This recipe makes crisp, buttery garlic shrimp in the air fryer. It cooks fast and tastes great. If you like quick air fryer treats, try crispy churro bites for another snack idea.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, simple, and full of flavor. The air fryer makes the shrimp crisp without much oil. It works as an appetizer, main dish, or snack. You can pair it with sides like a warm butternut squash appetizer for a simple meal.
How to make Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients :
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with melted garlic butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the shrimp are cooked through and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
Quick and tasty air fryer shrimp tossed in garlic butter, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with melted garlic butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the shrimp are cooked through and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For best results, dry the shrimp well before tossing with butter and do not overcrowd the basket. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
How to serve Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
Serve the shrimp hot. They go well with rice, pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables. For a simple side, serve with warm garlic butter bread rolls to soak up the butter sauce.
How to store Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
Let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep them crisp.
Tips to make Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp well before tossing with butter.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in one layer.
- Shake the basket once halfway through for even cooking.
- Watch the time closely; shrimp cook fast and can overcook.
- Use fresh garlic butter for the best flavor.
Variations
- Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Mix a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan in the last minute for a cheesy crust.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before tossing with the butter.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-4 minutes until hot and crisp.
Q: What size shrimp should I use?
A: Any size works. Adjust cook time: larger shrimp may need a minute or two more.
Q: Can I make this without butter?
A: You can use oil and minced garlic, but butter gives the best flavor. For a similar baked taste try garlic butter baked chicken breast as another garlic-butter option.
Conclusion
These shrimp are quick, tasty, and easy to make in the air fryer. They are crisp outside and tender inside. Try them for a fast weeknight meal or a simple party snack.
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