If you’re craving a quick and healthy seafood dish, this air fryer frozen shrimp recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful meal that’s ready in minutes.
The air fryer ensures the shrimp are perfectly cooked, with a slight crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as tasty as it is easy to prepare!
Steps
- Begin by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for around 30 seconds until it releases a fragrant aroma.
- Place the shrimp in the skillet and season them with salt and black pepper. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring not to overcook.
- Remove the skillet from heat, then mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced (approximately 3 tablespoons of juice)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 692kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 96g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 1204mg | Sodium: 5276mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 696mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Is it better to use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Fresh shrimp are ideal, especially from a coastal seafood market. However, wild-caught frozen shrimp are a great alternative, as they are often frozen immediately after being caught, preserving their quality and taste. Prioritize purchasing wild-caught North American shrimp over imported varieties for better quality and sustainability.
- How can I quickly thaw frozen shrimp?
- If you’ve forgotten to thaw your shrimp in advance, you can defrost them by running cold water over the frozen shrimp for about 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure even defrosting. Once thawed, dry them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice browning when cooking.
- What are some serving suggestions for garlic butter shrimp?
- Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lighter option, try serving them in lettuce wraps. During warmer months, they make a great addition to a plate with coleslaw, roasted asparagus, or grilled corn.
- How should I store leftover garlic butter shrimp?
- Allow the shrimp to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can be stored for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What is the best way to reheat shrimp without making them tough?
- To avoid tough shrimp, avoid using the microwave for reheating. Instead, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra butter or olive oil until they are heated through. This helps maintain their tender texture.
Tips
- Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp: Whether opting for fresh or frozen shrimp, prioritize quality. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed correctly by running them under cold water for about 5 minutes to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, typically needing just 2 to 3 minutes per side. Be attentive to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Enhance Flavor with Fresh Lemon Juice: Do not skip the fresh lemon juice as it adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the buttery garlic sauce beautifully.
- Reheat Carefully: Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or olive oil to avoid making them tough, rather than using a microwave.
Equipment
- Skillet – If you don’t already have a quality skillet, you might consider purchasing one for even cooking.
- Garlic press or mincer – Useful for efficiently mincing garlic cloves.
- Lemon juicer – Handy for juicing lemons quickly and efficiently.
- Airtight containers – For storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
