15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi: A Flavorful Delight

Name: 15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi: A Flavorful Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup white wine; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 2, 2025

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Oh, let me tell you about my *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi*! This dish is my go-to for those busy evenings when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, you won’t believe how quickly you can whip this up! In just 15 minutes, you can have a plate full of succulent shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce that’s simply divine.

15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi - detail 1

The air fryer is a game-changer here. It gives the shrimp that perfect, slightly crispy texture while keeping them juicy inside. Plus, the combination of garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of white wine really elevates the flavor—it’s like a mini-vacation to Italy right in your own home! And let’s not forget the red pepper flakes that add just the right kick! I love serving this with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delectable sauce. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. So let’s dive right into how to make this quick and easy masterpiece!

Ingredients List

To create the magic of *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi*, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for fresh shrimp or thawed frozen shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined to save time!
4 tablespoons butter: Use real butter for that rich flavor. You can cut it into smaller pieces for easier melting.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! Mince it finely to release all those aromatic oils.
1/4 cup white wine: Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It adds a lovely depth to the sauce.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for brightness. You can adjust to taste!
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: This adds a bit of heat. Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning is key! Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
Chopped parsley for garnish: This adds a fresh touch and a pop of color. Chop it finely for the best presentation.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare!

How to Prepare 15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi*! Trust me, once you get the hang of these steps, you’ll be whipping this up on busy nights like a pro. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your shrimp cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Just set it to the right temperature and let it warm up while you prepare the other ingredients. It usually takes just a few minutes, so don’t rush it!

Prepare the Sauce

Next, let’s make that delicious sauce that’s going to coat our shrimp! In a medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure it’s just melted, not bubbling, so it stays rich and creamy. Then, stir in the minced garlic, white wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until everything’s well combined. You want the garlic to be fragrant and the flavors to meld beautifully. This step is where the magic truly begins!

Coat the Shrimp

Now it’s time to add the shrimp! Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with your lovely sauce. Use a spatula or your hands to gently mix everything together, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated in that buttery goodness. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor! Let the shrimp sit for about 5 minutes while you get the air fryer ready. This little rest helps the shrimp absorb all those amazing flavors.

Air Fry the Shrimp

Once your air fryer is preheated and your shrimp are coated, it’s time to cook! Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; this allows for even cooking and that lovely crispiness. Cook the shrimp for about 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque—this means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy!

Garnish and Serve

Finally, it’s time to plate your masterpiece! Carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining sauce from the air fryer over the top for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and a pop of color. Now, serve this gorgeous dish with some crusty bread or over pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Your *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi* is ready to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of our *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi*! This dish is not only quick and delicious but also relatively light, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 400mg
Sugar: 1g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. If you opt for different types of shrimp or adjust the butter, it may affect the nutritional content. Regardless, you can feel good about enjoying this flavorful dish that doesn’t compromise on taste while keeping it light!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi* turns out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve the best results:

Use fresh shrimp: If you can, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. Fresh shrimp has a better texture and flavor, which really elevates the dish!
Don’t skip the preheating: Preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. It helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Watch the cooking time: Shrimp cook quickly! Keep an eye on them as they air fry. If they start curling tightly, they may be overcooked—aim for pink and opaque but still tender!
Customize your spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to reduce it or leave it out altogether.
Save the sauce: If you have any leftover sauce after cooking, drizzle it over your shrimp when serving. It adds a burst of flavor that everyone will love!

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a shrimp scampi that not only looks impressive but tastes incredible too. Happy cooking!

Variations of 15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

One of the best things about *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi* is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Add veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or zucchini slices with the shrimp for added color and texture. They’ll roast beautifully in the air fryer and add a fresh touch!
Change the herbs: Instead of parsley, try using fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings its unique taste that can transform the dish.
Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after removing the shrimp from the air fryer. This gives a luxurious twist to your scampi!
Experiment with spices: If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. It’s a great way to personalize the spice level!

Feel free to get creative with these variations, and make this dish your own. You’ll find that each change brings something new and exciting to the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why the *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi* is going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner:

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can have a gourmet meal ready to enjoy without the fuss.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess to clean up afterward—just a bowl and the fryer basket!
Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates a rich, mouthwatering sauce that elevates the shrimp to a whole new level.
Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a side of crusty bread, making it perfect for any occasion!
Healthy Option: Low in calories but high in flavor, this dish fits perfectly into a balanced diet, giving you a satisfying meal without the guilt.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on its incredible taste and ease!

FAQ Section

Got questions about the *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi*? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting. You can run them under cold water in a colander if you’re short on time.
What can I substitute for white wine? If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with chicken broth or even a splash of vegetable broth. It’ll still taste great!
How can I tell when the shrimp are done? Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. If they’re curled tightly, they might be overcooked, so keep an eye on them!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best texture, but you can prep the sauce and coat the shrimp ahead of time. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve!
What should I serve with shrimp scampi? This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose!

I hope this helps you have a smooth and delicious cooking experience with your *15-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi*! Enjoy!