Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving something light, bright, and big on flavor, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp is about to become your go-to dish. In just 15 minutes, you get plump, juicy shrimp sparkling with zesty lemon and that unmistakable pop of pepper, all with a fraction of the calories and fuss. Whether you’re on a health journey (hello, Weight Watchers fans!), in need of an easy main course, or simply obsessed with seafood, these shrimp promise a wow-worthy meal every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about keeping things simple while letting each ingredient really shine. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, and each one brings so much to the table, whether it’s flavor, tenderness, or a punch of color.

• Olive oil: A half tablespoon gives the shrimp a silky texture and helps them crisp up in the air fryer; a quick spray also keeps your basket non-stick.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings tangy brightness that makes every bite burst with freshness.
• Lemon pepper: This seasoning balances citrusy zing and peppery heat for classic, crave-able flavor.
• Paprika: Just a dash adds warm color and a hint of earthiness to the dish.
• Garlic powder: A little goes a long way to layer in savoriness and depth.
• Uncooked medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of your plate, ready to soak up all that marinade!
• Lemon slices (optional for garnish): A few lemon rounds make your Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp look stunning and add even more aroma.

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and let it get nice and hot while you prepare the shrimp. Preheating means perfectly tender shrimp with those delicious crisp edges—don’t skip this quick step!

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. It seems simple, but this mixture packs a bright and peppery punch that transforms the shrimp into something special.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until every piece is glistening and coated. Give them a little time to soak up those flavors—it’s where the magic happens!

Step 4: Prep the Basket and Add Shrimp

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t crowd them—this lets the hot air circulate for even cooking and a subtle crispness all over.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Air fry the shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes until they turn opaque with bright pink accents and feel firm to the touch. For best results, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure every piece cooks evenly. If you’d like extra flavor, drizzle any leftover marinade right over the shrimp before they cook!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, plate up your Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp and add a scattering of optional lemon slices for a final flourish. It’s that easy—dinner (or lunch, or snacks!) is served.

How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Garnishes

Squeeze a little extra fresh lemon over the shrimp just before serving, and don’t forget those pretty lemon slices or even a sprinkle of extra lemon pepper on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also add a fun pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp pair wonderfully with so many sides: think fluffy rice, cauliflower rice, a crisp garden salad, roasted veggies, or a baked potato. For a Weight Watchers-friendly meal, stick with steamed greens or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Toss the shrimp in whole-grain wraps with crunchy veggies for a quick lunch, use them as a vibrant salad topper, or pile them on skewers for a party platter. You can even add them to grain bowls or tuck them in tacos for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days, making them great for meal prep or a speedy snack later.

Freezing

These shrimp freeze well! Arrange cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—so you’re always just a few minutes away from a zesty, protein-packed meal.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the shrimp back into the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350 degrees F, or warm them gently in a skillet. Microwaving works, but go low and slow to keep the shrimp juicy, not rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This gives you the best flavor and texture, helping the marinade stick beautifully.

Is there a substitute for lemon pepper?

If you don’t have lemon pepper, mix equal parts cracked black pepper and lemon zest with a pinch of salt for a flavorful homemade version—it’s fresh and just as tasty.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Your shrimp are ready when they’re opaque, have vivid pink highlights, and feel firm but juicy; overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye near the end of cook time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! Simply spread the marinated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for about 8 minutes, or sauté them quickly in a nonstick pan.

Is this recipe suitable for the Weight Watchers program?

Yes! Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp clocks in at just 1 point per serving on Blue and Purple plans, and 3 points on Green. It’s wonderfully light and full of protein, making it ideal for Weight Watchers meals.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors and effortless meals, you owe it to yourself to try Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp. With hardly any prep or cleanup, this fresh and zesty main course is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—give it a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation, and watch everyone ask for seconds!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp is a healthy and delicious main dish, perfect for those following Weight Watchers. The shrimp are coated in a zesty lemon pepper marinade and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a flavorful and low-point meal.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 people

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp lemon pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 12 ounces uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Optional Garnish:

• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until well coated.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol olive oil. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Air fry until the shrimp are opaque with pink accents and firm, about 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking if desired.
4. Optional: For extra flavor, pour any extra marinade over the shrimp in the air fryer before cooking.
5. Serve: Serve the shrimp with lemon slices, if desired.

Notes

• Divide the cooked shrimp into 2 servings; each serving is 1 Point for Blue and Purple plans and 3 points for the Green plan on the current Weight Watchers Program (2023).

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fry
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 237
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1325mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 429mg