Serves 4 | Prep 10 min | Cook 8 min
Plump, juicy shrimp coated in garlic butter with a touch of paprika, cooked in the air fryer in just 8 minutes. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley at the end keep them bright and fresh — perfect over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to mop up the butter.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with the melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until pink and cooked through.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Keep the shrimp in a single layer — overlapping shrimp steam instead of searing.
- Shrimp cook fast; start checking at 6 minutes. They’re done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a loose C shape.
- Dry shrimp well before coating so the garlic butter sticks instead of sliding off.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and eat within 2 days. Reheat gently and briefly — shrimp toughen quickly if overcooked a second time. Great cold in salads and shrimp cocktails too.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw them completely first and pat very dry, otherwise they’ll release water and steam rather than cook in the butter.
How do I avoid rubbery shrimp?
Don’t overcook them. An overcooked shrimp curls into a tight O and feels tough; a perfectly cooked one forms a relaxed C.
What should I serve with them?
Rice, pasta, or crusty bread are all great for soaking up the garlic butter. A simple green salad on the side keeps it light.