Sometimes dinner sneaks up on you, or maybe a craving hits just as you’re settling in. That’s exactly when this Air Fryer Shrimp Lemon Pepper comes into play. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little win — quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor, even if your kitchen looks like a bit of a mess from earlier attempts. I remember one evening when I was halfway through reorganizing my pantry and realized I hadn’t planned a thing for dinner. Tossing shrimp with lemon pepper and a few pantry staples, then firing up the air fryer, was a relief much needed. The sound of the air fryer buzzing, the citrusy aroma mingling with garlic, and the satisfying crunch as I took my first bite made the minor kitchen chaos fade away.
It’s not fancy or complicated, but that’s kind of the charm — a straightforward dish that feels fresh and vibrant without any fuss. I usually end up making extra because it disappears fast, and sometimes I get a bit too eager and burn the edges (oops), but hey, that’s part of the fun.
- Ready in under 20 minutes, which is a lifesaver on hectic days or last-minute plans.
- The lemon pepper seasoning adds brightness without overpowering the natural shrimp flavor.
- Cooking in the air fryer means crispy edges without the need for much oil, though it won’t be deep-fried crisp — and that’s just fine.
- Perfect as a quick main or a shareable appetizer when friends drop by unannounced.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No ingredient overload, just smart seasoning and speedy cooking.
If you’re worried about your air fryer skills, don’t be. This recipe is forgiving, and you can shake the basket halfway through to keep things evenly cooked. Plus, the fresh lemon juice added right at the end lifts the whole dish, making it taste like you spent way longer in the kitchen than you actually did.
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Air Fryer Shrimp Lemon Pepper
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy recipe for crispy, flavorful shrimp seasoned with lemon pepper and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a medium air fryer basket to keep the shrimp in a single layer—crowding tends to make them steam rather than crisp. Serving this alongside a simple green salad or even on toasted bread for a quick shrimp toast works nicely. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist, but honestly, the lemon pepper is usually enough. If you want to switch it up, swapping parsley for cilantro or adding a little chili flakes can bring a fresh kick, though I haven’t tested all these combinations thoroughly.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning for the best crispiness.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake them at a high temperature in the oven, but it won’t be quite as quick or crispy.
How long does it keep? Leftovers last about 2 days in the fridge and reheat nicely in the air fryer.
Feeling inspired to give this a try? Grab your shrimp and let’s get cooking — you’ll be surprised how fast dinner can come together.