Easy Copycat P.F. Chang’s Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

This Easy Copycat P.F. Chang’s Lemon Pepper Shrimp brings bold citrus flavor and a light peppery kick to perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a quick, restaurant-style dish you can whip up at home in minutes for dinner or an impressive appetizer.

Bring the flavors of P.F. Chang’s right into your kitchen with this Easy Copycat Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe.

Crispy, tender shrimp are coated in a zesty lemon pepper sauce that’s bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of spice.

Quick to prepare and full of bold flavor, this dish makes a stunning appetizer or a main course that’s ready in just minutes. It’s the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp without leaving home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home: Enjoy the bold lemon pepper taste without going out.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Crispy and Tender Shrimp: Lightly coated shrimp deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples create maximum flavor.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, over rice, or with a fresh salad.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Seafood Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER FLOUNDER FISH, AIR FRYER FISH & CHIPS, and my personal favorite for a quick lunch, AIR FRYER TUNA MELT GRILLED CHEESE.

Copycat P.F. Chang’s Lemon Pepper Shrimp Ingredients

• Raw Shrimp: Large peeled shrimp, deveined, ready for cooking
• Salt: Enhances flavor of shrimp and seasonings evenly
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a peppery, savory kick
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice for bright, tangy flavor
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth and mild garlic flavor
• Butter: Melted for richness and to coat shrimp
• Vegetable Oil: For cooking shrimp until golden and delicious

How To Make Easy Copycat P.F. Chang’s Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Step One: Peel and devein the shrimp, then pat them dry with paper towels.

Step Two: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the shrimp. Toss to coat evenly.

Step Three: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C). Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the basket and set cook time for 5-7 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and slightly crispy on the edges.

(Skillet Instructions: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly crispy on the edges.)

Step Four: Transfer shrimp to a serving plate, garnish with extra black pepper or lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

Easy Copycat P.F. Chang’s Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe Tips

• Use large shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp when cooking in the air fryer.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking ensures that the shrimp cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior.
• Pat dry the shrimp: Before seasoning the shrimp, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Season generously: Lemon pepper seasoning works best when generously applied to the shrimp.
• Add lemon zest: Enhance the lemony flavor by adding fresh lemon zest to the seasoning.
• Lightly coat with oil: While the air fryer requires less oil, lightly coating the shrimp with a small amount of oil will help achieve a crispy texture.
• Arrange in a single layer: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
• Shake or flip halfway through cooking: For even cooking, shake the air fryer basket or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time: Shrimp cook quickly, so monitoring the cooking process is essential.
• Serve immediately: Once cooked, remove the lemon pepper shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Store leftover lemon pepper shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from sauces to maintain texture and flavor.
• Freezing: Place cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve crispiness and flavor.

Easy Copycat P.F. Chang’s Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe Faqs

Can I make this recipe in the air fryer? Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the seasoned shrimp for 5–7 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until pink and slightly crispy.

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to prevent extra moisture and ensure crispiness.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can season the shrimp in advance, but cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with this shrimp? Serve over rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, or enjoy as a flavorful appetizer.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp? Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.

Can I add extra flavor? Yes, sprinkle additional lemon juice, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper for a brighter, spicier kick.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED SHRIMP
• NINJA FOODI SHRIMP RISOTTO
• AIR FRYER BREADED SHRIMP
• INSTANT POT SHRIMP SCAMPI

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