Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp: Flavorful & Fast (Print Version)
Make crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp in minutes! This easy recipe brings big flavor, perfect for quick dinners or last-minute appetizers.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if using DF butter)
# Ingredients:
→ Shrimp & Base
01 -
1 lb large shrimp, raw, peeled, deveined, tail-on or off
02 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Flavor Powerhouses
03 -
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Seasoning Staples
05 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
06 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
08 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
09 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
10 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
11 -
Lemon wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your shrimp ready. If they’re frozen, thaw them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, then pat them *really* dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that amazing crispy texture. Wet shrimp will steam, not crisp, and we don't want that! I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit.
02 -
In a medium bowl, melt your butter. Then, add the minced fresh garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s a fragrant, beautiful paste. Oh, the smell of that garlic butter alone just makes my kitchen feel warm and inviting!
03 -
Add the dried shrimp to the garlic butter mixture. Toss them gently but thoroughly, making sure every single piece of shrimp is coated in that deliciousness. You want them glistening and ready for their air fryer transformation. Don't leave any shrimp naked; they deserve all the flavor!
04 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is often overlooked, but it helps ensure even cooking and that initial crisp. Once preheated, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it! You might need to cook in batches, and honestly, that's okay. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not that glorious Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp we're aiming for.
05 -
Cook the shrimp for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The exact time depends on your air fryer and the size of your shrimp. You're looking for them to turn pink, opaque, and beautifully curled, with those lovely crispy edges. Keep an eye on them; shrimp cooks fast! I once got distracted and overcooked a batch – they were still edible, but not *peak* deliciousness.
06 -
Once they're done, immediately transfer the Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with those lemon wedges for squeezing. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? That's success! Enjoy them hot, straight out of the air fryer. So good, honestly.
# Notes:
01 -
Patting the shrimp super dry is the absolute key to crispiness. Don't skip it!
02 -
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if you need to, or they'll steam instead of crisp.
03 -
Shrimp cooks fast! Keep a close eye on it, as overcooked shrimp gets rubbery and sad.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end really brightens up all those rich garlic butter flavors.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
medium mixing bowl
03 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 3g
Protein: 20g