Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

This Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp recipe brings a taste of paradise right to your kitchen. Packed with garlicky, buttery goodness and a hint of tropical sweetness, it’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or an appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Made in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Healthy Alternative: Uses the air fryer for a lighter version of this classic Hawaiian dish.
• Bursting with Flavor: Combines rich garlic butter with a tropical flair.
• Minimal Cleanup: Air frying keeps your kitchen clean and tidy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Honey or pineapple juice (optional for sweetness)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and optional honey or pineapple juice. Stir until combined, then remove from heat.
3. Marinate the Shrimp: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as an appetizer.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter sauce.
• Coconut Twist: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the shrimp for a tropical touch.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
• Citrus Boost: Add a splash of lime juice to the marinade for extra zing.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking.

2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy results.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

4. What size shrimp should I use?

Large shrimp (16–20 per pound) work best for this recipe.

5. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s best to use raw shrimp, but if using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

7. How do I know the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, with no gray spots.

8. Can I use this marinade for other seafood?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with scallops or fish fillets.

9. What can I serve with Hawaiian garlic shrimp?

Pair it with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

10. Can I grill the shrimp instead of air frying?

Yes, grill the shrimp over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii to your table. With its rich garlic butter sauce and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Try it today and enjoy a delicious escape to the islands!

Print