The moment the garlic hits the hot butter, a wave of warmth envelops my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. It’s incredible how such simple ingredients can transform a weeknight dinner into an enchanting experience. As I sauté the shrimp, watching their elegant pink hues evolve, I’m reminded of the countless conversations shared over a plate of this flavorful dish.
This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken with Shrimp and Garlic Butter isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about discovering a delightful harmony between crispy chicken and succulent shrimp, drizzled with a luxurious garlic-butter sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family or welcoming friends for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
With easy steps and a short cooking time, you’ll be relishing a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Ready to turn your ordinary evening into something extraordinary? Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Why will you love this air fryer chicken with shrimp and garlic butter?
Simplicity is key: This dish requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone. Irresistible flavors merge in this recipe, with succulent shrimp nestled in a rich garlic butter that elevates the chicken’s crispiness. Versatile ingredients ensure you can customize it to your taste, adding spices or veggies as desired. Quick cooking time means you can have a gourmet meal ready in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight. Crowd-pleasing appeal: Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, this dish will leave everyone raving. Don’t forget to try some delightful side dishes to complete the meal!
Air Fryer Chicken with Shrimp Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs – they stay juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the color of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – this boosts the flavor profile and complements the shrimp.
- ½ teaspoon salt – essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – adds a touch of heat to balance the richness.
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined for a quick-cooking addition to your dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – to maintain a consistent flavor throughout the meal.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little kick, depending on your spice tolerance.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter – necessary for that rich, mouthwatering garlic butter experience.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic – minced to infuse an aromatic essence into your dish.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice – freshly squeezed for brightness and to cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional garnish) – a pop of color and freshness to finish off your dish beautifully.
Enjoy cooking this air fryer chicken with shrimp and garlic butter while elevating your weeknight dinner experience!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken with Shrimp and Garlic Butter
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
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Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Preheating is key for achieving a crispy texture on your chicken.
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Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown.
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Sauté Shrimp: While the chicken cooks, melt half of the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, toss in the cleaned shrimp and season them with garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink.
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Mix the Sauce: Once the shrimp are ready, add the remaining butter and lemon juice to the pan. Stir until the butter melts completely and the shrimp are well-coated in the garlic butter sauce.
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Combine and Serve: When the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Plate the chicken and top it with the garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the dish for extra flavor.
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Garnish: If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish and a pop of color.
Optional: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Chicken with Shrimp
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and garlic will enhance the flavor of your garlic butter sauce. Frozen shrimp can work, but they might lack freshness.
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure your chicken thighs reach 165°F (74°C) to stay juicy. Overcooking may lead to dry chicken, so check with a meat thermometer.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve that crispy texture on the chicken. Skip this step, and you risk mushy skin.
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Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, leave out the red pepper flakes altogether. They can be adjusted to suit your taste, ensuring the dish remains balanced.
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Toss with the Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, toss them in the garlic butter sauce thoroughly to coat them evenly. This is vital for that signature richness in your air fryer chicken with shrimp and garlic butter.
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Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but brightness, enhancing the overall dining experience—don’t skip this simple step!
Make Ahead Options
These air fryer chicken with shrimp and garlic butter meal prep options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can season the chicken and address the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance—simply coat the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture and refrigerate (to keep them juicy). Additionally, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce (just mix the butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice) and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. On the day you plan to serve, quickly sauté the shrimp in the prepared sauce while your chicken cooks, and you’ll have a gourmet meal without the stress, just as delicious and full of flavor!
Air Fryer Chicken with Shrimp Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful dish to suit your taste preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the garlic butter for a gluten-free twist that maintains flavor.
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Low-Carb: Swap out the chicken for cauliflower or zucchini for a lighter, veggie-packed version, perfect for keto diets.
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce for an aromatic twist that elevates the overall taste.
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Creamy Delight: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a rich, creamy coating on the shrimp and chicken.
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Citrus Burst: Experiment with lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a refreshing, zesty flavor that lifts the whole dish.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking shrimp for those who crave an extra layer of heat.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil into the garlic butter sauce for added richness and a delightful, nutty flavor.
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Vegetable Boost: Sauté your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or asparagus, alongside the shrimp for a colorful and nutritious addition that enhances the dish.
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp
Fridge: Store cooked garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep the flavors intact and prevent spoilage.
Freezer: If you want to store garlic butter shrimp longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in a pan over medium heat. If using the microwave, do it in short intervals to zap away any rubbery texture.
Tip: Always remember to label your containers with the date, so you can keep track of how long your leftovers have been stored.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Creating the perfect meal means pairing dish elements that dance harmoniously on your plate, tantalizing your senses and delighting your guests.
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Creamy Risotto: The velvety texture of risotto complements the succulent shrimp, absorbing the garlic butter flavors beautifully. It’s a luxurious addition to balance the dish.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and buttery on the inside, garlic bread serves as the perfect vessel for scooping up that delicious sauce. Plus, who can resist fresh, warm bread?
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Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and vibrant asparagus brings a refreshing crunch that contrasts the richness of the shrimp. It’s a simple yet elegant side to elevate your meal’s presentation.
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Citrus Salad: A mixed green salad topped with orange and grapefruit segments brightens the plate with zesty flavors, adding a refreshing bite against the savory shrimp.
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Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon juice gives a subtle tang that compliments the garlic butter shrimp perfectly, soaking up every last drop of that delightful sauce.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay enhances the meal with its crisp acidity and fruity notes, harmonizing beautifully with the buttery shrimp dish.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse creates a sweet finale, balancing the savory and rich elements of the dinner. It’s a treat your guests will adore!
Air Fryer Chicken with Shrimp and Garlic Butter Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select fresh shrimp?
When choosing shrimp, look for ones that are pink and translucent, avoiding any that have dark spots all over or a strong fishy odor. Fresh shrimp should feel firm to the touch and smell of the ocean. I often advise sticking to wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor!
How should I store leftover garlic butter shrimp?
Store your cooked garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the shrimp cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation. This method helps preserve the flavor and prevents spoilage!
Can I freeze garlic butter shrimp?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label it with the date. Garlic butter shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
What if my shrimp feels rubbery after cooking?
Ah, rubbery shrimp can be a common issue, often caused by overcooking. To remedy this, cook your shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. For perfect texture, always have a timer handy and don’t wander away from the stove!
Is this dish suitable for those with shellfish allergies?
If you or your guests have shellfish allergies, I recommend substituting shrimp with a protein like chicken or tofu. You can still create a rich garlic butter sauce to drizzle over your chosen protein! Just be cautious to verify all other ingredients are safe for allergy concerns.
How can I ensure my chicken stays juicy in this recipe?
To keep your chicken thighs juicy, season them thoroughly and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, marinating the chicken for a few hours before cooking can enhance both flavor and moisture.
Air Fryer Chicken with Shrimp and Garlic Butter Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket for 18-20 minutes.
- Sauté Shrimp: Melt half of the butter in a pan, add garlic, then add shrimp seasoned with garlic powder and red pepper flakes.
- Mix the Sauce: Add the remaining butter and lemon juice to the pan with the shrimp.
- Combine and Serve: Remove chicken from air fryer, plate, and top with garlic butter shrimp.
- Garnish: Optionally sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.