Zesty Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe for Beach Vibes

Sizzling air fryer Hawaiian garlic shrimp promises a tropical escape right in your kitchen.

Crispy, succulent prawns bursting with zesty flavors that transport you to island shores.

Fragrant garlic and buttery notes dance together, creating a mouthwatering melody of taste.

The quick cooking method ensures perfectly tender seafood without hours of preparation.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum enjoyment for anyone craving restaurant-quality dishes at home.

Salt, pepper, and a splash of creativity turn simple shrimp into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable Hawaiian-inspired delight.

What You’ll Need For Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully; wild-caught or large-sized shrimp work best for optimal flavor and texture.

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• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice combination that enhances shrimp's natural sweetness; freshly ground black pepper provides more intense flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Olive oil helps coat shrimp for even cooking; butter creates rich, silky garlic sauce with deep flavor notes.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice: Fresh garlic provides sharp, pungent taste; fresh lemon juice adds bright citrus notes and helps balance richness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh green color and mild herbal brightness; optional but recommended for visual appeal and slight herbal undertone.

• Rice, Lemon Wedges: Plain rice helps absorb delicious garlic butter sauce; lemon wedges allow diners to adjust citrus intensity to personal preference.

How To Make Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp At Home

Step 1: Marinate the Seafood

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently massage the seasonings into the shrimp until every piece gets a flavorful hug.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Fire up your air fryer to a sizzling 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they’re not crowded.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Slide the basket into the air fryer. Set the timer for 8 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake to ensure every shrimp gets golden and crispy on all sides.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Garlic Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic

Melt the butter and let the garlic sizzle until it releases its aromatic charm. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and remove from heat.

Step 5: Final Delicious Touch

Transfer the crispy shrimp to a serving bowl. Pour the luscious garlic butter sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every morsel. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Dive into these Hawaiian-inspired garlic shrimp straight away. Enjoy over fluffy rice or with a wedge of lemon on the side. Perfect for a quick lunch or impressive dinner that’ll transport your taste buds to tropical paradise!

Pro Tip: The key to perfect air fryer shrimp is not overcrowding and giving them a mid-cook shake for even crispiness.

Tips To Get Juicy Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure crispy, evenly cooked seafood without steaming.
• Quick Garlic Infusion: Sauté minced garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich, mellow flavor in the butter sauce.
• Seasoning Hack: Mix spices with olive oil before coating shrimp to help seasonings adhere better and create a more flavorful exterior.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check shrimp doneness; they're perfectly cooked when they turn opaque and reach 145°F internal temperature.
• Customize Your Dish: Swap parsley for cilantro or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, making the recipe adaptable to different taste preferences.

How To Store Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Properly

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cool the shrimp completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat in Air Fryer: Warm the shrimp at 350F for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method helps maintain the crispy texture and prevents overcooking.
• Microwave Option: Gently reheat shrimp in short 15-second intervals, checking to avoid rubbery texture. Drizzle a little extra garlic butter sauce to keep the shrimp moist.
• Best Practices: Consume reheated shrimp immediately for the best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing, as it can significantly impact the shrimp's delicate texture and taste.

What Goes With Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Zesty Citrus Cocktail Companion: Pair this Hawaiian garlic shrimp with a crisp, citrusy margarita that complements the dish's bright lemon and garlic notes. The tangy drink will cut through the richness of the butter sauce and enhance the shrimp's zesty flavor profile.
• Rice-Based Perfect Match: Serve the shrimp over jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. The slightly sweet and fragrant rice creates a perfect base that balances the savory shrimp and adds a tropical Hawaiian-inspired touch to the meal.
• Fresh Salad Side Kick: Create a light pineapple and cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette to accompany the shrimp. The fresh, crisp elements will provide a cool contrast to the warm, garlicky shrimp and add a refreshing tropical dimension to the dish.
• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the garlic and lemon flavors. These light, acidic wines will cut through the butter's richness and enhance the shrimp's delicate seafood taste.

Tasty Twists On Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Tropical Coconut Crunch: Coat shrimp with shredded coconut before air frying for a crispy, island-inspired texture. Drizzle with a light coconut-lime sauce after cooking for extra flavor.
• Spicy Caribbean Style: Add cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Create a zesty scotch bonnet pepper sauce to complement the shrimp's heat level.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace paprika with dried oregano and thyme. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and serve with a light tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Cajun Bayou Blast: Swap standard seasonings with Cajun spice blend. Prepare a quick remoulade sauce using mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped pickles to serve alongside the spicy shrimp.

FAQs About Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. Frozen shrimp work perfectly and save you preparation time.

• Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?

While an air fryer gives the best crispy texture, you can also cook these shrimp in a skillet or oven. The cooking time and temperature might need slight adjustments.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch them carefully during the 8-minute air frying process.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or include a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Why Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Brings Island Flavor

• Speedy Tropical Flavor Explosion: Whip up restaurant-quality Hawaiian garlic shrimp in just 15 minutes using an air fryer, delivering vibrant island-inspired taste without complex cooking techniques.
• Zero-Hassle Cooking Method: Achieve perfectly crispy, golden shrimp with minimal effort through air frying, eliminating constant monitoring and reducing oil usage while ensuring even, quick cooking.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy as a quick weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or light lunch that pairs beautifully with rice, salad, or as a standalone protein-packed dish that satisfies seafood lovers and health-conscious eaters alike.
• Customizable Gourmet Experience: Easily adjust seasoning levels, swap protein, or modify garnishes to match personal preferences, making this recipe a flexible crowd-pleaser for various dietary needs and taste buds.

Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp sizzles with island-inspired flavors straight from your air fryer, delivering a quick and mouthwatering meal. Crispy, garlicky, and packed with tropical zest, this dish brings Pacific paradise right to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture.
2. Heat the air fryer to 400F (200C) for precise temperature calibration, allowing it to reach optimal cooking conditions.
3. Carefully arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket, maximizing air circulation and promoting even cooking.
4. Initiate the cooking process, maintaining a crisp exterior by gently shaking the basket midway through the 8-minute cooking cycle.
5. Simultaneously prepare the aromatic garlic butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, infusing it with minced garlic until a fragrant essence emerges.
6. Incorporate fresh lemon juice into the butter mixture, creating a vibrant and tangy complement to the shrimp’s robust flavors.
7. Once the shrimp achieve a golden, slightly crisp texture, transfer them to a serving vessel, ensuring they remain hot and succulent.
8. Generously drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the shrimp, gently tossing to guarantee comprehensive coverage and flavor distribution.
9. Optional garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley, adding a touch of verdant freshness and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately, accompanied by fluffy rice or lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s tropical Hawaiian-inspired profile.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
• Select medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and best texture, avoiding overcrowding the basket for even air circulation.
• Marinate shrimp briefly with a splash of soy sauce or white wine for enhanced flavor depth and tenderness before air frying.
• Customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning mix for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1015mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg