Description
Succulent jumbo shrimp cooked to perfection in the air fryer and drizzled with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes, combining the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and a hint of lemon for a delicious main course that pairs wonderfully with rice or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the garlic butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step creates the foundation of flavor that will be enhanced by the garlic butter later. - Air Fry the Shrimp
Preheat the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. Once hot, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in the basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap them. Air fry for 6 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink, curl up, and become opaque. Work in batches if necessary to maintain a single layer for even cooking. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the shrimp are cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and parsley if using. This creates a rich, aromatic sauce that will complement the shrimp perfectly. - Combine and Serve
After all shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the cooked shrimp, ensuring they’re well coated. Serve immediately over rice if desired, or with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic in the butter sauce for the best flavor. Avoid the pre-packed minced garlic in oil.
- Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which ensures even cooking and proper air circulation.
- Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the shrimp to ensure the proper cooking temperature is reached.
- Cooking time may vary depending on shrimp size. This recipe uses jumbo 21-30 count shrimp.
- Leftover shrimp and garlic butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp
- Calories: 324
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
