Whip up this super-easy Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi for a flavorful meal that’s quick enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi
This Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi makes a classic garlic-butter-and-white-wine sauce simple to prepare while keeping your kitchen cool. The air fryer speeds up cooking and helps the shrimp stay tender and juicy, with a bright lemon and herb finish. With a handful of pantry staples you can have dinner on the table in minutes.
The recipe focuses on balance: olive oil and butter for richness, fresh garlic and lemon for brightness, and parsley and thyme for a fresh herb finish. Serve over pasta, rice, or with toasted baguette slices to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
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Recipe Shopping List
You probably already have most of these items on hand. Quantities and exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- White wine (or a splash of seafood stock)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Lemon
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Garlic
- Salt
How To Make This Recipe
Below is an overview to give you a clear idea of the steps involved. Use the full recipe card further down for exact ingredient amounts and timing.
- Prep – Slice the lemon, peel and devein the shrimp if needed, mince the garlic, and line your air fryer basket or tray with foil to make cleanup easier.
- Assemble – Drizzle olive oil into the foil-lined basket, arrange the shrimp on top, season with salt and garlic, then add pats of butter, lemon slices, thyme, and parsley. Pour a splash of white wine into the tray to create the scampi sauce.
- Cook – Preheat the air fryer to the high range (about 375°F–400°F). Cook 8–12 minutes depending on shrimp size and how crowded the basket is. Shrimp is done when opaque and firm; a thermometer reading around 120°F yields tender shrimp, while 145°F is the frequently cited safe target. Choose the finish that matches your texture preference.
- Serve – Transfer shrimp and sauce to a serving dish and serve with toasted bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
While this dish is traditionally made with shrimp, scallops or firm white fish can work. Keep in mind cooking times will vary by seafood type and thickness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 300°F) for a few minutes or warm briefly on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking.
More Recipes to Try with Shrimp
If you like this scampi, try serving it alongside grilled shrimp tacos, shrimp-and-scallop skewers, or pair with steak for a surf-and-turf meal. These complementary preparations highlight shrimp’s versatility and make great weeknight or special-occasion options.
For a lighter side, serve scampi with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables; for a richer meal, toss the cooked shrimp and sauce with pasta or creamy risotto.
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Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi
A quick, garlicky shrimp scampi made in the air fryer—perfect for busy nights and simple entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound peeled raw shrimp
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided into pats
- ½ small lemon, thinly sliced
- 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup white wine (or substitute light seafood stock)
Instructions
- Line the air fryer basket or a small sheet with foil. Use an edged tray if possible to contain the sauce.
- Pour the olive oil into the foil-lined tray and arrange the shrimp in a single layer on top. Season with salt and sprinkle the garlic over the shrimp.
- Distribute pats of butter across the shrimp.
- Lay lemon slices over the shrimp and add the fresh thyme and parsley.
- Pour the white wine into the tray and place the basket into the air fryer.
- Set the air fryer between 375°F and 400°F. Cook for 8–12 minutes, adjusting time based on shrimp size and how crowded the basket is. Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns opaque and the texture is firm; an internal temperature between about 120°F (for a very tender texture) and 145°F is commonly referenced—choose based on your preference.
- Carefully remove the tray, transfer shrimp and sauce to a serving dish, and enjoy with toasted bread or your favorite side.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 204 • Total Fat: 13g • Saturated Fat: 6g • Cholesterol: 166mg • Sodium: 976mg • Carbohydrates: 3g • Protein: 16g
Nutrition data is an estimate.