Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi is one of those recipes that proves dinner can be quick, delicious, and comforting all at once. In my kitchen, I’m always looking for ways to get that buttery, garlicky scampi flavor on the table without standing over a hot stove. The air fryer changed everything for me. It gives shrimp a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender in less than ten minutes.
I didn’t learn cooking in a fancy school. I learned by making simple meals for my wife and kids, finding that sweet spot between easy and memorable. This shrimp scampi hits that spot every time. The smell of garlic melting into butter fills the kitchen, and I can already hear the “mmm” sounds from my family before dinner’s even ready.
Here’s why this Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi deserves a regular spot in your dinner lineup:
- Fast: It cooks in under ten minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy: It uses minimal butter and no alcohol, keeping the dish light but flavorful.
- Easy Cleanup: No messy stovetop or splattering pans.
- Family-Friendly: Shrimp that even picky eaters love.
If you enjoy lighter meals like my Healthy Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles, you’ll love how this version balances comfort and nutrition. And if you’re craving something a little creamier, my Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a great twist to try next.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Equipment You Need
To make the best Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi, start with a few simple ingredients and the right tools. You don’t need a professional setup, just quality ingredients that let the shrimp shine. The beauty of this dish is that everything works together, with garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs creating flavor in every bite.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Here’s what you’ll need to make your shrimp taste fresh and full of flavor:
- Shrimp: Use large raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Keep the tails on for more flavor if you like.
- Butter: Choose unsalted butter to control the salt level. You can also mix in a bit of olive oil for a lighter option.
- Garlic: Always use fresh garlic. It adds depth and warmth that jarred garlic can’t match.
- Lemon: Use both juice and zest for brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a small pinch for a little heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil adds freshness and color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season generously for balanced flavor.
- Optional Add-Ins: Add cooked rice or pasta to turn this into a full meal.
If you love buttery shrimp flavor, try my Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. It uses the same flavor base that makes this air fryer version so rich and satisfying.
Tools That Make Cooking Easier
Making great shrimp scampi doesn’t take fancy tools, but these essentials help with consistency and safety:
- Air Fryer: Use a 4 to 6 quart model. Preheat for 3 minutes at 400°F before cooking.
- Oven-Safe Dish: Use a small pan or dish that fits inside your air fryer for melting butter and mixing sauce.
- Tongs: Silicone or stainless steel tongs help flip shrimp safely.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accuracy keeps the flavor balanced.
- Thermometer: Check shrimp for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
If you like simple cooking tools and easy cleanup, my One-Pan Shrimp Scampi with Linguine offers another mess-free option for busy nights.
Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi
Equipment
- air fryer
- oven-safe dish
- mixing bowl
- tongs or spoon
- zester
- serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Place a small oven-safe dish inside to warm.
- Add butter to the warm dish and let it melt for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly in the butter mixture.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes at 400°F. Shake or stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- When shrimp are pink and opaque, remove from the air fryer. Add lemon zest and parsley. Toss again to coat well.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- Pat the shrimp dry before adding butter or seasoning. This helps the flavors stick and ensures the shrimp cook evenly.
- For a lighter version, replace half of the butter with olive oil while keeping the same rich taste.
- Use thawed shrimp for the best results. If you’re starting from frozen, add about two more minutes of cook time.
- Preheat your air fryer before cooking to help the shrimp develop a perfect texture.
- Try pairing this recipe with zoodles, brown rice, or a side salad for a complete and healthy dinner.
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and freshness.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan right before serving for a little richness.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the shrimp cook evenly and stay juicy.
Nutrition (per Serving)
Calories: 210|Protein: 24 g|
Fat: 10 g|
Saturated Fat: 5 g|
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g|
Carbohydrates: 3 g |
Fiber: 0 g|
Sugar: 0 g|
Cholesterol: 185 mg|
Sodium: 580 mg|
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
If you’re all about quick and crispy seafood, you’ll want to see my easy shrimp scampi recipes — fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi is simple once you know the right steps. I like to prepare everything ahead of time so cooking feels smooth and stress-free. The air fryer does most of the work, leaving you with juicy shrimp and a garlicky sauce that’s ready to serve in minutes.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Base
This is where the flavor starts.
- Place a small oven-safe dish inside your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
- Add butter to the dish and let it melt for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly bubbling.
- Stir in minced garlic, let it cook for another minute so the garlic turns fragrant but not brown.
- Add the shrimp to the melted butter mixture and coat them evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper for balance.
- Drizzle lemon juice on top and give it a quick toss.
If you like the comforting flavor of baked seafood, you should try my Baked Shrimp Scampi with Breadcrumb. It has a golden crust that tastes amazing with the same buttery garlic flavor.
Air Fry Shrimp to Perfection
Now it’s time to cook the shrimp until tender and full of flavor.
- Place the dish back in the air fryer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes at 400°F.
- Halfway through, open the air fryer and gently shake or stir the shrimp to make sure they cook evenly.
- The shrimp are ready when they look pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
- Remove the dish carefully and toss the shrimp once more in the butter sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and a bit of lemon zest for a bright finish.
If you enjoy bold seafood flavors, my Spicy Shrimp Scampi with Chili Flakes adds the perfect kick of heat to this classic dish.
Serving Ideas and Variations
When I make Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi, I like to think about how to turn it into a full meal that fits any kind of evening. Some nights, I keep it light with vegetables. Other times, I make it hearty with pasta or rice. The beauty of this dish is how easily it adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for.
Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Scampi
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this recipe:
- Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta. The buttery garlic sauce coats each strand beautifully.
- With Vegetables: Pair with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or zoodles for a lighter dinner.
- On Rice: Serve the shrimp over fluffy rice for a simple family meal that feels comforting and filling.
- With Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works perfectly to soak up every drop of sauce.
If you enjoy rice-based dishes, you’ll love my Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Over Rice. It uses the same flavorful sauce with a soft, comforting base that turns dinner into something special.
Healthy and Creative Variations
It’s easy to tweak Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi to fit your lifestyle.
- Lighten It Up: Swap half of the butter for olive oil to cut down on calories while keeping that rich texture.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even zucchini ribbons for color and nutrients.
- Change the Carbs: Use whole grain pasta or cauliflower rice if you want something more wholesome.
- Boost the Flavor: Try adding a little extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of grated parmesan for depth.
When I want something colorful and fresh, my Shrimp Scampi with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes is one of my go-to versions. The vegetables add brightness and turn a simple shrimp dish into something that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. I recommend thawing frozen shrimp first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, cook them straight from frozen and add about two extra minutes to the cooking time.
What temperature is best for air frying shrimp scampi?
The ideal temperature is 400°F. This helps the shrimp cook quickly and keeps the texture tender while giving a light crispness on the edges.
How long does it take to cook shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F?
Usually between five and seven minutes. It depends on the size of your shrimp and the model of your air fryer. Always check that the shrimp are pink and opaque before serving.
How do you know when shrimp scampi is done in the air fryer?
You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp turn pink, firm, and slightly curled. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so check them after five minutes to avoid drying them out.
What are the best seasonings for air fryer shrimp scampi?
Fresh garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, lemon juice, and a touch of red pepper flakes make a perfect combination. You can also add a bit of paprika for color.
What are common mistakes to avoid when air frying shrimp?
Avoid overcrowding the basket. Shrimp need space to cook evenly. Also, don’t skip preheating the air fryer because that step helps lock in moisture and flavor.
What sides go well with shrimp scampi?
I like to serve it with roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a green salad. For a more filling meal, toss it with pasta or spoon it over rice.
How do you get seasoning to stick to shrimp in an air fryer?
Pat the shrimp dry before adding oil or butter. The seasonings will cling better and cook into the shrimp instead of falling off during air frying.
For me, Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi is more than just a recipe. It’s proof that you can create something flavorful and satisfying without spending all night in the kitchen. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon is simple but powerful. The air fryer keeps it quick, healthy, and family-friendly.
When I serve this dish, my kitchen fills with the smell of melted butter and roasted garlic, and everyone gathers around the table without needing to be called twice. That’s what I love most about cooking. It’s not about fancy ingredients; it’s about creating something that brings people together.
If you enjoyed this recipe, explore my other shrimp favorites like Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Over Rice or Healthy Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles. Both are easy to make and full of bright, fresh flavors that fit perfectly into any weeknight dinner rotation.