The air fryer allows you to prepare perfectly cooked, tender shrimp with a rich garlic-butter sauce in just a few minutes. To get the best results, set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and cook the shrimp for 5–6 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
How to Cook Scampi in Air Fryer?
| Step | Description | Time/Temperature |
| Preheat the pan | Place a round baking pan (7 inches) in the air fryer basket and preheat. | 320°F (160°C), 8 minutes |
| Make the sauce | Add butter, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until butter melts. | 320°F (160°C), 2 minutes |
| Add shrimp | Add shrimp, broth (or wine), basil, and chives; gently stir the ingredients. | No time |
| Cook shrimp | Return the pan to the air fryer and cook the shrimp, stirring once. | 320°F (160°C), 5 minutes |
| Final touch | Let the dish rest for 1 minute on a rack, stir, and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. | 1-minute rest |
If using dried herbs, add them a little earlier to let the flavors release fully.
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Scampi Preparation Tips
- Proper Cooking: Don’t overcook the shrimp! They can become tough and rubbery if cooked too long. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Watch carefully to achieve the perfect texture.
- Shrimp Size: It’s best to use large or jumbo shrimp. In this recipe, it’s recommended to use shrimp with a size count of 16-20 per pound (meaning there are 16 to 20 shrimp in 1 pound). Larger shrimp have more meat and hold their texture better during cooking.
- Easy Peeling: Select shrimp that have already been split in the shell. This makes the peeling process much easier. Grab the shell segment near the tail. Pull the shell outward and gently remove it, moving toward the head. If the legs didn’t come off with the shell, remove them by hand
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Can I Store and Reheat Scampi?
Yes, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can use the air fryer again but set it to a lower temperature, about 302°F (150°C), and reheat for just a few minutes.
Recipe Variations
| Variation | Additional Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Jerk | 2 tsp jerk seasoning, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp garlic | Spicy, rich flavor |
| Old Bay | 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, 1 tsp lemon zest | Classic taste with a citrus hint |
| Cilantro-Lime | 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp paprika, cilantro | Fresh, sweet-tangy lime flavor |
| Ginger-Sesame | 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp garlic, 2 tsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil | Asian-inspired with ginger and soy |
| Honey-Harissa | 1 1/2 tbsp harissa, 2 tsp honey | Sweet and spicy |
