Picture this: It’s a busy weeknight, and you need dinner on the table, like, now. Enter air fryer garlic butter shrimp, your ultimate go-to for quick, delicious meals. This easy garlic butter shrimp recipe takes just 15 minutes, and the flavor is out of this world—think buttery, garlicky goodness with a hint of lemon.
Whether you’re whipping up dinner for the family or trying to impress guests, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. And the best part? The air fryer does all the hard work, so you can sit back and enjoy the compliments.
What Makes Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Special
Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it ticks all the boxes:
- Fast and Easy: This is truly a quick air fryer shrimp recipe, perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time.
- Healthier Option: Minimal oil, tons of flavor. It’s the perfect healthy air fryer shrimp dish that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or salad—or enjoy it on its own as a low-carb delight.
Plus, the buttery garlic sauce is infused with lemon and parsley for a Mediterranean vibe that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the coast.
Related Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon for another quick and flavorful seafood dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This air fryer shrimp recipe with garlic and butter is as simple as it gets. Here’s what you need:
- Shrimp – 1 pound, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off).
- Butter – 3 tablespoons, melted.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon.
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon.
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Parsley – Freshly chopped for garnish.
- Lemon wedges – Optional, for serving.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to cooking shrimp, check out this guide on shrimp basics from Bon Appétit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to cook garlic butter shrimp in the air fryer like a pro:
1. Prep Your Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 370°F (185°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no crowding, please). Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the shrimp cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for a minute or two. Add lemon juice and mix well.
5. Combine and Serve
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl, pour the garlic butter sauce over it, and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley, serve with lemon wedges, and bask in the glory of your culinary masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the shrimp room to breathe for even cooking.
- Fresh is Best: Fresh garlic and parsley make a world of difference in flavor.
- Get Creative: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist or swap paprika for smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Double the Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover, make extra for drizzling over sides like rice or veggies.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
This butter garlic shrimp dinner idea is a true chameleon—you can pair it with almost anything! Here are some crowd-pleasing options:
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp with linguine or spaghetti for a buttery, garlicky pasta dish.
- Rice: Fluffy white or lemon herb rice is the perfect companion.
- Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the shrimp.
- Roasted Veggies: Air fryer broccoli or zucchini makes for a healthy side.
Internal Link: Check out Mediterranean Orzo Salad for a zesty, refreshing pairing!
Storage and Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare, but it happens), here’s how to save them:
- Refrigeration: Store your garlic butter shrimp in air fryer in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to maintain the texture.
- Repurpose: Use leftover shrimp in tacos, wraps, or even scrambled eggs for a fancy breakfast twist.
Internal Link: Learn more about storing cooked seafood properly to keep your leftovers fresh.
Similar Recipes to Try
If this simple garlic butter shrimp for beginners has you hooked, you’ll love these:
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta: Perfect for pairing with shrimp or enjoying on its own.
- Air Fryer Vegetables with Herbs: Healthy, flavorful sides in no time.
For more air fryer inspiration, check out this guide to air fryer recipes from Healthline.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges optional (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep Your Shrimp:
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Toss with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat to 370°F (185°C).
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss cooked shrimp with garlic butter sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: For even cooking, keep shrimp in a single layer.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor.
- Optional twist: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Double the sauce: Make extra sauce to drizzle over pasta, rice, or veggies.
There’s something magical about air fryer garlic butter shrimp. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The air fryer does all the hard work, leaving you with juicy, garlicky shrimp that’s ready in minutes.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your results in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to see your delicious creations!
