If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, you’ve hit the jackpot with these 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp! Seriously, who doesn’t love the convenience of an air fryer? It cooks shrimp to perfection while keeping them juicy and flavorful. I mean, in just 15 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish right at home! The combination of garlic and butter creates this mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it’s even done. Trust me, once you try making shrimp this way, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked them any other way. It’s fast, it’s easy, and oh, so satisfying! So let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe that’s bound to impress anyone you serve it to!
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp: Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for a quick and easy prep!
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melt it down for that rich, buttery flavor that’s going to coat the shrimp beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced to release that amazing garlic aroma that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a lovely hint of warmth and color—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch of each to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped, for a fresh, vibrant finish that adds a pop of color and flavor!
How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these scrumptious garlic butter shrimp! Don’t worry; I’m here to walk you through every step, so you can nail it like a pro.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because preheating ensures that your shrimp cook evenly and get that perfect golden color. It usually takes about 5 minutes to preheat, so you can use this time to get everything else ready!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine your melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed well. This is where the magic starts! The butter acts as the base, and the garlic along with the spices will create the most mouthwatering coating for the shrimp. You want every shrimp to get that even coverage, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to add the shrimp to your buttery goodness! Toss them in the bowl and gently coat each shrimp until they’re well covered. This is crucial because you want every bite to be packed with flavor. The garlic butter mixture clings to the shrimp and creates that delicious sauce while they cook. Yum!
Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is key; don’t overcrowd them! You want the hot air to circulate freely around each shrimp. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, checking halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Trust me, that’s when you’ll want to dive right in!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, it’s time to plate them up! Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. These shrimp are fantastic served over a bed of rice or pasta, but honestly, they’re delicious enough to enjoy on their own. Get ready for some serious compliments!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional aspects of these delightful 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. But here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 24g
With this dish being low in calories yet high in protein, it’s a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a tasty meal without the guilt. Plus, with the healthy shrimp and fresh ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your plate. Just remember, these numbers can fluctuate a bit, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients and preferences!
Tips for Success
Here are some pro tips to make sure your 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp turn out perfectly every time!
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep in mind that shrimp come in various sizes! If you’re using larger shrimp, you might need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two, while smaller shrimp may cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on them—once they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready to go!
- Add a Zesty Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your garlic butter mixture. It brightens everything up and complements the shrimp beautifully!
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is a must! It not only helps with even cooking but also prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative! You can try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or swap out the paprika for smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the shrimp sit for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve Immediately: These shrimp are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while they’re still warm and buttery. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and eat them within a day or two!
With these tips, you’ll be a shrimp-cooking pro in no time! Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these fabulous 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve come across, along with my answers to help you out.
How long do I cook shrimp of different sizes?
The cooking time can vary based on the size of your shrimp. For medium shrimp, stick to the 6-8 minutes; for larger shrimp, you might need to add an extra minute or two. Just watch for that lovely pink color and make sure they’re opaque.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best results. You can run them under cold water until thawed, then pat them dry before coating them in the garlic butter mixture.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use olive oil or coconut oil instead. While it’ll change the flavor slightly, it’ll still be delicious! You could also try a vegan butter if you want to keep that rich taste.
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 1-2 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to warm them up again!
Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?
While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just coat the shrimp and cook them right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What sides pair well with garlic butter shrimp?
These shrimp are super versatile! I love serving them with rice or pasta, but they’re also delicious on a fresh salad or with some crusty bread to soak up that garlic butter sauce. Yum!
Hopefully, that clears up any questions you might have! Now, go ahead and whip up those shrimp like a champ!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels like a treat!
- Easy Cleanup: The air fryer means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory flavor that’s irresistible.
- Low-Calorie Option: With only about 200 calories per serving, you can indulge without the guilt.
- Versatile with Sides: These shrimp pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, salads, or even on their own as a snack!
- Impressive Dish: Serve them up at your next gathering, and watch everyone rave about your culinary skills!
15 Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Quick and easy garlic butter shrimp made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size.
- You can add lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: 15 minute air fryer garlic butter shrimp
