Air Fryer Butterfly Shrimp

Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Appetizers, Main Courses
air fryer butterfly shrimp with herbs and seasonings

Are you looking for an easy and healthy way to cook shrimp? Look no further than the air fryer! If making yummy butterfly shrimp is your goal, then this simple recipe will have them cooked up in no time at all. It’s quick and delicious, so there’s no need to wait around or stand over a stove; just set the timer, sit back and enjoy perfectly cooked butterfly shrimp.

This tasty treat not only takes just minutes to prepare, but it also offers several health benefits due to the protein-rich shrimp. It’s also healthier than standard butterfly shrimp since they are not breaded and deep-fried in tons of oil!

Not sure what an air fryer is or unsure how to use one? Don’t worry! We’ll cover everything from the basics of air frying to the secret to making perfectly cooked butterfly shrimp every time. So grab your favorite dipping sauce and let’s get started on making some tender and flavorful shrimp that everyone will love!

How to Butterfly Shrimp

Transform plain shrimp into something special with the butterfly technique! To make butterfly shrimp, start by peeling their shells off and deveining them if needed! Make sure to leave the tails on. Next, take out your trusty kitchen knife and carefully make an elegant cut along the back curve of the shrimp – enough to divide them into two halves without cutting through completely. Now you have deliciously butterflied shrimps ready for cooking!

How Long to Air Fry Butterfly Shrimp

Spice up your dinner with this zesty shrimp dish! Begin by creating your shrimp marinade. Just whisk together flavorful ingredients like olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, parsley and lemon juice in a bowl for the perfect marinade. Once it’s mixed up perfectly, give those butterfly shrimps a gentle toss in the delectable mixture.

Next preheat that air fryer: It’ll need to be at 400 degrees before you put those shrimps inside for five to eight minutes of sizzling cooking time! Fry ‘em up until they’re perfectly cooked, then dig in immediately and savor every bite of this yummy meal! Serve alongside brown rice and vegetables for an amazing dinner everyone will love.

This recipe makes four servings. Share it with the family or divide them up into containers for easy meal prep! Each serving contains just 162 calories. If you’re on a Nutrisystem weight loss plan, you can count it as one and a half PowerFuels.

More Healthy Shrimp Recipes

*Please note that all air fryers cook differently. Before trying any recipe, always refer to the manufacturer safety instructions provided with your specific air fryer.

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 162

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 ½ PowerFuels

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. raw extra large shrimp
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • ¼ tsp. paprika
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tsp. fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Directions:

  1. Combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, pepper, parsley and lemon juice in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. To butterfly the shrimp, first peel the shell, leaving the tail on.
  3. If not already done when you purchased the shrimp, devein the shrimp.
  4. Using a knife, slice along the back curve of the shrimp, just deep enough that the body divides into two connected halves. Do not cut all the way through the shrimp.
  5. Gently toss butterfly shrimp into oil mixture.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place shrimp in the air fryer and cook for 5-8 minutes, until fully cooked.
  7. Serve immediately.
  8. *Please note that all air fryers cook differently. Before trying any recipe, always refer to the manufacturer safety instructions provided with your specific air fryer.
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