Name: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Air Fryer: Quick, Easy & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off; 10 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice, for serving (Jasmine recommended)

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Air Fryer: Craving a taste of the islands without the plane ticket? Imagine succulent, juicy shrimp, bursting with garlic and a hint of tropical sweetness, cooked to crispy perfection in minutes. This isn't just a recipe; it's a mini-vacation for your taste buds!

While garlic shrimp is a beloved staple across many cultures, its Hawaiian iteration, often found at roadside shrimp trucks, has a unique charm. These trucks, scattered along the North Shore of Oahu, have popularized this dish, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary experience. The combination of fresh shrimp, copious amounts of garlic, and a touch of island sunshine creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and exotic.

What makes Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Air Fryer so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The garlic provides a pungent, savory base, while a touch of sweetness, often from pineapple juice or brown sugar, adds a delightful counterpoint. And thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get that satisfying crispy exterior without all the extra oil. Plus, it's incredibly quick and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Get ready to experience a taste of paradise in every bite!

Ingredients:

Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off (your preference!)
Garlic: 10 cloves garlic, minced (yes, 10! It's Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp!)
Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste, if you like it spicy!)
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Green Onions: 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Cooked Rice: For serving (Jasmine rice is my favorite!)

Preparing the Shrimp

Prepare the Shrimp: First things first, let's get our shrimp ready. If you bought frozen shrimp, make sure it's completely thawed. I like to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, but you can also thaw it quickly under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is important because dry shrimp will brown better in the air fryer.
Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Don't overdo it with the salt, as the soy sauce will add saltiness later.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. I prefer to melt it in a saucepan over low heat to avoid splattering, but the microwave works just fine too. Just be sure to melt it in short intervals (like 30 seconds) and stir in between to prevent it from exploding.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the olive oil to the melted butter. This helps prevent the butter from burning. Add the minced garlic to the butter and oil mixture. Sauté over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep a close eye on it!
Add the Remaining Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more lemon juice for tanginess, soy sauce for saltiness, or red pepper flakes for heat.

Air Frying the Shrimp

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that nice, crispy texture on the shrimp. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, just let it run at 400°F for about 5 minutes before adding the shrimp.
Arrange the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the basket, or the shrimp will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
Cook the Shrimp: Air fry the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them. The shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque and have a slight curl.
Coat with Garlic Butter Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately transfer them to the bowl with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the sauce. Make sure every single shrimp is glistening with that delicious garlic butter!

Serving and Enjoying

Serve Immediately: Serve the Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp immediately over cooked rice. I highly recommend Jasmine rice – its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture complement the shrimp perfectly.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and green onions. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Optional: For an extra touch of Hawaiian flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the shrimp.
Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp! This dish is best enjoyed hot, so don't let it sit around for too long.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Keep a close eye on them in the air fryer and remove them as soon as they are pink and opaque.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Don't use garlic powder or pre-minced garlic, as they won't have the same pungent aroma and taste.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the garlic butter sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment with different amounts of lemon juice, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Serve with Rice: Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is traditionally served over rice. The rice soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making it even more flavorful.
Make it Spicy: If you like your shrimp spicy, add more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Add Other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the air fryer along with the shrimp, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a little olive oil and seasoning before adding them to the air fryer.
Leftovers: Leftover Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating it.

Variations

Coconut Shrimp: For a tropical twist, try coating the shrimp in shredded coconut before air frying. Dip the shrimp in beaten egg and then in shredded coconut before placing them in the air fryer.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Increase the amount of lemon juice in the garlic butter sauce for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Why Air Fryer?

The air fryer is my go-to for this recipe because it cooks the shrimp quickly and evenly, giving them a slightly crispy texture without all the oil of traditional frying. It's also a healthier option and much easier to clean up! Plus, it's perfect for those nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Air Fryer recipe is truly a must-try, and I'm not just saying that! The combination of succulent shrimp, infused with the vibrant flavors of garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness, creates a dish that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Forget takeout – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time, and with minimal cleanup thanks to the magic of the air fryer. The air fryer ensures the shrimp are perfectly cooked, tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, without all the extra oil of traditional frying methods. It's a healthier, faster, and frankly, tastier way to enjoy this classic Hawaiian dish. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While I personally love serving this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Air Fryer over a bed of fluffy white rice, drizzled with the extra garlic butter sauce, the possibilities are endless. For a lighter meal, try tossing it with a fresh salad of mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Or, create delicious shrimp tacos by wrapping the shrimp in warm tortillas with some shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of your favorite salsa. Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment with different levels of spice. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little kick, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you're not a fan of ginger, you can omit it, although I highly recommend giving it a try – it adds a wonderful warmth and depth of flavor. You could also try adding a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for an even more pronounced tropical sweetness. For those who prefer a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular butter for the garlic sauce. The nutty notes of brown butter will elevate the dish to a whole new level. Don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The beauty of cooking is that it's all about experimentation and finding what you love. I've tried countless variations myself, and each one has been a delicious adventure. I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a special occasion. It's a crowd-pleaser that's guaranteed to impress, and it's so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master it. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the taste of the islands! I'm confident that you'll love this Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp Air Fryer recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos, comments, and feedback in the comments section below. I'm always eager to learn from my readers and see how you've put your own spin on my recipes. Happy cooking!