📖 Air Fryer Recipe Series: This recipe is featured in our 15 Best Air Fryer Recipes (Master Guide). Check out the complete collection with full cook-time cheat sheets!
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⚡ Direct Answer: The Rule for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp
The 400°F / 6-Minute Rule: Peel and devein jumbo shrimp. Toss with melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and lemon zest. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket at minute 3 until opaque and pink with lightly charred edges.
Shrimp is one of the quickest lean proteins you can make on busy weeknights. Because of the air fryer’s rapid vortex heat, shrimp cooks in the blink of an eye without steaming or getting rubbery. Featured in our 15 Best Air Fryer Recipes.
6-Minute Protein
6-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 6 mins | Total Time: 11 mins | Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt & ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Juice of half a lemon & chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels (dry shrimp sears instead of steaming).
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper flakes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3 minutes.
- Spread shrimp into the basket in an even layer. Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, gently shaking at minute 3.
- Remove immediately once pink and opaque, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, garnish with parsley, and serve!
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~170 Calories | 24g Protein | 1g Carbs | 8g Fat | Check how this fits your macros with our Calorie Calculator.