Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a wonderful dish that brings a burst of flavors to your table without a lot of fuss. If you love shrimp, garlic, and a touch of citrus, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is quick and perfect for busy weeknights, yet fancy enough to impress your friends or family. Imagine the scent of garlic mingling with fresh lemon wafting through your kitchen. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! You won’t need a lot of time to put this together—seriously, it’s ready in under 15 minutes! Whether you’re pairing it with a fresh salad or tossing it over pasta, this dish has a way of making any meal feel special. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your air fryer, and let’s create some delicious shrimp magic!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
• Ingredients
• Preparation Instructions
• Pat the Shrimp Dry
• Combine Ingredients
• Arrange in Air Fryer
• Air Fry the Shrimp
• Serve with Lemon Wedges
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of shrimp with lemon and garlic is a classic that never fails to impress. Cooking shrimp in an air fryer not only infuses these flavors beautifully but also gives the shrimp a tender, juicy texture while maintaining a slight crispness. This recipe capitalizes on the high heat of the air fryer, allowing the shrimp to cook quickly and evenly, locking in moisture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp is not just easy to prepare; it’s a gourmet dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with various sides and is sure to satisfy both family and guests. Plus, the aroma of garlic and lemon wafting through the kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (plus more to sprinkle over top)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• Optional: Extra lemon wedges for serving

Preparation Instructions

Pat the Shrimp Dry

Start by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels. This step helps ensure the shrimp gets a perfect crisp in the air fryer. Getting rid of excess moisture allows for that ideal texture you crave.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the dried shrimp. Pour in the melted butter or olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. The more flavors that mingle, the better!

Arrange in Air Fryer

Next, place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking. Sprinkle more Italian seasoning over the top for an extra flavor boost. This little touch goes a long way.

Air Fry the Shrimp

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it work its magic! Cook for 8 to 9 minutes. Halfway through, remember to shake the basket gently to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should turn a beautiful pink by the time they’re done.

Serve with Lemon Wedges

Once done, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Serve immediately alongside some fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy goodness. The zesty kick complements the garlic beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
• Enjoy on top of a fresh salad for a refreshing lunch.
• Mix with pasta and a light cream sauce for a delightful dinner.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the shrimp are fully thawed before cooking for optimal texture.
• Adjust the level of crushed red pepper based on your spice preference. Like it spicy? Go for more!
• Allow the air fryer to preheat for the best results; this makes all the difference.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added flavor twist. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more.

Variations

• Substitute shrimp with scallops for a gourmet twist. A slight change can bring a whole new taste!
• Use different herbs like dill or thyme for a unique flavor profile.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix for a complete dish. The extra colors will make your plate pop!

Storage Tips

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness, or relish cold in salads. It’s just as delicious either way!

Pairing Ideas

• Pair with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red. This adds an elegant touch to your meal.
• Serve with a side of quinoa or rice for a filling meal. It balances beautifully with shrimp.
• Accompany with a light citrusy dessert to round off the meal. A lemon sorbet would be delightful!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

2. What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
You can mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a great substitute.

3. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when cooked, which usually takes about 8-9 minutes in the air fryer.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with olive oil, and you’ll have a delicious dairy-free dish.

5. What dipping sauce goes well with lemon garlic shrimp?
A simple garlic butter sauce or a spicy aioli pairs wonderfully with lemon garlic shrimp.

This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a delightfully easy way to enjoy a classic dish. The blend of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and juicy shrimp will elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your guests alike. Enjoy experimenting with sides, variations, and pairings to make it truly yours!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Apple Fritter Bites
• Egg Salad
• Butter Stuffed Dates
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken

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