Air fryer garlic butter shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s ready in minutes! The combination of buttery richness and aromatic garlic makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a satisfying main course, or a tasty addition to your favorite pasta dish, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: This shrimp dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Minimal Ingredients: You only need three main ingredients—shrimp, butter, and garlic.
✔ Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, with pasta, or alongside rice and veggies for a complete meal.
✔ Packed with Flavor: The garlic butter mixture enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp, creating a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this air fryer garlic butter shrimp, you’ll need:
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
💡 Tip: You can use frozen shrimp; just thaw them first before cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
1️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp
- If using raw shrimp, remove the shells and tails. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3️⃣ Coat the Shrimp
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp in a bowl. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated.
4️⃣ Air Fry the Shrimp
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
💡 Tip: The shrimp are done when they turn a bright orange color with an opaque center.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Pasta: Toss the shrimp with alfredo sauce and noodles for a creamy, restaurant-quality meal.
- Over Rice: Serve over a bed of warm rice for a simple and satisfying dish.
- As an Appetizer: Pair with cocktail sauce or extra melted butter for dipping.
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or air-fried vegetables for a healthy meal.
Storage & Reheating
Storing:
- Let the shrimp cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 370°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Arrange the shrimp in a single layer to allow proper air circulation.
✔ Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives a richer, more aromatic flavor.
✔ Add a Squeeze of Lemon – A touch of fresh lemon juice enhances the taste beautifully.
✔ Experiment with Seasonings – Try adding smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, or Cajun spices for variety.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer garlic butter shrimp is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main course or appetizer, this shrimp recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
This air fryer garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in minutes! The rich, buttery garlic sauce enhances the shrimp, making every bite absolutely irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or main dish!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 217 kcal
Equipment:
- Air Fryer
Ingredients:
1x | 2x | 3x
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp: Remove the shells, rinse the shrimp under cold water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. Transfer to a large bowl.
2️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic. Microwave for about 30 seconds until the butter is melted.
3️⃣ Coat the Shrimp: Pour the melted garlic butter over the shrimp and mix well to coat evenly.
4️⃣ Air Fry: Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
5️⃣ Cook: Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
6️⃣ Check Doneness: The shrimp will be fully cooked when they turn opaque with a slight golden hue.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with melted butter or cocktail sauce.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Best Results:
✔️ Avoid overfilling the basket to ensure even air circulation.
✔️ For extra flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 217 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 316mg
- Sodium: 883mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 355IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 171mg
- Iron: 2mg
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp in just minutes! 🍤✨