Oh My God, Lemon, Garlic, and Shrimp all together! That means it’s going to be a Weeknight Delight in Minutes! Those little morsels of the sea are a constant source of weeknight inspiration in my kitchen. They cook fast, pair well with endless flavors, and are always satisfied. But sometimes, you want a classic combo that never disappoints. That’s where this Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp comes in.
This recipe recently saved dinner for me. I was running late after work, and the thought of slaving over a hot stove made me sigh. But then I remembered this gem – a recipe I whipped up on a similar night a while back. Ten minutes later, I was digging into a plate of perfectly cooked shrimp, bursting with lemony garlicky goodness. It was a revelation!
Now, I’m here to share this revelation with you. This straightforward recipe uses minimal ingredients and lets your air fryer do all the hard work.
So, fire up your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Lemon and Garlic Shrimp
- 1 large garlic clove, grated or minced (the fresher, the better!)
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (good quality makes a difference)
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice (bottled in a pinch, but fresh is divine)
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning (your favorite blend works)
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (adds a touch of umami magic)
- 1 lb. large tail-on shrimp (21/25 per lb.), peeled (devein if desired)
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced into half moons, seeds removed (for garnish and extra zing)
- 2 tbsp. Finely chopped fresh parsley (for that final flourish)
Directions for Air Fryer Lemon and Garlic Shrimp
- Marinate the Magic: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the shrimp and toss to coat them evenly in the flavorful marinade. Let them marinate for at least 10 or 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Air Fryer Time: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes to get it nice and hot. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
- Get Crispy! Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until they’re pink and opaque. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Plate and Enjoy! Once the shrimp are cooked through, transfer them to a plate. Garnish with the lemon slices and fresh parsley. Dig in and savor the lemony, garlicky goodness!
Serving Ratio and Prep Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. The total prep time is about 15 minutes, with most of that being marinating time. So, dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
Side Dish
This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp is delicious on its own, but if you’d like a side dish, here are a few options:
- Lemon Herb Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs complement the shrimp beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies – broccoli, asparagus, zucchini – with olive oil and spices, and roast them alongside the shrimp in the air fryer for a complete and colorful meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A simple quinoa salad with chopped vegetables and a light vinaigrette is another excellent option.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s easy to make, healthy, and delicious. The air fryer does all the work, leaving perfectly cooked shrimp bursting with flavor. So, next time you’re short on time, try this recipe! You won’t be disappointed.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating them. Pat them dry before placing them in the air fryer to ensure they crisp up nicely.
Don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! You can substitute 1 tsp. Dried Italian seasoning for the fresh parsley.
How spicy can I make this?
Start with 1/4 tsp. of red pepper flakes and adjust according to your taste.
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