Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe for Quick Meals

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Air fryer lemon garlic shrimp is one of my favorite recipe when I need a quick, delicious meal. This dish is not only simple to make but also packed with flavors from fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Whether you’re looking for easy shrimp recipes or quick air fryer recipes, this one hits the mark every time. Plus, it’s a great option for those seeking healthy seafood recipes. Let’s dive in and make this delightful meal together!

Serving crispy golden brown air fryer lemon garlic shrimp with parsley

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for lemon garlic shrimp:

  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments:

  • For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • For a citrus twist, add a bit of orange zest along with the lemon zest.

Essential Cooking Equipment

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

How to Make Your Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Making lemon garlic shrimp is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure perfect results:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes . This ensures even cooking.

2. Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better.

Patting dry jumbo shrimp with paper towels before cooking
Patting dry jumbo shrimp with paper towels before cooking

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.

Mixing shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and seasonings
Mixing shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and seasonings

4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.

Arranging shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket
Arranging shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket

5. Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This helps achieve even cooking and a nice, crispy texture.

6. Check for doneness. The shrimp should be pink and opaque. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

7. Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

8. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Essential Note: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each shrimp cooks properly and gets that perfect texture.

Preparation Tips

Here are some extra cooking tips for shrimp to get the best results:

  • Frozen vs. Fresh Shrimp: You can use either, but ensure frozen shrimp are thawed completely and patted dry before cooking.
  • Adjust Cooking Times: For smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. Larger shrimp may need an extra minute or two.

What to Serve with Cooked Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Air fried lemon garlic shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and dishes. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas for lemon garlic shrimp:

  • With Rice: Serve the shrimp over steamed white rice or a flavorful rice pilaf.
  • With Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, and a bit of extra garlic butter.
  • In Salads: Add the shrimp to a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
  • As Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.
  • With Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with roasted or steamed vegetables for a healthy, balanced meal.
  • Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, or a lemon butter sauce.

These best sides for shrimp can make your meal more versatile and enjoyable.

Variations and Substitutions

There are several ways to customize this lemon garlic shrimp recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs:

  • Lime Instead of Lemon: Swap lemon juice and zest for lime for a different citrus flavor.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure all your seasonings and sauces are gluten-free.
  • Herb Variations: Try fresh dill, basil, or cilantro instead of parsley for garnish.

These recipe variations and ingredient substitutions can help you tailor the dish to your preferences.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some key health benefits of seafood like shrimp:

  • Low-Calorie Protein: Shrimp are an excellent source of high-quality protein with few calories.
  • Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats are known for their benefits to heart health.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp provide important nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
  • Antioxidants: Shrimp contain astaxanthin, an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation.

Understanding the nutritional value of shrimp can make you feel even better about enjoying this delicious meal.

FAQs on Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

The Bottom Line

Air fryer lemon garlic shrimp is a fantastic option for a quick and easy recipe that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious meal ready in minutes. The combination of lemon, garlic, and shrimp creates a dish that’s hard to resist.

Plus, using the air fryer makes this recipe healthier and more convenient. I would like you to try this dish and enjoy its fresh, zesty flavors. It’s a perfect addition to your collection of healthy air fryer meals.

More Delicious Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer Seafood Recipes.

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Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Air fryer lemon garlic shrimp is one of my favorite recipe when I need a quick, delicious meal. This dish is not only simple to make but also packed with flavors from fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments:

  • For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • For a citrus twist, add a bit of orange zest along with the lemon zest.

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

2. Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better.

Patting dry jumbo shrimp with paper towels before cooking

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.

Mixing shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and seasonings

4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.

Arranging shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket

5. Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This helps achieve even cooking and a nice, crispy texture.

6. Check for doneness. The shrimp should be pink and opaque. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

7. Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

8. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each shrimp cooks properly and gets that perfect texture.

  • Author: Suborna Tanchangya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: air fryer lemon garlic shrimp

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