These Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi are tender, juicy, and bursting with buttery garlic flavor. Ready in minutes, they make a quick, elegant dinner or appetizer that’s packed with bright, zesty goodness.
If you love shrimp with bold, buttery flavor but want a fast and fuss-free meal, this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is perfect.
Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, giving you tender, flavorful bites in minutes.
Ideal for weeknight dinners, quick appetizers, or date-night meals, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the wait.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Ready in Minutes: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute appetizers.
- Juicy, Tender Shrimp: The air fryer cooks shrimp evenly while keeping them succulent.
- Rich Garlic-Butter Flavor: Every bite is packed with buttery, garlicky goodness.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in one skillet or the air fryer basket for easy cleanup.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over pasta, rice, salad, or enjoy as a standalone appetizer.
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes, GARLIC PARMESAN AIR-FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE, or AIR FRYER CRISPY SHRIMP.
Ingredients Needed
- Raw Shrimp: peeled, deveined shrimp ready for garlic butter cooking
- Minced Garlic: fresh garlic finely chopped for bold, savory flavor
- Salt: seasoning to enhance all the natural shrimp flavors
- Black Pepper: freshly cracked for subtle heat and aromatic spice
- Butter: rich, creamy fat to coat shrimp with flavor
- Olive Oil: adds smoothness and helps shrimp cook evenly
How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Step One: In a small bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper, tossing until each piece is evenly coated.
Step Two: Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket and set air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, and set cook time for 5-7 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the shrimp with tongs, then cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step Three: Take the shrimp out of the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange shrimp in a single layer for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or fully thawed shrimp give the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust garlic and butter to taste: Increase or decrease for a milder or more intense flavor.
- Serve immediately: Shrimp are best enjoyed hot for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing Instructions: Store cooked garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them separate from any sauces to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Freezing Instructions: Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container and store flat to prevent shrimp from sticking together.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the tender, juicy texture.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before tossing with butter, garlic, and seasonings.
Can I adjust the garlic and butter amounts? Absolutely! Add more or less garlic and butter to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
How do I keep the shrimp tender and juicy? Cook just until opaque and pink; overcooking will make them rubbery.
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp scampi? Serve over pasta, rice, salad, or enjoy as a standalone appetizer or side dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the shrimp in advance, but cook them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER CRISPY SHRIMP
- GARLIC PARMESAN AIR-FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE
- AIR FRYER LEMON PEPPER SHRIMP
- AIR FRYER FROZEN COCONUT SHRIMP
- EASY AIR FRYER SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP TACOS
- AIR FRYER BONEFISH GRILL BANG BANG SHRIMP (COPYCAT)
- AIR FRYER SPICY NEW ORLEANS SHRIMP
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Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Mix the 1 pound shrimp, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt p1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 tablespoons butter in a small bowl.
- Toss to coat the shrimp.
- Pour the shrimp into the air fryer basket or air fryer tray and set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F , and set cook time for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and toss with fresh parsley.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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