Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
In short: Large shrimp tossed with garlic, lemon zest and smoked paprika, then air fried for about 6 minutes until pink, tender and lightly browned. It takes about 18 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 8 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 18 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 160 kcal
Shrimp need only a few minutes of heat, which makes the air fryer a good match. The hot air browns the edges before the centers can turn rubbery, and cleanup is nearly nothing. This version is built on garlic, lemon and smoked paprika, so it works over rice, stuffed into a wrap, on a salad or as a warm appetizer with toothpicks. Buy raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, to save prep time.
Instructions
- If the shrimp are frozen, thaw them in a bowl of cold water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat them very dry with paper towels.
- Toss the shrimp with the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, chili flakes and salt. Leave them for 10 minutes while the air fryer heats.
- Heat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, cooking in two batches if they are crowded.
- Cook for 4 minutes, then shake the basket or turn the shrimp. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes more until pink, opaque and lightly browned at the edges.
- The shrimp should curl into a loose C shape. A tight O means they are overcooked.
- Tip the shrimp into a bowl, add the lemon juice and parsley, toss and serve at once.
Tips
- Shrimp sizes vary. Medium shrimp need about 4 to 5 minutes in total, jumbo ones up to 8, so start checking early.
- For a more filling meal, serve the shrimp over rice or with warm flatbreads, shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.
Questions and answers
Can I cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer?
Thaw them first for the best texture. If you must cook from frozen, rinse off any ice, dry them and add about 2 minutes to the cooking time.
How do I know when air fryer shrimp are done?
They turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape. They should reach 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part.
Can I use shell-on shrimp?
Yes, and the shells add flavor and protect the meat. Add 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time and peel at the table.
How long does it take to make Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
About 18 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 8 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
About 160 kcal per serving, with 24 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 160 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
