This recipe is fast, easy, and packed with bold garlic and buttery flavor. The air fryer cooks the shrimp evenly and quickly, giving them a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. With minimal cleanup and just a handful of ingredients, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute entertaining, or a healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Directions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed).
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until shrimp are opaque and lightly golden.
Transfer shrimp to a serving dish, spoon over any remaining garlic butter, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–4 people. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 6–8 minutes Total time: 15–18 minutes
Variations
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
Lemon Herb Shrimp: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a citrusy, herbal twist.
Cajun-Style: Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning for a Southern kick.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an umami-rich version.
Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan just before serving for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes or reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of butter. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook and toughen the shrimp. Freezing is not recommended for cooked shrimp, as it may affect the texture when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper texture.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a slightly crispy finish, especially for seafood.
What size shrimp should I use?
Large or extra-large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count) work best for this recipe.
Can I cook the shrimp with the shell on?
Yes, though peeling them allows the garlic butter flavor to fully coat the shrimp.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
They’re fully cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a C-shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
What’s the best way to serve garlic butter shrimp?
Over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the butter sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or more olive oil.
How can I make the dish healthier?
Use less butter or swap for all olive oil. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, especially when served without rice or pasta.
Conclusion
Air fryer garlic butter shrimp is a quick, elegant, and flavorful dish that comes together in under 20 minutes. With juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce and a hint of citrus, it’s perfect for dinner, date night, or a gourmet appetizer. Simple to prepare and incredibly versatile, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Air fryer garlic butter shrimp is a fast and flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ideal for a quick dinner, appetizer, or light meal served with pasta, rice, or bread.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Pat shrimp dry and toss with garlic butter mixture until evenly coated.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly golden.
Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with any remaining garlic butter, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version.Try Cajun seasoning instead of paprika for Southern flavor.Swap butter with plant-based butter or more olive oil for dairy-free.Double the recipe but cook in batches for best results.Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
