We all have those days when time just slips away, right? Between work, errands, and everything else, sometimes it feels impossible to whip up a decent meal. That’s why I’m absolutely obsessed with my 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp! Seriously, it’s a total game-changer for busy cooks like us. In just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish on your table without all the fuss. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of garlic and butter wafting through my kitchen was so enticing that my family gathered around, eager to dig in. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again!
Ingredients for 15 Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating! Set it to a sizzling 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the shrimp cook evenly and gives that lovely, crispy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s get those flavors together. Pour in the melted butter, and then add the minced garlic, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. The smell of garlic is just heavenly at this point, and you’ll be itching to dive in!
Coat the Shrimp
Next, it’s time for the shrimp! Toss those peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the buttery mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to coat each shrimp evenly so they’re all glistening and flavorful. Every bite deserves that garlic butter goodness, right?
Air Fry the Shrimp
Now, carefully place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is key—if they’re crowded, they won’t cook properly. Set your timer for 8-10 minutes and don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through! This little shake ensures they get that perfect, golden-brown color all around.
Serve and Garnish
Once they’re done, take the shrimp out and get ready for the best part—serving! Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste experience. You’ll love how quick and easy this dish is, plus it’s so delicious!
Tips for Success
To make sure your 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp turns out fantastic every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right shrimp: Larger shrimp tend to work best for this recipe, as they hold up well during cooking. If you’re using smaller shrimp, just watch the cooking time closely—start checking them at around 6-7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s super important to arrange the shrimp in a single layer. If they’re piled on top of each other, they won’t get that beautiful crispiness we crave.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Fresh herbs are key: While parsley is a great garnish, you can also try fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to add them right before serving to keep them vibrant!
- Serve with sides: This shrimp pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. I love serving it with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious butter!
Following these tips will not only make your shrimp taste amazing but will also ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! For a serving of my 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp, you can expect the following typical nutritional values:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and they can vary depending on the size of the shrimp you use and how much butter you decide to drizzle on. But overall, this dish is a fantastic low-fat option packed with protein! Enjoy every tasty bite without the guilt!
FAQ about 15 Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
I know you might have some questions about making this delicious dish, so let’s dive into some common ones that pop up when cooking my 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp!
How long should I cook different sizes of shrimp?
Great question! For larger shrimp, stick to the 8-10 minutes. If you’re using medium-sized shrimp, check them at around 6-8 minutes. For small shrimp, you’ll want to keep an eye on them and start checking around the 5-minute mark. The goal is to have them just pink and opaque!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can run them under cool water for a few minutes or leave them in the fridge overnight. Cooking them from frozen can lead to uneven cooking, so thawing is key!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. It won’t have quite the same rich flavor, but it’ll still be delicious! You could even try ghee if you want that buttery taste without the dairy.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it, it’s so good!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently in the air fryer or a skillet to maintain that lovely texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the shrimp are best fresh, you can prep everything ahead of time. Just keep the coated shrimp in the fridge until you’re ready to pop them in the air fryer. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal without the hassle of prep when you’re hungry!
Hopefully, this clears up any doubts you had! Enjoy whipping up your shrimp and feel free to get creative with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy cleanup: One bowl and the air fryer mean less mess to deal with.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of garlic and butter makes for a mouthwatering dish.
- Healthy option: Low in fat and high in protein, guilt-free indulgence!
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or a delightful appetizer.
- Minimal ingredients: Simple pantry staples create a flavorful meal.
- Impressive presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley, it looks as good as it tastes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you do end up with any leftovers of my 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them to keep that amazing flavor intact.
First, let the shrimp cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge. Just make sure to seal it tight to avoid any funky odors getting in!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This method helps to restore that nice crispy texture. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes, just until warmed through. Careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with rubbery shrimp!
And remember, the key to keeping that delicious garlic butter flavor is to serve them warm, so don’t wait too long once they’re reheated. Enjoy every savory bite again!
Print
15 Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp That Will Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Quick and easy garlic butter shrimp made in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of shrimp.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: air fryer shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, 15 minute shrimp recipe
