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If you love garlic butter shrimp, you’re going to be obsessed with these Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites. They’re juicy, flavorful, and come together in under 10 minutes right in the air fryer. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a light snack that still feels indulgent.
I made these for a holiday gathering last year and people kept asking, “Did you really make these in the air fryer?!” Yep! They’re buttery, crisp around the edges, and super easy to serve warm or at room temp.
The best part? You only need a few ingredients and one bowl. Just toss, air fry, and finish with lemon and parsley. They taste like restaurant-quality shrimp but with way less effort.
Whether you’re serving them on toothpicks or piling them onto crostini, these little bites will disappear fast. Let’s get into it!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to make these garlicky, buttery shrimp bites:
- Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp (medium or large). Tail-on looks pretty but isn’t necessary.
- Butter: Melted butter gives that rich, indulgent flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds punchy flavor without fresh garlic burning in the air fryer.
- Lemon Wedge & Parsley: A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley brighten up every bite.
Optional: Add a pinch of paprika, chili flakes, or Old Bay for extra flair.
Pro Tip: Pat the shrimp dry before tossing to help them crisp and avoid steaming.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat 1/2 lb of peeled shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Toss with Flavor: In a bowl, mix shrimp with 2 tbsp melted butter and 1 tsp garlic powder.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 370°F and preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Air Fry: Add shrimp in a single layer. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, shaking once halfway through.
- Finish & Serve: Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: Serve with cocktail picks for parties or over rice for a quick dinner.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not drying the shrimp first (they’ll steam, not crisp)
- Overcrowding the basket (prevents even cooking)
- Skipping the shake or flip halfway
- Using raw garlic (can burn in air fryer)
- Overcooking (shrimp get rubbery fast)
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or on cucumber rounds.
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the butter mix.
- Comfort Food: Serve on garlic toast with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Holiday: Plate on mini skewers with lemon aioli for festive flair.
- Party-Ready: Top with a sliver of avocado or jalapeño for bonus flavor.
You can also swap garlic powder for Cajun or Italian seasoning for a twist.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
Shrimp cooks fast, but here’s how to prep ahead:
- Make Ahead: Toss shrimp with butter and garlic, then refrigerate up to 8 hours.
- Fridge: Store cooked shrimp in a sealed container for 2–3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended after cooking, but you can freeze raw, seasoned shrimp and cook from frozen (add 2–3 minutes).
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Low carb, high protein, and packed with flavor — this is one quick bite you can feel good about.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat shrimp dry.
- Toss with melted butter and garlic powder.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Air fry 6–8 minutes, shaking once.
- Finish with lemon and parsley.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
- Use garlic powder to avoid burning.
- Serve warm or room temp.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or need a quick weeknight win, these garlic butter shrimp bites deliver big flavor fast. I love how they come out crisp yet juicy — and that garlicky butter? Irresistible. If you give them a try, tag me with your version! Want another quick seafood fix? Try my air fryer salmon bites — flaky, tender, and ready in no time.
