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!

Remove from the basket and serve with melted butter
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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.

lemon pepper shrimp

Why You Will Love Making Lemon Pepper Shrimp Air Fryer

Making lemon pepper shrimp in an air fryer offers many benefits that make you love this cooking method. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Quick and convenient: The air fryer cooks food rapidly, meaning you can have delicious lemon pepper shrimp on your plate in a matter of minutes. It eliminates the need for preheating and provides consistent and efficient cooking.
  • Healthier option: Air frying requires minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods. It allows you to enjoy crispy shrimp with fewer calories and less unhealthy fats. You can achieve the same crispy texture without the excess grease.
  • Retains flavor and moisture: The hot circulating air in the air fryer helps seal the shrimp’s juices, resulting in tender and succulent lemon pepper shrimp. The seasoning flavors penetrate the shrimp, creating a delicious and flavorful dish.
  • Versatile seasoning options: Lemon pepper seasoning pairs perfectly with shrimp, creating a zesty flavor profile. You can easily customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of lemon zest, black pepper, and other seasonings.
  • Easy cleanup: Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup process. They typically have non-stick cooking surfaces, and since no deep-frying is involved, you won’t have to deal with splattered oil or a greasy mess. Wash the removable parts or wipe down the interior with ease.
  • Crispy texture: The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior on the shrimp, giving you a satisfying crunch without excessive oil. You can achieve a delightful combination of crispy and juicy shrimp.
  • Minimal odor: Unlike traditional stovetop frying, using an air fryer minimizes the strong smells associated with frying. This means you can enjoy the aroma and flavors of the lemon pepper shrimp without lingering odors in your kitchen.

With these advantages, making lemon pepper shrimp in an air fryer is a delicious, healthier, and more convenient cooking option. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even added to salads or pasta dishes.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make dish that packs a big flavor punch, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp is the perfect option. This delicious meal features succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful combination of lemon and pepper. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this dish can easily become your go-to dinner any night of the week.

Not only is it quick to make, but its healthy ingredients ensure it won’t blow out your diet plan either! Keep reading to discover all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up some delicious Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp tonight!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

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

Are you looking to make a quick and delicious dinner? Look no further! With an air fryer, it’s easier than ever to whip up an incredible seafood dish. This health-conscious version of Lemon Pepper Shrimp will surely be a hit with the whole family – best of all, it requires minimal effort and time.

Below, I will teach you how to cook Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp that can easily be served as either an entrée or appetizer. Get ready for mouth-watering results in just minutes!

Are you looking to make a quick and delicious dinner? Look no further! With an air fryer, it’s easier than ever to whip up an incredible seafood dish. This health-conscious version of Lemon Pepper Shrimp is sure to be a hit with the whole family – best of all, it requires minimal effort and time. In this blog post, I will teach you how to cook Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp that can easily be served as either an entrée or appetizer. Get ready for mouth-watering results in just minutes!

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.

Lemon Pepper 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.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Step Three: Serving

Remove from the basket and serve with melted butter.

Remove from the basket and serve with melted butter

Pro Tips For Cooking Lemon Pepper Shrimp Air Fryer

Cooking lemon pepper shrimp in an air fryer can be a delightful experience. To help you achieve the best results, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

  • Use large shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp when cooking in the air fryer. They are less likely to overcook and will retain their juicy texture.
  • 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. This removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere better and enhancing the shrimp’s texture.
  • Season generously: Lemon pepper seasoning works best when generously applied to the shrimp. Coat the shrimp thoroughly, ensuring that every piece is seasoned for a burst of flavor.
  • Add lemon zest: Enhance the lemony flavor by adding fresh lemon zest to the seasoning. The zest adds bright citrus notes and complements the pepper.
  • 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. Use a brush or spritzer to distribute the oil over the shrimp evenly.
  • Arrange in a single layer: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. This ensures that they cook evenly and develop a consistent crispiness.
  • Shake or flip halfway through cooking: For even cooking, shake the air fryer basket or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time. This helps the shrimp cook evenly on both sides.
  • Keep an eye on the cooking time: Shrimp cook quickly, so monitoring the cooking process is essential. Air fryer cooking times can vary, but as a general guideline, shrimp usually cook in 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the shrimp and the specific model of your air fryer.
  • Serve immediately: Once cooked, remove the lemon pepper shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. This ensures they retain their crispy texture and remain flavorful.

By following these pro tips, you can create delicious and perfectly seasoned lemon pepper shrimp in your air fryer.

Cooking lemon pepper shrimp in an air fryer can be a delightful experience. To help you achieve the best results, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Use large shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp when cooking in the air fryer. They are less likely to overcook and will retain their juicy texture.

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. This removes excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere better and enhancing the shrimp's texture.

Season generously: Lemon pepper seasoning works best when generously applied to the shrimp. Coat the shrimp thoroughly, ensuring that every piece is seasoned for a burst of flavor.

Add lemon zest: Enhance the lemony flavor by adding fresh lemon zest to the seasoning. The zest adds bright citrus notes and complements the pepper.

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. Use a brush or spritzer to evenly distribute the oil over the shrimp.

Arrange in a single layer: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. This ensures that they cook evenly and develop a consistent crispiness.

Shake or flip halfway through cooking: For even cooking, shake the air fryer basket or flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time. This helps the shrimp cook evenly on both sides.

Keep an eye on the cooking time: Shrimp cook quickly, so it's important to monitor the cooking process. Air fryer cooking times can vary, but as a general guideline, shrimp usually cook in 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the shrimp and the specific model of your air fryer.

Serve immediately: Once cooked, remove the lemon pepper shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. This ensures they retain their crispy texture and remain flavorful.

By following these pro tips, you'll be able to create delicious and perfectly seasoned lemon pepper shrimp in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a standalone appetizer or as a delightful addition to salads, pasta, or rice dishes.

Faq’s

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. This ensures they become crispy and not soggy.

How long does it take to cook 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. It’s important to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.

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. You can leave the tail on for the presentation if you like.

Can I make this recipe with jumbo shrimp? Absolutely! 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.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

What’s the best way to season shrimp for air frying? For lemon pepper shrimp, a mix of fresh lemon zest, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder works well. Ensure the shrimp are dry before seasoning to help the spices stick.

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. Overlapping or stacking can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.

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.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

4 from 8 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

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!

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

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, and prepare the basket with a parchment paper liner.
  • Juice and zest lemon (2 tablespoons juice, 1 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.
  • Place shrimp in the basket, making sure shrimp do not overlap, then spray with olive oil.
  • Cook for 7-8 minutes or until pink.
  • Remove from the air fryer basket and serve with melted butter.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 18gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 170mgPotassium: 287mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 359IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg

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