Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp: 10-Minute Easy Dinner
This air fryer garlic butter shrimp cooks in 10 minutes with juicy shrimp, lemon, parsley, and a buttery garlic sauce for an easy dinner.
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Jul 23, 2026
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Method
Pat and season the shrimp
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels so they roast instead of steam. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Mix the garlic butter
Stir the melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Keep this separate for now so the garlic stays bright and does not scorch before the shrimp is nearly done.
Preheat and arrange
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer with a little space between pieces; cook in batches if the basket is crowded.
Air fry until just pink
Cook for 4 minutes, then shake the basket. The shrimp should be turning pink at the edges but still look slightly translucent in the thickest part.
Add garlic butter and finish
Pour the garlic butter over the shrimp and toss quickly. Air fry 1 to 2 minutes more, just until the shrimp are opaque, curled into a loose C shape, and glossy with sauce.
Rest and serve
Transfer the shrimp and any buttery juices to a bowl, then toss with parsley. Rest for 1 minute before serving so the sauce clings instead of running straight off.
Chef's Pro Tips
Dry the shrimp well and do not crowd the air fryer basket. Those two small details make the difference between juicy shrimp and watery shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first for the best texture. Wet shrimp release too much water and dilute the garlic butter.
How do I know shrimp are done in the air fryer?
They should be opaque, pink, and curled into a loose C shape. If they curl tightly into an O, they are likely overcooked.
Can I make this with prawns in the UK?
Yes. Large raw prawns work the same way as large shrimp; keep the basket in a single layer and check early because sizes vary.
What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
Serve it over rice, pasta, salad greens, roasted vegetables, or tucked into warm tortillas with a squeeze of lemon.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in the air fryer at 320 degrees F for 1 to 2 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. High heat makes shrimp rubbery fast.
