Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp: Quick, Crispy & Flavorful Garlic Butter Recipe
Unlock the secret to incredibly delicious and perfectly cooked shrimp in mere minutes with your air fryer! This recipe promises succulent, juicy shrimp, infused with simple yet potent spices and finished with a mouth-watering garlic butter drizzle. Whether you’re planning a party appetizer, a speedy weeknight dinner, or prepping healthy meals for the week, this Air Fryer shrimp is a game-changer – ready in under ten minutes and bursting with flavor!
While some enjoy traditional cold, boiled shrimp cocktail, my preference leans towards a more flavorful and warm preparation. I absolutely love serving roasted shrimp cocktail as an elegant appetizer or even a satisfying main dish when entertaining guests. It’s also my top choice for a quick, lean, and utterly delicious protein to anchor our weeknight meals. Its versatility and speed make it an indispensable part of my culinary repertoire.
For years, my go-to method for preparing shrimp was roasting them in the oven. It’s a reliable method that delivers good results. However, everything changed the moment I discovered the magic of the Air Fryer for cooking shrimp. After trying it for my Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Recipe, I was instantly and completely hooked. The speed, the perfect texture, and the ease of cleanup made it an immediate favorite.
Imagine perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy shrimp, fresh out of the air fryer, then generously drizzled with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. The combination creates an explosion of flavor that is simply irresistible. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a protein-packed party food that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying!
Still contemplating adding an Air Fryer to your kitchen arsenal? Now is the perfect time! If you need guidance on which model to choose, be sure to check out my Best Air Fryers for 2022 post. It’s regularly updated with current information on all my favorite Air Fryer models, helping you make an informed decision for your culinary adventures.
Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Shrimp is a Must-Try
Cooking shrimp in the Air Fryer has undeniably become my absolute favorite method, and for very good reason! It consistently delivers outstanding results with minimal effort. Here’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe:
- Unbeatable Speed: Shrimp cooks incredibly fast in the Air Fryer – we’re talking mere minutes. This makes it the ultimate solution for a last-minute appetizer or a lightning-fast weeknight dinner when time is of the essence.
- Superior Taste & Texture: Forget tasteless, rubbery store-bought shrimp cocktail. With your Air Fryer, you can achieve perfectly juicy, tender shrimp every single time, far surpassing the quality of pre-cooked options and saving you money.
- Simple, Flavorful Seasoning: This recipe relies on a straightforward blend of pantry staples that infuse the shrimp with incredible flavor without overwhelming its natural sweetness. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound taste.
- Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy these delicious shrimp on their own as a healthy snack, toss them onto a fresh salad for a light lunch, mix them into your favorite pasta for a complete meal, or dip them into classic cocktail sauce or any sauce you desire.
- Elevated with Garlic Butter: While the shrimp is delicious on its own, the optional garlic butter sauce truly elevates this dish, making it perfect for entertaining or adding an extra touch of indulgence to your dinner. It adds a rich, savory depth that is hard to resist.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed: As a lean protein, shrimp is a fantastic addition to any healthy diet. This cooking method keeps it light and flavorful, making it an excellent way to boost the protein content of any meal or holiday spread.
Finding the Best Air Fryer for You
Choosing the right Air Fryer can significantly enhance your cooking experience, especially when it comes to delicate ingredients like shrimp. A good Air Fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness without drying out your food. There’s a wide range of models on the market, from compact basket-style air fryers perfect for individuals or small families, to larger oven-style units that can handle bigger batches and offer more versatility like rotisserie or dehydrating functions.
When selecting an Air Fryer, consider factors like capacity (how much food you typically cook), available counter space, ease of cleaning, and desired extra features. A reliable Air Fryer with consistent heating and good airflow will make all the difference in achieving perfectly cooked shrimp—golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, every single time. If you’re looking to invest in one, be sure to consult comprehensive guides and reviews to find the model that best suits your culinary needs and lifestyle.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The beauty of this Air Fryer shrimp recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to create something truly spectacular. Just a few fresh components and pantry staples are all it takes to bring this dish to life. A complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound raw shrimp: Opt for large shrimp (21/25 count) for the best texture and juiciness. Ensure they are peeled and deveined, but leaving the tail on adds a touch of elegance for serving and makes them easier to pick up. You can use either fresh shrimp or high-quality previously frozen shrimp; for optimal results, always thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
- Cooking spray: A light coating of cooking spray is essential to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and don’t stick to the air fryer basket. I prefer avocado oil spray for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but extra-virgin olive oil spray also works wonderfully.
- Kosher salt: Or your favorite coarse salt. Salt is crucial for enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balancing the flavors of the seasonings.
- Paprika or smoked paprika: Paprika adds a lovely warm color and a mild, sweet peppery flavor. Smoked paprika, if you have it, will impart a delicious smoky depth, transforming the dish.
- Garlic powder: A staple in my spice cabinet, garlic powder provides a consistent and mellow garlic flavor that complements shrimp beautifully without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the air fryer.
- Zest of one lemon: Fresh lemon zest is a secret weapon, offering a bright, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness and adds a vibrant citrus note to every bite.
- Fresh herbs for garnish: Freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill not only add a pop of color but also contribute a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Butter: Use your preferred butter. I often use dairy-free butter to accommodate dietary preferences, but any good quality butter will create a rich, luxurious sauce.
- Splash of fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is essential to brighten the butter sauce, adding a tangy counterpoint that makes the flavors sing.
- 1 clove of sliced fresh garlic: Sliced fresh garlic infuses the butter with its pungent, aromatic goodness. The slices can be removed before serving or left in for extra garlicky goodness.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Making delicious Air Fryer shrimp is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful results every time.
- Prepare Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it preheats, ensure your shrimp are ready. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. Pat the raw shrimp thoroughly dry with clean paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing a steamed texture.
- Season the Shrimp: Generously spray the dried shrimp with avocado oil spray (or your preferred cooking spray) to help the seasonings adhere and promote even cooking. Then, liberally coat the shrimp with your prepared mix of salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss them well to ensure every piece is evenly seasoned.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this will steam the shrimp instead of air frying them to a crisp. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, for a total of 6-8 minutes. For even cooking, give the basket a good shake or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque pink and curl into a C-shape.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While your shrimp are air frying, you can quickly whip up the garlic butter sauce. Melt the butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the fresh garlic slices and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Allow these flavors to meld together as the shrimp cooks. Just before drizzling over the shrimp, you can remove the garlic slices if you prefer, or leave them in for an extra garlicky kick!
- Serve and Garnish: Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, transfer them immediately to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the fragrant garlic butter sauce. For a final touch of freshness and vibrant color, sprinkle with additional lemon zest and finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Shrimp Every Time
Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy air fryer shrimp is easy once you know a few key tricks. Follow these tips to ensure your shrimp turns out delicious every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is arguably the most crucial tip for air frying anything, especially shrimp. Arranging shrimp in a single layer with space between each piece allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. If you crowd the basket, the shrimp will steam instead of fry, resulting in a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before seasoning, always pat your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and encourages a beautiful sear.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer is important. It ensures the shrimp start cooking immediately at the correct temperature, leading to better texture and faster cooking times.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them during the last minute of cooking. They are done when they turn opaque pink and curl into a C-shape. A “C” for cooked, an “O” for overcooked, and a “U” for undercooked!
- Adjust for Size: The cooking time provided (6-8 minutes total) is for large shrimp. If you’re using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For jumbo shrimp, you might need an extra minute. Always check for doneness visually.
- Shake or Flip Halfway: For the most even cooking and browning, shake the air fryer basket or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process. This exposes all sides of the shrimp to the circulating hot air.
- Season Generously: Shrimp can handle a good amount of seasoning. Don’t be shy with the salt, garlic powder, and paprika. The lemon zest also adds a critical layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Shrimp
Air Fryer shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are some fantastic serving ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Appetizer: Serve them hot off the air fryer as a delightful appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces, such as classic cocktail sauce, a spicy sriracha mayo, a creamy dill sauce, or even a tangy lemon aioli. The garlic butter drizzle already makes them irresistible!
- Main Course:
- Pasta Dishes: Toss the warm shrimp with your favorite pasta, a light lemon-garlic sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a quick and elegant pasta primavera.
- Rice Bowls: Create vibrant rice bowls with fluffy jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, avocado slices, and a generous topping of these flavorful shrimp. A drizzle of soy sauce or a sesame-ginger dressing would be perfect.
- Shrimp Tacos: Use them as the star of your next taco night! Pair with warm tortillas, crisp shredded cabbage, a creamy slaw, and a squeeze of lime. Don’t forget to check out my Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Recipe for more inspiration.
- Salads: Add a protein punch to any salad. They are delicious warm or cold over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
- Skewer Style: Thread the cooked shrimp onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for an easy and attractive presentation.
- Pairings:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside other air-fried or oven-roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for a balanced and healthy meal.
- Grain Bowls: Pair with quinoa, couscous, or farro for a hearty and nutritious grain bowl.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread to sop up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Substitutions and Variations to Customize Your Shrimp
While I adore this irresistible shrimp recipe exactly as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different seasonings and flavors to perfectly match your taste preferences or the theme of your meal!
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few red pepper flakes into your seasoning mix.
- Flavor Profile Switch-Up: Instead of the standard paprika and garlic, try other fantastic seasoning blends:
- Lemon Pepper: For a bright and tangy flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: To give your shrimp a Mediterranean flair, perfect for pairing with pasta.
- Old Bay Seasoning: For a classic Maryland-style shrimp, delivering a savory, slightly spicy, and herbaceous flavor.
- Cajun/Creole Seasoning: If you’re craving a bold, zesty, and spicy kick.
- For a Crispy Crunch: Before air frying, lightly toss the seasoned shrimp with a tablespoon or two of seasoned panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko). The cooking spray will help them adhere, creating an extra crispy coating.
- Different Dipping Sauces: While the garlic butter is amazing, these shrimp are fantastic with a variety of dips. Dip them in classic cocktail sauce, a creamy remoulade, a sweet chili sauce, or even a savory yum-yum sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Herbs & Citrus: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, chives, or oregano, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
Meal Prep and Storage Made Easy
Making this delicious Air Fryer shrimp is a breeze, and with a few tips, you can also incorporate it into your meal prep routine.
To prep: While I believe this shrimp is at its absolute best immediately after being cooked, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to make cooking even faster. I often mix up the dry seasonings and slice the fresh garlic for the butter sauce a day or two ahead. For the shrimp itself, you can toss it with the seasonings several hours before you plan to cook it; just keep it covered in the refrigerator. If your goal is to have cooked shrimp ready for meal prep, follow the cooking steps and then proceed with the storage instructions below.
To store: Any leftover cooked Air Fryer shrimp should be stored promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for 2-3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
To freeze: Cooked shrimp freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for a quick and easy protein whenever you need it. Simply place the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat: I have a strong aversion to reheated shrimp, almost a passion against it! Often, reheating can make shrimp tough and rubbery, losing its delightful texture. I genuinely prefer eating it cold rather than risking a subpar reheated experience. However, if you must reheat it, do so very cautiously and at a very low temperature. Absolutely avoid the microwave, as it’s the quickest way to ruin the shrimp’s texture. The best method for reheating is in a pan: heat a small amount of butter or olive oil over medium-low heat, then add your shrimp and warm them just until they are hot to the touch, about 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can use your air fryer at a very low temperature (around 250-300°F) for just 2-3 minutes, again, just until warmed through.
Air Fryer Shrimp FAQs
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen shrimp! While I always prefer cooking shrimp that has been thawed first (it’s really quick to thaw under cold running water for a few minutes), if you choose to cook from frozen, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Add an extra 2-4 minutes to the total cooking time, checking frequently for doneness.
Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be significantly reduced. My personal preference is for large shrimp because I love their juicy texture. Small or extra large/jumbo shrimp will cook differently. If you’re using small shrimp, be sure to check for doneness after just 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket and repeating if necessary, to avoid overcooking.
Absolutely! Aluminum foil is perfectly safe to use in the Air Fryer. If you prefer, you could create a foil packet with the seasoned shrimp and the garlic butter sauce. This method will result in shrimp that are more steamed than air-fried, giving them a different texture but still yielding a wonderfully flavorful dish, especially if you want to keep all the delicious juices contained.
Cooked shrimp will turn opaque pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. If it forms a tight “O” shape, it’s likely overcooked and will be rubbery. If it’s still a “U” shape, it’s undercooked. The internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C), but visual cues are usually sufficient.
Most shrimp you buy are already peeled and deveined. If yours are not, deveining is a matter of personal preference. While it’s not harmful to eat the vein (which is actually the shrimp’s digestive tract), it can sometimes contain grit and might look unappetizing. For large shrimp, I generally recommend deveining for the best eating experience.
More Irresistible Air Fryer Recipes
Once you discover the magic of your air fryer, you’ll want to cook everything in it! Here are some more easy and delicious air fryer recipes to try:
- Air Fryer Salmon – hands down, the best and easiest way to make perfectly flaky salmon, whether fresh or frozen.
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – my family is absolutely obsessed with this recipe for incredibly juicy, perfectly cooked chicken thighs with crispy skin.
- Air Fryer Zucchini – we adore this recipe as both a healthy, vibrant side dish and a quick, satisfying snack.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – I am completely obsessed with these perfectly charred and tender Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts; they’re a revelation!
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Air Fryer Shrimp
Nancylynn
4
to 8 people
Pin Recipe
5 minutes
6 minutes
Equipment
-
Air Fryer
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
-
1 lb raw shrimp – large peeled and deveined but tail on. You can use fresh shrimp or previously frozen shrimp, but thaw first. -
cooking spray – I use avocado oil spray but extra virgin olive oil spray works great, too -
½ tsp salt or more to taste -
¼ tsp paprika or smoked paprika -
½ tsp garlic powder -
zest of one lemon -
fresh herbs for garnish
Garlic Butter Sauce
-
4 tsp butter I used dairy free -
1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice -
1 clove of sliced fresh garlic
Instructions
-
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Pat shrimp dry with clean paper towels.
-
Spray shrimp generously with avocado oil spray, then coat well with salt and seasonings.
-
Place shrimp in the hot air fryer basket in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side, shaking the basket or flipping halfway through cook time.
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While your shrimp is air frying, melt butter in a small microwave safe bowl. Add in garlic slices and lemon juice. Let flavors meld together while the shrimp is cooking. Before drizzling over shrimp, remove the garlic slices (or don’t if you love garlic!)
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After shrimp is fully cooked, transfer to a serving platter, then drizzle with garlic butter sauce. Finish with lemon zest and fresh herbs for color.
Video
Notes
WW: 4 servings = without sauce ZERO points (per serving); with sauce 2 points (per serving); 8 servings = without sauce ZERO points (per serving); with sauce 1 points (per serving)
Meal Prep and Storage
To prep: I love this shrimp best right after it’s been cooked, but to make things easier, I will mix up the seasonings and slice the garlic in advance. You could also toss the seasoning on the shrimp several hours before making it. If you want to prep the shrimp ahead of time for a meal prep protein, follow the steps below.
To store: Store leftover shrimp in an air tight container for 2-3 days.
To freeze: You can freeze your cooked shrimp for a quick and easy protein option. Just place in a freezer safe container and store for up to 3 months. For best results,
To reheat: I despise reheated shrimp. Like with a passion. I would much rather eat it cold than risk heating it up and making it tough and rubbery. But if you want to reheat shrimp, do so cautiously and at a very low temperature. Do not microwave. The best way to reheat it is in a pan. Heat up some butter or olive oil over medium low heat, then toss in your shrimp and warm just until the shrimp are hot to the touch.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 154mg
Sodium: 965mg
Potassium: 140mg
Fiber: 0.1g
Sugar: 0.04g
Vitamin A: 391IU
Vitamin C: 0.4mg
Calcium: 65mg
Iron: 0.3mg
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