Raw large shrimp (green prawns) take 5–7 minutes at 400°F (200°C) in the air fryer; they’re done when they’re pink and opaque inside. Toss them in garlic butter right after cooking so the garlic never burns.
In Australia, prawns are a Christmas tradition — usually cooked prawns served cold, but hot garlic prawns are just as popular. In the US, this is a 15-minute weeknight dinner with rice or pasta.
Size and timing
| Size (count per lb / per kg) | Time at 400°F / 200°C |
|---|---|
| Jumbo (16–20 / lb · 35–45 / kg) | 7–8 min |
| Large (26–30 / lb · 55–65 / kg) | 5–7 min |
| Medium (41–50 / lb · 90–110 / kg) | 4–5 min |
Shrimp cook so fast that a minute matters. Check at the low end.
Raw vs cooked prawns
- Raw (“green”) prawns: grey and translucent. These are the ones to air fry.
- Cooked prawns: already pink. Don’t air fry them again — just warm them in the garlic butter or serve cold with lemon and a dipping sauce.
The garlic butter method
Most garlic shrimp recipes put minced garlic on before cooking. In an air fryer, the strong fan and high heat scorch it in about 3 minutes, which makes it bitter. Melting the garlic into butter separately and tossing at the end gives you a sweet, strong garlic flavor every time.
Serving ideas
- Christmas platter: with lemon, a green salad and crispy roast potatoes
- US weeknight: over rice or tossed with spaghetti and extra butter
- Party: with toothpicks next to pigs in a blanket
More fast dinners: crispy chicken tenders and hash brown egg cups.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp
Juicy garlic butter shrimp (prawns) in the air fryer: 5–7 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until pink and opaque. A quick Christmas starter in Australia and a fast weeknight dinner in the US.
You'll need: Air fryer · Small microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
US cups and spoons with metric in brackets (1 US cup = 240 ml). A bigger batch may need two rounds in the basket: keep it to one layer.
Instructions
- Dry and season. Pat the shrimp very dry. Toss with the olive oil, salt, paprika and chili flakes.
- Air fry. Spread in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking once, until pink all over and opaque in the thickest part.
- Make garlic butter. While they cook, microwave the butter and garlic in a small bowl for 30–45 seconds until the butter melts and the garlic sizzles. Stir in the lemon juice.
- Toss. Tip the hot shrimp into the garlic butter, add parsley and toss. Serve right away with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Notes
- Don't overcook: shrimp turn rubbery fast. Pull them as soon as they're opaque — they curl into a loose "C". A tight "O" means overcooked.
- Why the garlic goes on after: minced garlic burns in a few minutes at 400°F (200°C). Cooking it in the butter separately keeps it sweet.
- Frozen shrimp: thaw in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag in cold water for about 20 minutes, then dry well.
- Already-cooked prawns (common for Australian Christmas): serve them cold, or warm in the garlic butter only — don't air fry again or they toughen.
Air fryers vary by brand and size: start checking 2–3 minutes early. Recipe from shakethebasket.com/air-fryer-garlic-butter-shrimp/
FAQ
How do I know shrimp are cooked?
The flesh turns pink on the outside and opaque white inside, and shellfish should reach 145°F (63°C) according to USDA guidance. Large shrimp take 5–7 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Can I cook shrimp from frozen in the air fryer?
You can, but they cook less evenly and release water. For the best texture, thaw first. If cooking from frozen, add 3–4 minutes and shake twice.
Sources
- USDA FSIS: Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
- FoodSafety.gov: Cook to a Safe Minimum Internal Temperature
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand: Preventing foodborne illness
We check temperatures and safety advice against these official sources. Spotted something wrong? Email [email protected].
