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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges (for serving) - Optional side dishes To make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp, you need fresh ingredients. Start with large shrimp; I prefer to use peeled and deveined ones for easy cooking. Next is the unsalted butter, which adds richness. Don't forget the garlic! Minced garlic brings a strong flavor that pairs well with shrimp. Now, let's talk about seasoning. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, while smoked paprika adds a subtle depth. Red pepper flakes can give you a nice kick if you like heat. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. For garnish, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. You can serve the shrimp with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top. Optional side dishes can include rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Each adds a nice touch to your meal. Enjoy this quick and tasty dish! Start by mixing the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until everything blends. This mixture is key for flavor. When marinating the shrimp, toss them gently in the mixture. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up the taste. You can adjust the red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps the shrimp cook evenly. When placing shrimp in the basket, arrange them in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a lot of shrimp, cook in batches. Cook the shrimp for about 6-8 minutes. At the halfway point, shake the basket to help with even cooking. Check for doneness by looking at the color. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If they are still gray, give them a little more time. Perfectly cooked shrimp are juicy and tender, making your dish a delight! Marinating shrimp is key. It allows the flavors to soak in. I suggest you let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes. This time helps the garlic and butter blend well. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Always remember, you can add more but can't take it away! For even cooking, make sure the shrimp are in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. I always shake the basket halfway through cooking. This step helps to cook all sides evenly. To prevent sticking, lightly grease the air fryer basket. A spray of oil works wonders and keeps your shrimp intact. Garnish the shrimp with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It adds freshness and makes the dish look stunning. Serve the shrimp with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon juice enhances the flavor and brightens the dish. Trust me, your guests will be impressed. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of garlic butter shrimp easily. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a twist. You could also use spices such as lemon pepper or curry powder. Each herb or spice brings a new taste. For a different marinade, swap out the lemon juice for lime juice. This small change brightens the shrimp in a fresh way. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for an umami kick. If you need to make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or skip it altogether. This keeps the shrimp tasty without gluten. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Both alternatives provide good flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Pairing shrimp with vegetables adds color and nutrition. Try tossing in bell peppers or asparagus into the air fryer. They cook quickly and taste great with the shrimp. You can also serve the shrimp over rice or pasta. Both options soak up the garlic butter sauce well. A side salad complements the meal too, adding freshness. To store leftover shrimp, let them cool first. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Always label the container with the date. For storage containers, use glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials keep the shrimp safe and fresh. Avoid metal containers, as they can react with the shrimp. The best method to reheat air-fried shrimp is to use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 3-4 minutes. This keeps the shrimp crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the shrimp may lose their crispiness. To avoid overcooking, check them often. Shrimp cook quickly. You want them warm but not rubbery. To freeze cooked shrimp, let them cool completely first. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to use frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also place the bag under cold water for a quicker thaw. Once thawed, reheat them as mentioned above for best results. I recommend air frying shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The shrimp will cook quickly. Shake the basket halfway through to cook evenly. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This means they are ready to eat. If you cook them too long, they can become tough. So, keep an eye on them! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can run them under cold water for a few minutes. Frozen shrimp may need a minute or two more cooking time. Always check if they are pink and opaque. Fresh shrimp gives a better taste, but frozen works too. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Garlic bread - Roasted vegetables - Salad with lemon vinaigrette - Pasta with olive oil and herbs These sides will complement the shrimp nicely. Enjoy mixing and matching! In this post, we explored how to make delicious garlic butter shrimp in an air fryer. We covered the key ingredients, detailed step-by-step cooking instructions, and shared tips to enhance flavor. We also discussed variations to suit your taste and dietary needs, along with storage tips for leftovers. Now you can confidently prepare this tasty dish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving it your way. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp with this easy recipe! In just 35 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish bursting with flavor. With simple ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and smoked paprika, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fancy gathering. Follow the step-by-step guide to achieve perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

        Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded for even cooking.

          Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.

            Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 2-3