Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Introduction
Discover the perfect combination of flavors and texture with crispy garlic butter shrimp made in an air fryer. This recipe is a game-changer, delivering a quick and easy meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these shrimp will be an irresistible addition to your menu.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
The ingredients needed for this recipe are simple and accessible, making it the perfect choice for busy cooks or anyone craving delicious shrimp. Here’s what you’ll need:
Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – 1 pound
Garlic, minced – 4 cloves
Unsalted butter, melted – 4 tablespoons
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed – 1 tablespoon
Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Chopped fresh parsley – optional for garnish
Prep Time
The preparation for this recipe is incredibly fast. You only need 10 minutes to get your shrimp and ingredients ready. That includes peeling, deveining, and seasoning the shrimp with the buttery garlic mixture and spices.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
This air fryer shrimp only takes 8 minutes to cook, making it not only crispy but also extremely convenient for those in a rush. With a total time of just 18 minutes, you’ll have an amazing dish ready to serve. This recipe yields 4 servings, ideal for a family meal or a dinner for two with leftovers to spare.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
– Start by cleaning the shrimp. If necessary, peel and devein, leaving the tails on for a fancy presentation.
– Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
– In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the shrimp with olive oil to lightly coat them.
– Add seasonings of your choice, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes, for additional flavor.
– Toss the shrimp in the bowl to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
– Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp
– Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow sufficient airflow for even cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp
– Cook the shrimp for approximately 7-9 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure the shrimp cooks evenly.
– Check for doneness. The shrimp will turn pink and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
– In a small saucepan, melt some butter over low heat.
– Add minced garlic to the butter, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
– Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or chopped parsley to brighten the flavor.
Step 7: Toss the Shrimp in Garlic Butter
– Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean bowl.
– Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
– Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter or individual plates.
– Garnish with additional parsley, lemon slices, or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
– Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Note 1: Cleaning the Shrimp
– If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold water before seasoning and cooking.
Note 2: Seasoning Options
– Experiment with different spice blends or marinades to customize the flavor of your shrimp.
Note 3: Air Fryer Basket Capacity
– Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding can prevent the shrimp from becoming crispy.
Note 4: Sauce Variations
– For a different twist, consider using a spicy chili garlic sauce or honey garlic glaze instead of garlic butter.
Note 5: Storage and Reheating
– Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
– Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Note 6: Serving Suggestions
– Enjoy the shrimp with rice, pasta, or fresh salad greens for a complete meal.
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Cook Techniques
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Select fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. Ensure that shrimp are peeled and deveined for easier preparation.
Marinating the Shrimp
Combine shrimp with garlic butter to enhance the flavor. Allow the shrimp to sit for a few minutes to let the seasoning infuse.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer at 400°F (approximately 200°C) to ensure even cooking and achieve a crispy texture.
Arranging Shrimp in the Basket
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Lay the shrimp out in a single layer to guarantee even cooking.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook shrimp in the air fryer for 7-9 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through for consistent crispiness.
Checking Doneness
Monitor the shrimp for a light pink color and a slightly curled shape, which indicates they are perfectly cooked.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp directly?
Yes, but it is recommended to thaw shrimp beforehand for even cooking and better seasoning absorption.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium to large-sized shrimp are ideal as they cook evenly in the air fryer and retain their texture and flavor.
How can I make the shrimp extra crispy?
Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for maximum crispiness.
Can I substitute the garlic butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil, regular butter, or any seasoning of your choice as a substitute to suit your preference.
Do I need to flip the shrimp while cooking?
Flipping the shrimp halfway through cooking ensures even crispiness on both sides.
What is the best way to serve air fryer shrimp?
Serve with rice, pasta, or a side of vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
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Conclusion
Enjoy the simplicity and bold flavors of this crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp recipe. Perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy, buttery garlic coating makes for a versatile meal option, whether served as an appetizer, paired with pasta, or as a topping for salads. It’s a quick, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Pair the crispy shrimp with your favorite pasta and a creamy garlic butter sauce for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Shrimp Tacos
Use the air-fried shrimp as a filling for tacos, accompanied by coleslaw, avocado slices, and a drizzle of lime crema for a fresh and zesty combination.
Shrimp Caesar Salad
Top a Caesar salad with these crispy shrimp for a refreshing yet indulgent twist on the classic recipe.
Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice
Combine the shrimp with fried rice flavored with soy sauce, garlic, and vegetables to create a delightful and hearty one-pan meal.
Shrimp and Veggie Bowl
Serve the crispy garlic butter air fryer shrimp over a bowl of steamed rice or quinoa, topped with roasted vegetables for a healthy, balanced meal.
Shrimp Appetizers
Serve the shrimp alongside a dipping sauce like sweet chili or garlic aioli to create an easy and crowd-pleasing starter.
Lemon Butter Shrimp Sandwich
Turn the shrimp into a filling for sandwiches—tuck them into a roll with lettuce, tomato, and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, citrusy kick.
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