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🍤 Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is ready in just 15 minutes! Quick, easy, and full of flavor – perfect for dinner or a party appetizer! ✨
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If you are looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea, this garlic butter shrimp is the answer. The air fryer cooks the shrimp to perfection in minutes, and the garlic and butter sauce makes it absolutely irresistible. Whether you call it garlic & butter shrimp or simply the best weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
This dish comes together with very little effort, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something special on the table. The air fryer ensures even cooking while keeping everything light, fresh, and satisfying.
Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a recipe you will return to again and again. It is the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for everyday cooking.
This easy recipe for garlic butter shrimp takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you can serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or even over pasta. Once you try this garlic butter shrimp recipe, it will quickly earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.
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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in just 15 minutes.
- Packed with flavor – who can resist garlic & butter shrimp?
- Versatile – serve it as an appetizer, over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
- Family-friendly – everyone loves a simple, tasty seafood dish.
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- large shrimp – substitute with medium or jumbo shrimp, adjust the cook time as necessary
- olive oil – substitute with avocado oil
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- lemon wedges – substitute with lime wedges
- unsalted butter – substitute with margarine if needed
- garlic
- red pepper flakes – omit if you prefer mild flavor
- fresh parsley – substitute with dried parsley or fresh basil
✨ Variations
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Citrus twist: Add lemon zest or swap lemon with lime for a fresh zing.
- Herb change: Try fresh basil, cilantro, or dill instead of parsley.
- Garlic overload: Roast garlic before adding it to the butter for a deeper flavor.
🔥 Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the shrimp in a single layer.
- Watch the cook time – shrimp cook fast and should be opaque with a slight curl.
- Serve immediately – garlic butter shrimp tastes best hot and fresh.
- Double the recipe if you are serving a crowd – this garlic butter shrimp recipe makes an excellent appetizer.
❓ FAQs
No, it is optional. Some people like the look and flavor with tails on, but you can remove them if preferred.
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
It pairs well with rice, pasta, salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
It tastes best fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter in advance and cook the shrimp right before serving.
Shrimp should be opaque, pink, and slightly curled. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery.
Yes, try Italian seasoning, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper for a flavor twist.
Yes, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket.
You can use olive oil instead of butter, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Fish and Seafood
Quick and Easy Cajun Shrimp
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Fish and Seafood
Peel and Eat Shrimp
Main Dish
Grilled Shrimp
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
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Equipment
- olive oil spray (or air fryer basket liners)
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- lemon wedges, for serving
For the garlic butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
For the shrimp:
- Add shrimp, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with olive oil spray or line with an air fryer liner. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
For the garlic butter:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add butter, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Once melted, cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in parsley.
- Remove shrimp from the air fryer, then toss or spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
♨️ REHEATING
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat on medium power for 30-60 seconds.
- Skillet: Reheat with a little butter over medium heat until warmed.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket so the shrimp cook evenly.
- Adjust the cook time according to the shrimp size.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Oven: Bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink, then toss with garlic butter.
- Grill: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, then brush with garlic butter.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Add leftover shrimp to salads, pasta, or rice bowls.
- Use them in tacos or wraps for a quick meal.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
