Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp Easy Recipe

Name: Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Sarah

Writer & Blogger

Dinner
August 1, 2025

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Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp: A Flavorful and Crunchy Delight 🍤🧄✨

1. Introduction: The Magic of Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp

Delicious golden-brown crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp, elegantly garnished and ready to serve.

If you’re searching for an easy and scrumptious seafood recipe that delivers a satisfying crunch and an explosion of savory flavors, look no further! This Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is not just a meal; it’s an culinary experience that brings restaurant-quality goodness right to your kitchen. It’s bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried shrimp. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and impressive dinner, or for special occasions where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort. With the help of your air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy shrimp with a rich garlic butter flavor without the fuss and extra calories of deep frying. This method ensures that the shrimp are tender, juicy, and coated in a delightful crispiness. Let’s dive into this incredibly easy recipe to elevate your dinner plate and tantalize your taste buds! Pair this shrimp with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for an unforgettable meal!

2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp

To create these succulent and crispy shrimp, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Quality is key here, so opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible. This garlic butter shrimp recipe is all about letting the natural flavors shine through.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Ensure they are patted dry for optimal crispiness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder. This enhances the overall garlic flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt. Balances the sweetness of the shrimp.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Adds a subtle kick.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted. The base of our flavorful coating.
2 tablespoons minced garlic for a stronger taste of garlic, if you like it garlicky.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish). Adds a touch of freshness and color.

3. Step 1: Seasoning the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

Seasoning shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp recipe.

To start off creating these delicious air fryer shrimp, gather your shrimp and place them in a bowl. Season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for infusing the shrimp with robust flavors right from the start. Make sure each shrimp is coated evenly to guarantee an extraordinary taste in every bite. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – they are the foundation of our flavor profile! For another flavorful appetizer, check out this Warm Shrimp Chorizo Salad.

4. Step 2: Coating with Garlic Butter: The Secret to Crispy Perfection

Coating shrimp in melted butter for crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp, creating a flavorful marinade.

Next, take your melted butter – the star of this garlic butter shrimp recipe – and pour it evenly over the seasoned shrimp, ensuring they are all thoroughly coated. The garlic butter not only enhances the flavor profile, adding a rich, savory note, but also plays a crucial role in achieving that desirable crispy texture as the shrimp cooks in the air fryer. Let the shrimp marinate in the garlic butter mixture for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the shrimp, resulting in a more intense and satisfying taste. The longer they marinate, the better the flavor absorption! Want another quick and easy dinner idea? Check out this Air Fryer Shrimp recipe.

5. Step 3: Preparing for Air Frying: Achieving Optimal Crispiness

Arranging shrimp in an air fryer basket, preparing for cooking crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp.

Now it’s time to cook your crispy garlic butter shrimp! Carefully arrange the shrimp in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial to ensure they are spread out in a single layer, with enough space between each shrimp, to promote even cooking and maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of frying. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. This step is essential for achieving the perfect crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp that are evenly cooked and delightfully crunchy. For another easy and delicious chicken dinner recipe, how about Savory Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight?

6. Step 4: Cooking the Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Cooking process of crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp in an air fryer, enhancing flavors and crispiness.

Cook the shrimp in your preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked through, have turned pink, and boast a beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior. To ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps redistribute the shrimp and ensures that every side gets the perfect amount of heat. Keep a close eye on the shrimp towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking, as they can become rubbery if cooked for too long. Once they’re perfectly cooked and crispy, remove them from the air fryer immediately. You can also enjoy these dinner recipes.

7. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Shrimp Fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s rare, considering how incredibly delicious this crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp dish is!), store them properly to maintain their quality. Transfer the leftover shrimp to an airtight container to prevent them from drying out in the refrigerator. Store them in the refrigerator and aim to enjoy them within 1-2 days to ensure optimal freshness, flavor, and texture. Please note that reheating shrimp can sometimes be tricky, as it can become rubbery if not done properly. However, to restore some of that beloved crispiness as well as warming it through, a quick reheat in the air fryer for just a few minutes can work wonders! Alternatively, you can gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat, being careful not to overcook them.

8. Serving Suggestions: Elevating Your Shrimp Experience

Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. It’s perfect as a delectable appetizer to kick off a dinner party, or as a main course served over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite pasta. Consider pairing it with a fresh, crisp salad for a balanced meal, or serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up all of that delicious garlic butter sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence and flavor, don’t hesitate to drizzle some extra garlic butter sauce over the top just before serving, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. You can change your main dish with this Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese, too.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to remove any excess moisture.

Q: Can I add other seasonings to the shrimp?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning would all be great additions. Also, you can try another recipe like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta.

Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking in the air fryer?

A: Keep a close eye on the shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp.

Q: Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before coating the shrimp.

10. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Air Fryer Shrimp!

This Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights, but it also delivers a massive punch of flavor and a satisfying crunch that is sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick and delicious appetizer, a simple yet elegant main course, or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at your next gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, dust off your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate seafood treat that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below!

Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp Easy Recipe

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Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp is an easy and delicious seafood dish that delivers big flavor and crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe utilizes an air fryer to create perfectly crispy shrimp without deep frying.

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x