How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp in 15 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal in just 15 minutes? If you’re like me, you love quick family dinners that don’t skimp on flavor. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp. This dish is not only quick and easy but also perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs beautifully with easy pasta recipes for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Flavorful garlic butter sauce that elevates the shrimp.
• Healthy and low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile – serve it as an appetizer or over pasta for a filling meal.
• Minimal cleanup with the air fryer – just one basket to wash!

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish:

1. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed. Pat all shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
5. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
7. While the shrimp cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
8. Once the shrimp are done, immediately transfer them to a serving bowl and drizzle with the melted butter. Toss gently to coat.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your shrimp turn out perfectly every time:

• Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to help the spices stick better.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures even cooking and that lovely crispy texture.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• For a complete meal, serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy garlic pasta or alongside some Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus.

How to Serve

This Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks for a fun party snack.
• Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing lunch.
• Mix it into your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner. It’s a fantastic addition to 30-minute meals!
• Don’t forget the lemon wedges for that extra zing!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, here are some tips:

• Marinate the shrimp in the seasoning mixture for up to 30 minutes before cooking for even more flavor.
• Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that delightful texture.

Now that you have this quick and easy recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy delicious shrimp any night of the week! Whether you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas or a special treat, this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is sure to impress. And if you’re in the mood for more deliciousness, check out my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp or 10-Minute Air Fryer Broccoli for more quick family dinners. Happy cooking!