This Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp is packed with fresh citrus flavor and bold garlic in every bite. Ready in minutes, it’s a quick, light dinner or appetizer that tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen.
If you need a fast dinner that still feels fresh and flavorful, this Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp checks every box.
Juicy shrimp cook in minutes with bright lemon and bold garlic, giving you a light, satisfying meal without hovering over the stove.
Perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or an easy appetizer that looks way fancier than the effort required.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Bright lemon and bold garlic flavor in every bite.
- Light, healthy, and packed with protein.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or quick appetizers.
- Pairs easily with pasta, rice, salads, or veggies.
Ingredients Needed
- Shrimp: Large raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- Olive Oil: Light coating to keep shrimp tender
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for bold flavor
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright citrus taste
- Lemon Zest: Adds extra fresh lemon aroma
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the shrimp
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for mild balanced heat
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish and color
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat. A drizzle of hot honey at the end gives it a sweet kick.
- Parmesan Lemon Shrimp: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the shrimp during the last minute of cooking.
- Butter Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Swap olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Mediterranean Style: Add oregano and a squeeze of extra lemon, then top with crumbled feta and chopped olives after cooking.
- Keto Version: Keep it exactly as written since it’s naturally low carb.
- Honey Lemon Shrimp: Stir in a small amount of honey with the lemon juice for a light sweet and tangy balance.
- Garlic Herb Shrimp: Add Italian seasoning or fresh thyme for a more herb-forward flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Step One: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp = better texture and flavor.
Step Two: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so every shrimp is evenly coated.
Step Three: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This helps the shrimp cook quickly and evenly.
Step Four: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap or they’ll steam instead of lightly roast.
Step Five: Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with lightly golden edges.
Step Six: Remove from the basket and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe Tips
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Make sure your shrimp are completely dry before seasoning. This helps the garlic and lemon stick better and ensures they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Place shrimp in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting, leaving shrimp less crispy.
- Flip Halfway: Turn the shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning and a perfectly golden finish on both sides.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh lemon juice and garlic whenever possible. They give the shrimp bright, zesty flavors that pre-minced or bottled options can’t match.
- Adjust Heat to Taste: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before cooking if you like a little kick. It’s easy to customize the spice level for your preference.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp cook quickly and are best enjoyed right out of the air fryer. Letting them sit too long can make them rubbery or lose their crisp.
- Pair With Something Simple: Serve over rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread pairs perfectly too.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from any sauces to maintain the best texture.
- Freezing: Lay the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month without losing flavor.
- Reheating: Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through, keeping them slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before air frying to ensure they crisp up properly.
How long do I cook shrimp in the air fryer? Cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly golden.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you don’t add breaded coatings.
What can I serve with air fryer lemon garlic shrimp? Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep the shrimp with the marinade a few hours in advance, but cook just before serving for the best texture.
Can I adjust the garlic or lemon flavor? Yes, add more minced garlic or extra lemon juice/zest to suit your taste preferences.
Can I reheat the shrimp without overcooking? Reheat briefly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave just until warm.
More Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes
Cheesecake Factory Copycat New Orleans Cajun Shrimp Recipe
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi
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Easy Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Description
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled deveined tails optional
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley
Instructions
- Peel and devein the 1.5 pounds large shrimp if needed, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp = better texture and flavor.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic minced, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well so every shrimp is evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes. This helps the shrimp cook quickly and evenly.
- Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap or they’ll steam instead of lightly roast.
- Cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with lightly golden edges.
- Remove from the basket and sprinkle with fresh chopped 2 tablespoons parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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