Go Back

Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp

A quick and easy dish that's buttery, garlicky, and crisply cooked in the air fryer, perfect for busy nights or special occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the shrimp
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off Use large or extra-large shrimp for best results.
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch For light crisp edges.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Plus more to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the garlic butter sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Plus extra lemon wedges for serving.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes Optional for heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If frozen, thaw shrimp completely and pat them very dry.
  2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, cornstarch, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until shrimp curl into a loose C-shape and turn opaque with a light pink color.
  4. While the shrimp cook, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter mixture.
Finishing
  1. Transfer hot shrimp to a bowl and pour the garlic butter over them.
  2. Toss quickly to coat shrimp evenly with the garlic butter. Adjust salt or lemon to taste if needed.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and sides like crusty bread, steamed rice, or a fresh salad. Perfect for quick dinners or elegant gatherings.