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Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 148 reviews

This Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Butter recipe offers a quick, flavorful seafood dish perfect for any meal. Juicy large shrimp are seasoned with a blend of spices, air fried to perfection, and tossed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce infused with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of red pepper flakes. The result is a deliciously tender shrimp with a buttery, garlicky finish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Garlic Butter

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp Seasoning: In a bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss the large shrimp in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness and doneness.
  4. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: While the shrimp cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat once the sauce is well combined and aromatic.
  5. Toss Shrimp in Garlic Butter: Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook shrimp in batches if necessary for even cooking.
  • You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired heat level or omit for a milder flavor.
  • For extra flavor, serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp before eating.
  • Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking for best texture.