These Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp deliver juicy, tender bites in just 10 minutes. After testing multiple techniques, I’ve found this method consistently produces perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that rivals restaurant quality.
Perfect Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
This recipe works because the air fryer cooks shrimp quickly at high heat, locking in moisture while giving a lightly crisp finish. Pairing the shrimp with a homemade garlic butter sauce adds rich flavor without needing a breading or coating. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner option—quick, mess-free, and delicious.
Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
- 1 ½ tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway, until shrimp are pink, curled, and opaque. Cook in batches if needed.
- While shrimp are cooking, melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and optional red pepper flakes and parsley.
- Drizzle garlic butter over shrimp and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Temperature & Timing Guide
- Large/Jumbo shrimp (21–30 count): 400°F (204°C) for 6 minutes.
- Smaller shrimp: Reduce to 5 minutes.
- Extra-large shrimp: May need 7–8 minutes.
- Always check doneness: shrimp should be pink, curled, and opaque inside.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is key.
- Use fresh garlic in the sauce for the most authentic flavor.
- Adjust cooking time if using frozen shrimp (must be thawed and patted dry first).
- Preheating ensures consistent texture and juiciness.
Serving & Storage for Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
Best Pairings
- Serve with steamed rice and lemon wedges for a Hawaiian-inspired plate.
- Pair with angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs for a light dinner.
- Try with a side of garlic bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – roasted and caramelized for a balanced meal.
- Air Fryer French Fries – crispy and golden, a fun surf-and-turf side.
- Caesar salad – fresh and crisp to complement the richness of the shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving, which can make shrimp rubbery.
Conclusion
This garlic butter air fryer shrimp recipe is quick, flavorful, and foolproof. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have juicy shrimp coated in buttery garlic sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an easy entertaining dish. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a go-to favorite.
