When the day’s been a blur and dinner needs to come together fast, this Air Fryer Shrimp Pasta steps in like a quiet hero. It’s not just about speed; it’s the way the shrimp turn out—just the right balance of crisp edges and tender inside, all thanks to the air fryer’s magic. The pasta, coated in silky garlic butter, feels comforting without being heavy. I usually get this on the table in less than half an hour, which is a win when you’re juggling a million things.
One evening, I remember rushing home with a mind full of errands and no clear plan for dinner. The kitchen smelled like garlic and butter before I even fully unpacked. The shrimp sizzled in the air fryer, the subtle smoky paprika blending with the gentle heat from red pepper flakes, creating a warmth that felt like a hug after a long day. I was halfway through plating when the phone rang—totally distracted, I almost forgot the parsley garnish, but honestly, the dish was already stealing the show.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick and fuss-free, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that feels a little special without a ton of effort.
- The air fryer cooks shrimp to tender perfection with a subtle crunch, which is something traditional methods don’t always achieve.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No heavy sauces, just a light garlic butter that lets the shrimp and pasta shine.
- The smoky paprika and red pepper flakes add just enough kick without overwhelming the dish.
Sometimes, keeping dinner straightforward is the best way to really enjoy it, even if it means skipping a fancy side or two.
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Air Fryer Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and delicious air fryer shrimp pasta recipe featuring perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with spaghetti in a light garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
While the shrimp cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Add the air fried shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Toss lightly to combine.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy to make this work—just a reliable air fryer and a skillet for the sauce. I like to serve this with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies if I’m feeling extra, but it stands on its own perfectly well. If you want to switch things up, try swapping parsley for basil or add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a fresh twist. Sometimes I toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes to add a burst of sweetness, but I haven’t tested that enough to say it’s a must.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely, just thaw them first and pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can cook the shrimp in a hot skillet, but keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
Can I make this ahead? It’s best fresh, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat gently to avoid rubbery shrimp.
Give this Air Fryer Shrimp Pasta a try next time you want dinner that’s both quick and satisfying—you might find yourself reaching for it more often than you expect.