If you love quick, flavorful seafood that you can whip up in no time, this Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Tender shrimp coated in garlicky goodness, cooked perfectly crispy in the air fryer with minimal fuss—this dish combines simplicity and bold flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and light. Whether you’re craving a speedy weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer to impress guests, this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful shrimp with a gorgeous golden finish every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in building wonderful flavor and texture. These simple pantry staples transform ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering meal that’s bursting with garlic aroma, perfectly seasoned, and delightfully crispy.
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy seafood packed with protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp crisp up beautifully while adding subtle richness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the shrimp with robust, aromatic flavor that shines in every bite.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the garlicky punch perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth of flavor to round out the taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F for about 5 minutes. This ensures the shrimp starts cooking immediately with a nice crisp texture and helps them brown evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything well allows the garlic and seasoning to coat each shrimp perfectly, setting the stage for that irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Arrange Shrimp in the Basket
Next, lay the shrimp out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding at this stage, as giving the shrimp some breathing room is essential for getting them crispy and golden instead of soggy or steamed.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Pink
Air fry the shrimp for 8 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The shrimp will curl up and turn a vibrant pink color when done, signaling they’re perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy.
Step 5: Repeat as Needed
If cooking in batches, remove the shrimp once done before adding the rest to the basket. This ensures each batch crisps up consistently without crowding or uneven cooking.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the shrimp for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty contrast to the garlicky richness.
Side Dishes
This garlic shrimp shines alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a low-carb option, serve over steamed veggies or cauliflower rice to keep things light and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe in warm tortillas with avocado and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a fun shrimp taco night. You can also skewer the cooked shrimp for a party platter or toss them onto pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs for an easy weeknight feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover shrimp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp retain their flavor well but are best enjoyed fresh to keep their crispy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Be sure to spread them out to freeze quickly and avoid clumping together. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back some crispiness, reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a hot pan works well to warm them through without drying out the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can cook this garlic shrimp in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, but it won’t have the same crispy texture you get from the air fryer.
Can I adjust the garlic amount?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more minced garlic if you love bold garlic flavors or reduce it slightly if you prefer a milder taste. The recipe is very forgiving.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when seasoning for a little heat kick.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil before adding the shrimp, and make sure not to overcrowd them. This helps ensure easy flipping and keeps the shrimp from sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorite seafood dishes because it’s easy, fast, and absolutely bursting with flavor. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this juicy, garlicky delight as much as I do. You’ll be surprised at how simple ingredients and an air fryer can come together to create such an unforgettable meal—give it a try and see for yourself!
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Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender shrimp infused with a rich garlic flavor in just minutes. Using the air fryer ensures the shrimp gets a deliciously crispy exterior without excess oil, making it a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or appetizers.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes. This ensures the shrimp cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning and oil.
- Arrange shrimp in air fryer: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket so each shrimp cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Cook the shrimp: Air fry the shrimp for 8 to 9 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all shrimp are evenly cooked and have curled up and turned a beautiful pink color.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. Repeat the cooking process if cooking shrimp in batches to maintain even cooking.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or fully thawed shrimp.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
