Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

WRITER BYJessica

POSTEDJune 27, 2024

This air fryer shrimp recipe takes under 15 minutes and always turns tender and juicy. Use simple ingredients you have at home, and enjoy a quick dinner even on busy weeknights. Pair with a rich garlic butter sauce, a scoop of rice, lemon wedges and enjoy a healthy homemade dish!

If you love your air fryer as much as I do and want to add more seafood to your diet, you'll love this air fryer shrimp recipe.

Imagine biting into tender, tasty shrimp with a slight crispiness on the outside and bursting with flavor. Whether preparing a light dinner for yourself or hosting friends for a seafood feast, air fryer shrimp is a versatile dish for any occasion.

Shrimp can be tricky because they are easy to undercook or overcook. However, compared to baking, pan frying, or deep frying, the air fryer guarantees perfectly cooked shrimp every time.

With a few basic ingredients sitting around your kitchen counter, you can have restaurant-quality shrimp ready in just a few minutes. Whether you're a pro cook or a kitchen novice, this is a go-to, foolproof recipe bound to impress adults and kids alike.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Here's why I absolutely LOVE this recipe and why you'll love it too:

Super easy to make: If you're a busy mum, you'll appreciate the simplicity of air fryer shrimp. You'll only need a few basic ingredients with a straightforward cooking process.
Quick cooking time: Ready in under 15 minutes, shrimp cooks fast in the air fryer for a quick meal on busy days.
Versatile dish: Shrimp can be served as an appetizer or a main dish or added to pasta, salads, tacos, and shrimp sandwiches.
Kid-friendly: Thanks to its mild and customizable seasoning mixture, air-fried shrimp is always a hit with kids and even seafood lovers.
Health benefits: Compared to traditional cooking methods, the air fryer requires minimal oil, making this recipe much healthier and lighter.
Minimal cleanup: Cooking shrimp usually equals a kitchen mess with oil splattered everywhere. However, shrimp in the air requires little to no oil, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavorful: Each bite of this delectable air fryer shrimp recipe is packed with flavor. The rich garlic butter sauce and spices make for a juicy dish that'll have you asking for more.

INGREDIENTS FOR DELICIOUS AIR FRYER SHRIMP

Here are all the ingredients you'll need for this mouth-watering air fryer shrimp recipe:

1 pound shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 ½ teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Parmesan cheese to taste (optional for the topping)

For the garlic butter sauce

40 grams of melted unsalted butter
¼ tablespoon parsley
¼ tablespoon white pepper
2 cloves garlic minced

HOW TO COOK SHRIMP IN THE AIR FRYER

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes

Prepare the seasoning mix: Combine the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper in a large bowl.

Once the seasoning is ready, add the peeled shrimp to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated.

After preheating, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.

Cook for about 6 minutes until they turn pink, curl into a "C" shape, and become opaque. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

While the shrimp are cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add the garlic, and cook until it turns golden brown and fragrant. (about 20 seconds)

After removing the pan from the heat, whisk in the parsley, white pepper, and salt to taste.

Once all the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle the garlic butter.

Serve immediately with a bed of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.

WHAT KIND OF SHRIMP SHOULD I USE?

When selecting shrimp for you to cook, consider the following:

Size: Large or jumbo shrimp usually work wonders for this recipe, as they're naturally juicier than smaller ones. However, you can still go for small shrimp and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Fresh vs. frozen: Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Peeled and deveined: Always opt for shrimp already peeled and deveined for convenience. However, if you prefer shrimp with shells, they can add extra flavor.
Wild-caught vs. farm-raised: Wild-caught shrimp tend to have a better texture and richer flavor than farm-raised ones.

TIPS FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER SHRIMP RECIPE

Here are my favorite tips for the best air-fried shrimp:

Pat the shrimp dry: Ensure your shrimp are dry before seasoning to help soak up the spices and promote even cooking.
Use oil sparingly: Don't spray the shrimp with oil directly in your air fryer basket. It'll get to the walls of your appliance and be harder to clean. Instead, mix olive oil with spices and nicely coat the shrimp beforehand.
Don't overcrowd: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly. If you've got larger shrimp portions, cook in batches.
Monitor cooking time: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Parmesan cheese for topping: If you're a cheese lover, you'll love the savory and delicious taste of parmesan cheese as a topping.

HOW TO SERVE AIR FRYER SHRIMP

Air fryer shrimp is highly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some of my favorite ones:

In tacos: Fill corn tortillas with shrimp, shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, or save on carbs with a lettuce wrap instead.
Over pasta: Spread your shrimp with your favorite pasta, such as this spaghetti with garlic and oil, and drizzle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
In salads: Top any salad with cooked shrimp for added protein. I recommend mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, or this delicious cabbage and crunchy noodle salad or sautéed cabbage.
With rice: Fill a bowl with rice or quinoa, some veggies, and fresh lemon juice, and toss your shrimp on top.
As a main dish: Serve the shrimp with air fryer broccoli, roasted lemon garlic asparagus, sautéed green beans and mushrooms, air fryer roasted cauliflower, or your favorite dipping sauce (bang bang sauce and sriracha aioli are always a popular option).
In a sandwich: Add the shrimp between two pieces of bread, along with lettuce and the sauce of your preference.

AIR FRYER SHRIMP VARIATIONS

While the basic air fryer shrimp recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with shrimp variations for different textures and flavors. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy Cajun shrimp: Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning. This blend of spices typically includes smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. For some extra freshness, squeeze some lime juice over the shrimp before serving.
Lemon herb shrimp: For a herbal twist, use lemon zest, fresh thyme, and rosemary. The citrus zest enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness, while the herbs add a fragrant, earthy flavor. This variation is perfect for a light, summery dish.
Asian-inspired shrimp: Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and a touch of honey before cooking. This combination creates a savory, tangy texture that goes perfectly with rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Breaded shrimp: For extra crispiness, coat the shrimp with panko bread crumbs and/or grated Parmesan before air frying. The panko adds a crunchy texture, while the Parmesan provides a savory flavor. This variation is especially good as an appetizer or served with a dipping sauce.

GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE VARIATIONS

For more flavors or to get creative with garlic butter sauce, you should check out these variations.

Lemon garlic butter: Add lemon juice and zest to the classic garlic butter for a citrus kick. The lemon's acidity cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a balanced sauce that's both light and flavorful.
Herb garlic butter: Stir chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives into the classic garlic butter. Not only do herbs create a strong, herbal sauce, but they also add a pop of color to your dish.
Spicy garlic butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for some heat and a bold flavor that excites the palate. To balance the heat, you can serve with a cooling yogurt or cucumber salad.

HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER SHRIMP

I always recommend immediately serving your air fryer shrimp for a tender, juicy flavor. However, if you have leftovers or need to freeze, follow these instructions:

Leftover shrimp: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: If you need to freeze fresh shrimp, let it cool completely at room temperature and then store it in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat your air fryer frozen shrimp, spend some time thawing them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes or until warmed.

SHOULD I USE FRESH OR FROZEN SHRIMP?

Both frozen and fresh shrimp will do for this recipe, as each has its own advantages:

Fresh shrimp: It offers optimal flavor and texture but can be pricier and less convenient for busy cooks.
Frozen shrimp: It's more affordable and convenient, especially when buying peeled shrimp. However, the flavor might be lacking compared to fresh ones.