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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Name: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces shrimp (uncooked medium shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large lemon; 1 teaspoon Ground black peppercorns; 1 tablespoon parsley ( fresh curly parsley, finely chopped); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons butter (For dipping, melted)

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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp is amazing! You get a great and yummy flavor, and the truth is nothing cooks shrimp better than an air fryer!

Next time you have a craving for shrimp, try this recipe. It’s gently seasoned with lemon and pepper, and there is no breading, which is a great and healthy lunch or dinner. Serve with a side salad or a side of pasta for a quick and easy complete meal.

As most of you have been following me for a while, my oldest son loves shrimp. And I love making a quick and healthy seafood meal for my family. Nothing cooks shrimp better than the air fryer, nothing.

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.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up some delicious Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp tonight!

A full printable version of this recipe with exact ingredient measurements is available in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, as well as the nutritional information.

Shrimp: Use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp
Olive Oil: Great with a neutral taste and flavor.
Seasonings and Spices: Fresh Lemon, Ground Black Peppercorns, Parsley, and Garlic Powder
Optional: Butter for Dipping

How To Cook Lemon Pepper Shrimp Air Fryer

Below, are the step by step directions, to show you how to cook Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Step One: Prepare The Shrimp

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and prepare the basket with a parchment paper liner—juice and zest lemon (2 tablespoons juice, one teaspoon zest).

Add olive oil and shrimp to a bowl and toss until well coated. Add the lemon zest, ground pepper, parsley, and garlic powder to the shrimp and toss until well coated. Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp.

Step Two: Air Fry Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Place shrimp in the basket, making sure shrimp do not overlap, then spray with olive oil. Set cook time for 7-8 minutes or until pink.

Step Three: Serving

Remove from the basket and serve with melted butter.

Pro Tips For Cooking Lemon Pepper Shrimp Air Fryer

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.

Faq’s Lemon Pepper Shrimp Air Fryer

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning and cooking in the air fryer.

How long does it take to cook lemon pepper shrimp in the air fryer? Cooking time for shrimp in the air fryer typically ranges from 6 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the size of the shrimp and your air fryer model.

Do I need to peel the shrimp before cooking? It’s recommended to peel the shrimp and remove the vein for the best texture and flavor, especially when seasoning.

Can I make this recipe with jumbo shrimp? Jumbo shrimp are excellent for air frying. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger shrimp may take a bit longer to cook thoroughly.

How can I tell when the shrimp are done cooking? Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and their shape curls into a loose “C.” Overcooked shrimp tend to curl tightly into an “O” shape and can become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.

What’s the best way to season lemon pepper shrimp for air frying? For lemon pepper shrimp, a mix of fresh lemon zest, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder works well.

Is preheating the air fryer necessary? Preheating the air fryer can help achieve a more even cook and a better sear on the shrimp, so it’s recommended but not always necessary, depending on your air fryer model.

Can I stack shrimp in the air fryer? For the best results, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming dry or overcooked? Keep the cooking time short and check the shrimp towards the lower end of the recommended cooking time. Shrimp cook quickly, especially in an air fryer.

What can I serve with lemon pepper shrimp? Lemon pepper shrimp pair well with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad, making them a versatile choice for meals.

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