With this delicious Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi recipe, you’ll get tender, succulent jumbo shrimp tossed in a garlicky lemon butter sauce. It’s an unbelievably quick and easy meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

• Tender, succulent jumbo shrimp
• Tossed in a garlicky lemon butter sauce
• Quick and easy to make in under 15 minutes
• Minimal prep work
• Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner

Shrimp scampi in the air fryer? Absolutely! And the best part is, it’s even easier than you can imagine. You’ll enjoy succulent jumbo shrimp, delicately seasoned and quickly cooked to perfection in a matter of minutes in your trusty air fryer.

Once cooked, they’re tossed in a heavenly sauce made with a combination of fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and velvety melted butter. This irresistible sauce not only gives the shrimp classic scampi flavor, but also adds a touch of elegance to the finished dish.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering with friends, this air fryer shrimp scampi is always a hit. If you’re looking for other quick air fryer recipes, you should also check out this Air Fryer Salmon and these Air Fryer Steak Bites.

🛒 Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Parsley
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.

Dry your shrimp with paper towels, add them to a bowl, and then drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over the top.

Toss to coat the shrimp, then add them in a single layer into the basket of your preheated air fryer that’s been sprayed with olive oil.

Air Fry for 5–6 minutes or until just cooked.  They should be pink and opaque.  Depending on the size of your air fryer, you will likely need to do this in batches.

While the shrimp are cooking, add the butter and minced garlic to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds or until the garlic is fragrant.

Whisk in the lemon juice, lemon zest and fresh parsley.

Add the cooked shrimp to a large bowl.

Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp.

Toss the shrimp in the butter sauce.

Serve with lemon slices.

💡 Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi

• For this recipe, jumbo shrimp are my personal favorite. But you can use large. Just make sure you use at least a 16-20 count shrimp. This means there’re 16-20 shrimp per pound.

• Select shrimp that have shells that are already split. This makes peeling so much easier.

• Don’t overcook them or they will be tough or rubbery. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days or freeze for up to a month or two.

🍴 What to Serve with Keto Shrimp Scampi

You can always serve the scampi with a serving of cauliflower rice, but here are some other popular low-carb sides to consider:

• Shredded Brussels Sprouts
• Creamed Spinach
• Grilled Broccolini
• Green Beans Almondine
• Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
• Classic Wedge Salad
• Keto Garlic Rolls

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Fresh herbs: You can add other fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme for extra flavor and freshness.

• Cherry tomatoes: Include cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor. Add them to the air fryer the last minute of cooking. They’re relatively low in carbs and when they cook, they will burst and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

• Spinach or kale: Think about throwing in a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition and texture.

• Parmesan cheese: Finish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and savory touch.

• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms the last minute of cooking for extra flavor and texture. They’re low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a keto meal.

• Chili flakes: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes into the garlic butter sauce.

Is Shrimp Scampi Keto?

It sure is! Not only is shrimp low in carbs, but so are all the ingredients in this recipe.

Why Is My Shrimp Scampi Dry?

Shrimp scampi is tossed in butter so they should not be dry. If the shrimp seem dry and rubbery, that is probably because the shrimp cooked too long and dried out. Shrimp go from raw to overcooked fast. 

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for this Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them in cold water before cooking, or just add a few extra minutes of cooking time. 

How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute butter with avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee. 

Can I Make Shrimp Scampi Ahead of Time?

While shrimp scampi is best served fresh, you can make it the night before and gently reheat it in a skillet until warm.

Can I Use Different Types of Seafood in this Recipe?

Absolutely! Shrimp is traditional for shrimp scampi, but you can certainly experiment with other types of seafood, such as scallops, lobster, or even fish fillets. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust them accordingly.

🍽️ More Keto Shrimp Recipes

• Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp
• Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
• Fried Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
• Grilled Lime Cilantro Shrimp Skewers
• Shrimp Scampi with Cauliflower Rice
• Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
• Bang Bang Shrimp