Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

This Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a weeknight treat, this dish offers an irresistible combination of garlic and lemon that brightens up the shrimp beautifully. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can whip up this delicious seafood dish in under 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a gourmet meal ready to go.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and lemon creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the shrimp’s natural taste.
• Healthy Option: This recipe uses air frying technology, yielding crispy shrimp with less oil compared to traditional frying methods.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or even as an appetizer – it fits any dining scenario.
• Easy Cleanup: The use of an air fryer means fewer dishes to wash after enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools on hand.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Gallon-sized zip-top bag
• Cooking spray
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Air fryer: It cooks the shrimp quickly while giving them a crispy texture without excessive oil.
• Gallon-sized zip-top bag: Perfect for coating the shrimp evenly without mess.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing your garlic butter sauce and combining ingredients easily.

Ingredients

This Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe is an incredibly quick, easy, and no-fuss method of achieving a super dinner.

For the Shrimp

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and dried)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice (about one lemon)

How to Make Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F if your model requires preheating. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Cornstarch
2. Garlic powder
3. Onion powder
4. Salt
5. Dried basil

Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Blot the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place them in a gallon-sized zip-top bag along with the cornstarch mixture.
1. Seal the bag tightly.
2. Shake gently until the shrimp are well coated.

Step 4: Arrange in Air Fryer Basket

Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches if your basket is small.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Spray the shrimp generously with cooking spray before cooking.
1. Cook at 390 degrees F for 6-8 minutes.
2. Turn halfway through cooking and spray again with cooking spray after flipping.
The shrimp should be pink and curled tightly when done.

Step 6: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

While waiting for the shrimp to cook, prepare your garlic butter sauce by mixing together:
1. Melted butter
2. Minced garlic
3. Lemon juice

Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Combine Shrimp with Sauce

Once cooked, place the shrimp in a large bowl and pour over the garlic butter sauce.
Stir gently until all shrimp are coated.

Step 8: Optional Thickening Step

You can choose to enjoy it right away or thicken the sauce:
1. Transfer shrimp and sauce to a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly – this step is optional but adds depth!

Step 9: Serve

Remove from skillet or air fryer and serve hot over rice if desired. For garnish, top with chopped parsley and add a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest!

How to Serve Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you want to keep it simple or dress it up for a special occasion, there are plenty of options to enjoy this tasty shrimp dish.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Coconut Rice: Adds a tropical twist with its subtle sweetness and creamy texture.

In Tacos

• Shrimp Tacos: Serve the garlic shrimp in soft tortillas with fresh veggies and a drizzle of lime crema for a fun meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap the shrimp along with avocado and salsa.

With Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.
• Caesar Salad: Add the shrimp on top of romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese for an elevated Caesar salad.

As Appetizers

• Skewers: Thread the cooked shrimp onto skewers with bell peppers and onions for easy serving at parties.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with slices of garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

To ensure your Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips for optimal results.

• Bold Cooking Temperature: Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 390°F before cooking; this helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Bold Dry the Shrimp: Blotting the shrimp dry will help the coating stick better and result in a crispier finish.
• Bold Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy texture.
• Bold Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences; adding more garlic or herbs can enhance flavor.
• Bold Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your shrimp as they cook; they should be pink and curled tightly when done.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors wonderfully.

1. Steamed Vegetables: Brighten up your plate with colorful steamed veggies like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes adds a nice crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the shrimp.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish that pairs well with seafood.
4. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice can soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce while adding satisfying textures.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crispness and a zesty contrast to the buttery shrimp.
6. Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs creates a light side that complements the meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, a few common mistakes can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your shrimp turns out perfect every time.

• Ignoring the Drying Process: Not drying the shrimp can result in a soggy texture. Make sure to blot the shrimp with paper towels before coating them in cornstarch.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: Placing too many shrimp in the basket can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring they have enough space to circulate air.
• Neglecting to Preheat the Air Fryer: Skipping preheating can affect cooking times and results. Always preheat your air fryer according to its instructions for best results.
• Underestimating Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. Keep an eye on them and check for a pink color and tight curl for doneness.
• Forgetting to Coat with Cooking Spray: Not using cooking spray may lead to sticking. Generously spray the shrimp before and after flipping them for a crispy finish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container.
• item It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• item Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• item They can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for best quality.

Reheating Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds on medium power until just warmed, being careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, add a small amount of oil and heat over medium until warmed, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy seafood dish that features shrimp coated in garlic butter and herbs, cooked perfectly in an air fryer.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Yes! This recipe works well with chicken or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or mix in vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas before air frying for added nutrition.

What side dishes pair well with Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp?

Serve it with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that balances flavors beautifully.

How do I ensure my shrimp is fresh?

Always select shrimp that smells clean and ocean-like without any strong fishy odor. Fresh shrimp should have a firm texture and shiny appearance.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that are quick to prepare and sure to impress. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins or spices based on your preferences. Try it out today for a delicious dinner option that everyone will love!