003: AIR FRYER GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP

🦐 Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp — Ocean Glow Bites

Archetype: The Tidecaller — a whisper of the sea, kissed by garlic flame and golden butter; quick magic from ocean to table.

🥣 What It Is

Succulent shrimp tossed in garlic butter and air-fried until just tender, with a lightly crisp edge. Ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for rice bowls, pasta, tacos, or simple lemon-parsley bites.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus wedges for serving)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

✍️ Method (10–12 min)

1. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Mix: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp, toss well to coat.
3. Air fry: Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket (line with parchment if needed). Cook 5–7 minutes, shaking once, until pink, opaque, and lightly golden at edges.
4. Finish: Toss hot shrimp with lemon juice and parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• No rubber shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—stop at opaque with a slight curl (not tight “O”).
• Flavor twist: Add 1 tsp honey to butter mix for sweet-heat glaze.
• Meal ideas: Serve over linguine, in tacos with slaw, or on salad bowls with quinoa.

📜 Lore / Origin

Garlic butter shrimp is a timeless seaside ritual — sizzling pans in Mediterranean taverns, Hawaiian shrimp trucks, and tapas bars alike. The air fryer keeps the spirit, with weeknight speed.

🌺 Benefits

• Shrimp: lean protein, iodine, quick energy
• Garlic & parsley: antioxidants, circulation support
• Lemon: brightness, vitamin C

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Burst: 20/20
• Texture Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Speed: 20/20
• Versatility: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Ocean-kissed, garlic-glowing, lightning-fast.