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Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi (Buttery & Light) - Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Pre-heat 3 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus 1 extra tablespoon for finishing)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp brown better and won’t steam.
  • Make the buttery marinade: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and white wine or broth if using.
  • Toss and marinate briefly: Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let sit for 5–10 minutes while you heat the air fryer. Don’t marinate longer or the lemon can start to “cook” the shrimp.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating helps the shrimp sear.
  • Arrange the shrimp: Lightly oil or line the basket with a perforated liner. Place shrimp in a single layer, leaving a little space between each. Spoon a bit of the marinade over the top. Reserve any extra marinade in the bowl.
  • Air fry: Cook for 3–4 minutes. Flip the shrimp, spoon on a little more marinade, and cook 2–3 minutes more, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Total time is usually 6–7 minutes, depending on size.
  • Make a quick pan sauce (optional but great): While the shrimp cooks, pour any remaining marinade into a small skillet. Simmer 1–2 minutes over medium heat until slightly thickened. Whisk in the extra 1 tablespoon butter for a silky finish.
  • Toss and finish: Transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the top, add parsley, and toss gently. Taste and adjust with a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of salt, or more red pepper flakes.
  • Serve: Enjoy right away with lemon wedges. Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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