Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is here for you! This dish combines shrimp with rich garlic butter for a flavor burst you’ll love. Ready in just a few minutes, it’s simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights. In this post, I’ll share the ingredients, cooking tips, and fun variations. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this savory delight!

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving
These ingredients make up the heart of your dish. The shrimp stand out here. They soak up the rich garlic butter flavor. The butter adds a silky touch. Garlic brings a strong, savory taste that everyone loves. Paprika gives a hint of warmth and color. Lemon zest adds brightness and freshness. Fresh parsley provides a nice touch of color and flavor. You can adjust salt and pepper based on your taste. Lemon wedges serve as a zesty finishing touch.
Gathering these ingredients is quick and easy. You can find them at any grocery store. Use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Make sure to peel and devein them before cooking. This meal comes together fast, so prep your ingredients first. Enjoy the delicious smells that fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, garlic, and shrimp.
– Mix garlic butter ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, add 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Then, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all well.
– Coat the shrimp:
Next, take 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Toss the shrimp in the bowl with the butter mix. Make sure every shrimp is well coated.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Now, it’s time to prepare the air fryer.
– Set temperature to 400°F (200°C):
Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F.
– Allow 5 minutes for preheating:
Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly.
Cooking the Shrimp
Finally, let’s cook those shrimp!
– Arrange shrimp in air fryer basket:
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. If you have a lot, cook in batches.
– Recommended cooking time and method:
Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
To make your shrimp shine, coat them well. After mixing the garlic butter, add the shrimp. Toss them gently to cover every piece. That way, they soak up all that tasty flavor. If your air fryer cooks unevenly, check your shrimp often. Some air fryers are stronger than others. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
Serving Suggestions
For sides, think light and fresh. A crisp salad or steamed veggies work great. You can also serve with rice or pasta to soak up the garlic butter. For a touch of flair, garnish with more fresh parsley. Lemon wedges add a nice pop of color and taste. Place everything on a big platter for a beautiful feast.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, use the air fryer again. Just a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) will warm them right up. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. Enjoy your delicious shrimp again soon!
Variations
Meal Swaps
You can easily change ingredients to create new flavors. For a different taste, try using olive oil instead of butter. This swap adds a nice richness. You can also use lime zest instead of lemon for a brighter flavor. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mix. This will give your shrimp a spicy kick. Just a little can make a big difference!
Dietary Restrictions
If you need a gluten-free option, this recipe is already safe! All the main ingredients are gluten-free. For those watching their fat intake, you can use less butter or swap it for a low-fat spread. This keeps the dish tasty while making it lighter. You can also try using shrimp with less fat, like smaller shrimp.
Serving Size Adjustments
Do you want to feed a crowd? You can easily scale this recipe up. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Keep the cooking time the same, but check the shrimp for doneness. If you cook more shrimp, they might need an extra minute or two. For smaller groups, you can cut the recipe in half. Adjust the timing, too, as smaller batches cook faster.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook shrimp in an air fryer?
Cooking shrimp in an air fryer takes about 6-8 minutes. Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). After that, place the shrimp in a single layer. This ensures they cook evenly. Shake the basket halfway through to help with even cooking. If your shrimp are not pink and opaque after 8 minutes, give them an extra minute or two.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. To do this, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the garlic butter mixture stick. Follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some popular options:
– Rice: White or brown rice absorbs the butter sauce well.
– Pasta: Toss with noodles for a hearty meal.
– Salad: A green salad adds freshness.
– Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies complement the dish.
– Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up leftover butter.
Feel free to mix and match these sides to create your ideal meal!
Nutritional Information
Quick Nutritional Breakdown
A serving of Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is around 200 calories. Each serving has:
– Protein: 25 grams
– Fat: 10 grams
– Carbohydrates: 2 grams
This meal is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great choice for many diets.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Shrimp is a lean protein. It helps build muscles and is low in calories. Garlic gives this dish its bold flavor. Garlic also supports heart health and boosts your immune system. Fresh parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It adds color and a fresh taste to the shrimp.
Low-calorie Serving Tips
To make your shrimp lighter, use less butter. You can replace half the butter with a splash of vegetable broth. This keeps the flavor without adding many calories. You can also serve the shrimp over a bed of leafy greens. This will add volume and nutrients while keeping the dish light.
This blog post covered making delicious garlic butter shrimp in an air fryer. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfecting the dish. I also shared variations, serving ideas, and ways to store leftovers.
In conclusion, this recipe is simple and flavorful. Enjoy experimenting with it to find your favorite twists. Whether for a family meal or a gathering, garlic butter shrimp is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to create your own version!
