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This Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of the fastest ways to prepare shrimp at home! Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes using this method making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this recipe as a main dish or appetizer.
Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Not only is this recipe fast, but it also only requires a few ingredients. You will need:
- raw shrimp- fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp
- unsalted butter
- olive oil
- garlic
- salt
- black pepper
If this is your first time cooking shrimp at home this easy recipe is the perfect one to try! For a complete list of ingredients and full instructions see the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
To start, be sure that your shrimp is defrosted if you have frozen shrimp. To defrost shrimp easily place in a large bowl and add cold water. Let sit for 30-60 minutes or until defrosted completely. Once defrosted, drain out the water and pat dry with paper towels.
In a microwave safe medium-sized bowl, melt the butter and add olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and then pour over shrimp. Toss to coat shrimp evenly. Don’t worry if the butter hardens back up a little bit. It will remelt in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Add shrimp in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook shrimp so they are not tough in texture. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the shrimp you are using. You do not need to spray the basket with cooking spray because the butter and oil will keep it from sticking.
Once cooked, remove from air fryer basket and pour over some of the garlic butter sauce out of the air fryer basket. If necessary, make a second batch with the remaining shrimp.
Different Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Serve shrimp over egg noodles with steamed vegetables for an easy and delicious meal. Top with red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Serve as a simple appetizer and squeeze a little lemon juice on top for added flavor.
- Add a side of couscous and green beans for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, however be sure that you are not cooking something for too long or too hot in an air fryer when using butter because it will burn faster than oil. Because this recipe only cooks for 4-6 minutes it is ideal.
My family prefers peeled and deveined shrimp with the tail off. This makes it easier for the kids to eat and also to add to pasta. I recommend at least getting shrimp that is peeled and deveined for this recipe. Also, fresh or frozen shrimp will work. I like to use frozen so that I can buy it and not worry about it cooking it within a day or two. For best results not use already cooked shrimp for this recipe.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat leftover shrimp microwave in 20-30 second intervals being careful not to overheat.
Of course, coat the shrimp as described in the recipe card with the garlic butter mixture. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes or until all shrimp are pink and cooked evenly. Cook time will vary due to the size of the shrimp used.
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For more easy weeknight dinner ideas try our One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice, Crock Pot Cowboy Soup, Easy Tin Foil Baked Chicken, One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, Air Fryer Cube Steak Recipe and Rice and Bean Tacos.
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
This Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of the fastest ways to prepare shrimp at home! Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes using this method making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this recipe as a main dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp- fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsps garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Be sure that your shrimp is defrosted if you have frozen shrimp. To defrost shrimp easily place in a large bowl and add cold water. Let sit for 30-60 minutes or until defrosted completely. Once defrosted, drain out the water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a microwave safe medium-sized bowl, melt the butter and add olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour garlic and butter mixture over shrimp. Toss to coat shrimp evenly. Don't worry if the butter hardens back up a little bit. It will remelt in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook shrimp so they are not tough in texture. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the shrimp you are using.
- Once cooked, remove from air fryer basket and pour over some of the garlic butter sauce out of the air fryer basket. Taste shrimp and add additional salt and fresh ground black pepper if desired. If necessary, make a second batch with the remaining shrimp.
Notes
I recommend at least getting shrimp that is peeled and deveined for this recipe. Also, fresh or frozen shrimp will work.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 310Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 1011mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 16g