This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is the perfect meal for seafood lovers! Juicy shrimp are tossed in a tasty garlic butter sauce and cooked until they are wonderfully golden and tender.
You can whip this up in no time, making it a great option for a quick dinner. I love serving it over rice or pasta for a complete treat. Your taste buds will thank you! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using large shrimp ensures a satisfying bite. You can swap in smaller shrimp or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, as it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. However, you could use jarred minced garlic in a pinch—just reduce the quantity since jarred can be stronger.
Seasonings: Paprika adds a nice color and mild flavor. If you don’t have it, cayenne or chili powder works well. For Italian seasoning, you can mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme if needed.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add some heat, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a milder dish. A dash of black pepper can still give it some kick.
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp requires a little attention, but it’s pretty straightforward. To get them just right, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. This helps your shrimp cook quickly and evenly.
- Lay the shrimp in a single layer, as overlapping can lead to uneven cooking.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Shrimp cook fast, usually in 6-8 minutes. They should turn pink and curl up slightly when done.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps in getting a nice crispiness all around.
To check for doneness, the shrimp should be opaque and firm to the touch. If they’re still translucent, give them a minute or two more! Enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For The Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked rice or pasta (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 5 minutes mixing the ingredients and another 8 minutes cooking the shrimp in the air fryer. A quick meal that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and some salt and pepper. Mix everything together well to create a delicious garlic butter sauce.
2. Coat the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure they’re well-coated and ready to absorb all those tasty flavors.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes while you finish preparing the shrimp. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice texture.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep the shrimp from sticking. Place the shrimp in the basket in a single layer; if they don’t all fit, cook them in batches. Air fry the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and are cooked through.
5. Toss and Serve:
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and toss them with any remaining garlic butter sauce left in the bowl. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for that lovely, vibrant touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your garlic butter shrimp hot, garnished with lemon wedges for a zesty kick. They can be enjoyed on their own or over a bed of cooked rice or pasta if you’d like a more filling meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the garlic butter mixture to ensure they cook evenly.
What If I Don’t Have Paprika or Italian Seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute paprika with chili powder or cayenne for a bit more heat. If you’re out of Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano and basil will work well as a substitute. Adjust the amounts to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best eaten within 1-2 days. To reheat, just place them in a skillet over low heat to warm through, adding a little extra butter or oil to keep them moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus can be added for extra flavor and nutrients. Toss them in with the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
