If you love shrimp but want a quick, healthy way to enjoy them, look no further. This Lemon-Garlic Air Fryer Shrimp recipe is light, packed with flavor, and a breeze to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fancy weekend meal, it’s sure to become your new seafood favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Begin by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. This not only ensures a crispier texture but also helps all the seasonings cling to each piece. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat.
Gently toss the shrimp in this marinade until they’re well-coated, then let them sit for about ten minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about five to six minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides achieve a lovely golden color.
This citrusy, garlicky shrimp dish is a wonderful option if you’re watching your waistline but still crave robust flavor. It works beautifully in lettuce wraps, over salad greens, or paired with your favorite whole grains. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to adjust the seasonings or skip the red pepper flakes. Its bright flavor and simple preparation make it a go-to meal for seafood lovers, healthy eaters, and anyone in a time crunch craving delicious, foolproof shrimp.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
