If you’re searching for a meal that’s bursting with citrusy zing and peppery warmth, yet ready in a flash, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp is your new go-to. This dish is a powerhouse combo: succulent shrimp gets the golden kiss of the air fryer, the brightness of fresh lemon, and the bold punch of lemon pepper seasoning. It’s low in calories, extremely satisfying, and even Weight Watchers friendly, making it the perfect main course for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something light yet truly flavorful. Welcome to your next dinnertime obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp so special — the ingredients are delightfully simple but each one shines in its own way. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you’ll build irresistible flavor and perfect texture, without any fuss.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, helps the seasonings stick, and ensures the shrimp gets a gorgeously golden finish in the air fryer.
- Lemon (juiced): The star of the show, fresh lemon brightens the shrimp and makes every bite taste energizing and fresh.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: This punchy blend is what gives these shrimp their signature tangy, peppery flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and a beautiful blush of color to the finished dish.
- Garlic powder: Infuses just the right savory depth without overpowering the citrus notes.
- Uncooked medium shrimp (peeled & deveined): The centerpiece, tender and juicy after a quick air fry.
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish): A simple way to add wow-factor visual appeal and an extra hit of lemon aroma.
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. The lemon and spices will awaken your senses right away! This quick marinade creates that signature flavor and ensures each shrimp is coated with deliciousness in every spot.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp into your marinade bowl. Toss gently until every single shrimp is glistening and evenly coated. Let them sit for just a few minutes — the acid in the lemon will start to tenderize the shrimp, making them even more succulent after cooking.
Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer
Give your air fryer basket a light spray with non-aerosol olive oil spray. This step prevents any sticking and helps the shrimp develop a gorgeous, slightly crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F so it’s perfectly hot for quick cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket — crowding them less means extra juiciness and even cooking. If you want a flavor boost, pour any extra marinade right over the top (optional but highly recommended!). Air fry them for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for the ultimate cook. You’re looking for shrimp that are opaque, with pink accents and a firm texture.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Pull your Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp out and serve immediately, preferably with a scatter of fresh lemon slices. The aroma is amazing, and they practically disappear every time you serve them. Enjoy them straight from the air fryer or pile high on a platter if you’re feeding a crowd.
How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
Bright, fresh garnishes add a burst of color and extra flavor. Try scattering chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a touch of green. Lemon wedges are a must — squeeze them over the hot shrimp right before serving for even more zesty lift. If you love a touch of spice, a sprinkle of extra lemon pepper seasoning or a few red pepper flakes won’t go amiss!
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp pair beautifully with all sorts of sides. For something light, go with steamed veggies, a crisp green salad, or some quick-roasted asparagus. If you’re craving carbs, they sit perfectly atop rice pilaf, quinoa, or even a simple buttered pasta. And for a true weeknight delight, wrap them in warm tortillas with a cabbage slaw for instant shrimp tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Thread the cooked shrimp onto skewers for party-ready appetizers. Or, arrange them on a platter layered with arugula and charred lemon slices for a gorgeous centerpiece salad. You can also toss them straight into a veggie stir-fry or tuck them into lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld bite. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp truly love to be dressed up or down!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp left (they disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay juicy and fresh for up to 2 days, making them easy to enjoy cold, tossed into salads, or reheated for a speedy lunch.
Freezing
Freezing is totally possible! Arrange cooked shrimp on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again — the texture holds up surprisingly well!
Reheating
For best results, pop leftover shrimp back in the air fryer for a minute or two at 350 degrees F, just until heated through. This keeps them juicy and prevents rubbery texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but try to use short bursts to preserve tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This ensures the marinade sticks beautifully and you get the right texture with air frying.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe isn’t spicy, but it is packed with peppery zest from the lemon pepper. If you’d like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the spice mix before marinating.
Can I double or triple the batch?
You sure can! Just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer. Keeping them in a single layer is key for even cooking and that gorgeous exterior.
What sized shrimp work best?
Medium shrimp (about 12 ounces) are perfect for this recipe, as they’re bite-sized and cook quickly. You can use larger or smaller shrimp, but adjust the cooking time slightly — larger shrimp will need another minute or two.
Are Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp suitable for meal prep?
Definitely — these shrimp are an excellent meal prep option. Cook them ahead, refrigerate, and toss into salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week for easy, flavorful lunches and dinners.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much to love about Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp: it’s quick, healthy, and packs a flavor punch that truly delights. Once you try this recipe, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen — so go ahead, fire up your air fryer and treat yourself!
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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Quick and healthy, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp brings bold citrus flavor and peppery zest to tender shrimp in just 15 minutes. Perfect for Weight Watchers or any light, flavorful main course, this easy dish is loaded with protein and comes together with minimal prep.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra to spray air fryer basket
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly for the best texture.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk until well blended and aromatic.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp thoroughly in the marinade, making sure each is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with extra olive oil to help prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes until opaque, pink, and firm. Shake the basket about halfway through cooking for even browning. Optionally, pour any leftover marinade over the shrimp before air frying for extra flavor.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the basket. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot and juicy!
Notes
- For optimal flavor and tenderness, do not overcook the shrimp—remove as soon as they turn opaque and pink.
- Divide into two servings: 1 point (Blue & Purple), 3 points (Green) on older WW plans, 1 point on the 2023 Weight Watchers program.
- Marinate the shrimp for 5-10 minutes if you prefer a more pronounced flavor, but this is optional since the recipe is quick.
- Serve over salad, rice, or vegetables for a more complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 237
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1325mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 429mg
