Marianne Martinez
Garlic shrimp is a quick and easy meal that can be made in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. The recipe is versatile and can be served with rice, pasta, or salad, or used in tacos or wraps. The shrimp can be cooked with the tails on or off, and you can use frozen shrimp or fresh shrimp. The key to juicy shrimp is to preheat the air fryer before adding the shrimp, and to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. The shrimp is cooked when it is opaque with hints of pink.
Characteristics and Values for Cooking Garlic Shrimp in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes, for a few minutes to ensure the proper temperature is reached |
| Temperature | 300°F to 400°F |
| Cooking Time | 6-10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp |
| Shrimp Type | Fresh or frozen, raw or cooked, with or without tails, any size |
| Spices | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, parsley, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil |
| Serving Suggestions | Rice, lemon, salad, pasta, tacos, wraps, dipping sauce |
| Calories | 62kcal-307kcal |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your shrimp will cook evenly and be nice and juicy. Depending on your air fryer, preheat it for a few minutes, usually between 3 to 5 minutes, before adding the shrimp. This will ensure that the proper temperature has been reached. For example, if you are cooking your shrimp at 320 degrees Fahrenheit, preheat your air fryer to this temperature for 5 minutes.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your shrimp. Start with fresh or frozen shrimp, ensuring they are fully defrosted if frozen. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on or off, depending on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl. Next, add your chosen oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and toss to coat the shrimp. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, to enhance the flavour.
Once your shrimp are prepared and your air fryer is preheated, you are ready to start cooking. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each shrimp and ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your shrimp and the power of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
By preheating your air fryer and following these steps, you will create delicious, juicy, and evenly cooked garlic shrimp every time.
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Prepare the shrimp
Preparing the shrimp is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, decide whether you want to use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you opt for frozen, ensure they are fully defrosted by running them under cool water and then patting them dry with paper towels. If you're using fresh shrimp, pat them dry as well to remove any excess moisture.
The next step is to peel and devein the shrimp. You can choose to leave the tails on or remove them, depending on your preference. It's recommended to use medium to large-sized shrimp for the best results in the air fryer.
Once your shrimp are prepared, it's time to season them. Place the shrimp in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings, but a typical combination includes olive oil or avocado oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced garlic. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like parsley and red pepper flakes for extra flavour. Toss the shrimp in the bowl until they are well coated with the seasoning.
At this point, you can let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for a few minutes to absorb the flavours. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of your dish.
Finally, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-400°F, and spritz the basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and they have space around them for even cooking.
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Cook the shrimp
To cook the shrimp, start by patting them dry with a paper towel and placing them in a bowl. Next, add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and cheese to the bowl and mix to coat the shrimp. Place the shrimp in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook in batches if necessary.
If you are using frozen shrimp, it is important to defrost them completely before cooking. You can do this by running them under cool water. If using jumbo shrimp, you may need to increase the cooking time, and if using smaller shrimp, you may need to decrease it. Check the shrimp after 3 minutes and continue cooking until they are opaque white with hints of pink and firm to the touch.
Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the shrimp. For example, one source recommends cooking large shrimp at 360°F for 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Another source suggests cooking at 380°F for a total of 7-8 minutes, flipping the shrimp after 4 minutes. A third source recommends cooking at 400°F for 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, curled, and opaque.
While the shrimp are cooking, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce by melting butter in a separate pan and adding minced garlic, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Once the shrimp are done, drizzle the garlic butter sauce over them and serve with your choice of sides, such as rice, pasta, or salad.
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Make the garlic butter sauce
To make the garlic butter sauce, you'll need butter, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. You can also add red pepper flakes for a little heat, but this is optional.
First, melt the butter in a bowl suitable for holding the shrimp. You can do this in the microwave if you're short on time. Mince the garlic and chop the herbs, then add them to the bowl with the butter and olive oil. Mix well to combine. You can also add orange juice to this mixture if you like.
Now, add the shrimp to the bowl and season with salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp to coat them well in the garlic butter mixture. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to the air fryer basket, reserving the butter mixture for later.
When the shrimp are almost done cooking, about four minutes before they're ready, add the remaining butter mixture to the shrimp in the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for the remaining four minutes.
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Storage and reheating
Storing your garlic shrimp is an important step to ensure it stays fresh and edible. If you have any leftover garlic shrimp, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days. Make sure the shrimp is completely cooled before storing it.
If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it! Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and it will stay good for up to three months.
Now, for reheating. There are a few different methods you can use to reheat your garlic shrimp, but it's important to note that shrimp cooks quickly, so it can be challenging to reheat without drying it out. The best method is a gentle reheating process that keeps the shrimp moist. Here are some options:
- Stovetop: This is a gentle method that works well. Fill a saute pan with about 2 inches of broth or water (you can also add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, or a splash of white wine for extra flavor). Heat the liquid until it's almost boiling, then turn off the heat and add the shrimp. The shrimp will reheat quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop saute: This method is better if you don't want to simmer your shrimp in liquid or if you're reheating shrimp with other ingredients. Warm a wide saute pan over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is warm, add the shrimp and other ingredients and saute until heated through.
- Oven: You can also reheat shrimp in the oven, but be careful not to overdo it, as the shrimp can dry out. Cover the shrimp tightly to trap moisture and reheat for a short time.
- Microwave: It's not recommended to use the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. However, if you must, cover the dish and reheat for the shortest time possible.
Remember, it's best to avoid reheating shrimp multiple times, as this can affect the texture and taste.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 6 to 10 minutes to cook garlic shrimp in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp, the quantity, and the temperature of the air fryer.
The temperature depends on the size of the shrimp and the quantity. A temperature range of 320 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
It is recommended to use fresh, raw, jumbo shrimp that is peeled and deveined, with the tails on or off. Defrost the shrimp if frozen, and pat it dry with a paper towel. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced garlic to the shrimp and mix well.
Perfectly cooked shrimp will be firm and have an opaque white color with some pink or bright red accents. Overcooked shrimp will be curled tightly into a "C" or "O" shape.
