The flavorful garlic butter shrimp air fryer method preserves all the juiciness of the shrimp
• ✅ This air fryer shrimp garlic butter dinner idea is versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or vegetables
• ✅ Excellent air fryer garlic butter shrimp for meal prep that reheats beautifully

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

To make this mouthwatering air fryer garlic butter shrimp, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that create amazing flavor together:

• 1 pound shrimp, large or extra large (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2-3 fresh garlic cloves, minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing after cooking)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Ingredient Tips:

• For the best air fryer garlic shrimp with lemon butter, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled
• If following a dairy-free diet, substitute the butter with olive oil or ghee
• For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix
• Frozen shrimp can be used—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp – Step by Step

Preparation

Step 1: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed. Pat all shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is crucial for achieving that perfect texture when learning how to make garlic butter shrimp in air fryer.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the crispy air fryer shrimp with garlic butter sauce cooks evenly from the start.

Step 5: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if necessary for the best results.

Step 6: Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and the size of your shrimp.

Finishing Touches

Step 7: While the shrimp cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 8: Once the shrimp are done, immediately transfer them to a serving bowl and drizzle with the melted butter. Toss gently to coat.

Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for that perfect air fryer garlic shrimp with lemon butter flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook quickly! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking results in tough, rubbery shrimp.
• Size matters: Larger shrimp work best for this air fryer garlic butter shrimp recipe easy preparation. They won’t overcook as quickly as smaller ones.
• Pat dry: Always thoroughly pat your shrimp dry before seasoning. This removes excess moisture and helps them get that slight crisp exterior.
• Single layer is crucial: For the perfect crispy air fryer shrimp with garlic butter sauce, arrange shrimp in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and proper air circulation.
• Butter after cooking: Add the butter after air frying rather than before. This prevents any smoking in the air fryer while still giving you that rich butter flavor.
• Fresh herbs elevate the dish: For restaurant-quality flavorful garlic butter shrimp air fryer method, finish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

This versatile air fryer shrimp garlic butter dinner idea pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Carb Options:

Vegetable Pairings:

• Garlicky sautéed spinach
• Roasted asparagus
• Grilled zucchini
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Turn it into an Appetizer:

• Serve on small skewers with dipping sauce
• Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges for an elegant starter
• Place in individual serving spoons for a one-bite appetizer

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

This healthy garlic butter shrimp air fryer dish is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Using the air fryer method reduces the amount of added fat needed while still achieving delicious results. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional pan-fried shrimp recipes.

Storage & Leftovers

If you have leftover air fryer garlic butter shrimp for meal prep, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended as the texture of shrimp changes significantly when frozen after cooking.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through. You can also reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

How long to cook shrimp in an air fryer?

Large shrimp typically take 5-7 minutes at 380°F (190°C). The exact time depends on your air fryer model and shrimp size. They’re done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will result in a tight “O” shape and rubbery texture, so keep a close eye on them.

Can you use frozen shrimp in an air fryer?

Yes, but you must thaw them completely first and pat them dry with paper towels. Cooking frozen shrimp directly in the air fryer will result in uneven cooking and excess moisture that prevents proper crisping. For the best crispy air fryer shrimp with garlic butter sauce, always start with thawed shrimp.

What is the best way to season shrimp in an air fryer?

The most effective method is to toss shrimp in a small amount of oil mixed with dry seasonings in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer. This ensures even coating. For this air fryer garlic butter shrimp recipe easy preparation, we use a combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs, which creates wonderful depth of flavor.

Do you need to preheat an air fryer for shrimp?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes helps achieve better and more even cooking results. When making air fryer garlic butter shrimp, preheating ensures the shrimp start cooking immediately, resulting in a better texture and preventing them from becoming soggy.

Variations on Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

Looking to add some variety to your air fryer shrimp garlic butter dinner idea? Try these delicious twists:

Conclusion

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is truly a game-changer for busy home cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. In just 15 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s healthy, delicious, and versatile enough to fit into almost any meal plan. The air fryer method preserves the shrimp’s natural juiciness while creating that perfect texture we all crave.

Whether you’re looking for a quick air fryer garlic butter shrimp meal on a busy weeknight, a low carb air fryer garlic butter shrimp option to maintain your diet goals, or an impressive yet effortless dish for entertaining, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

We’d love to hear how your air fryer garlic butter shrimp turned out! Did you try any of our suggested variations? Did you serve it as a main dish or appetizer? Share your experience in the comments below!

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