If you’re searching for a zesty, protein-packed meal that comes together in lightning speed, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp will absolutely earn a top spot in your dinner rotation! Plump shrimp are marinated in a punchy lemon-pepper and garlic blend, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer—no deep frying, messy pans, or long waits. This dish is bursting with fresh citrus flavor and gentle spice, is delightfully light, and best of all, it fits easily into Weight Watchers plans without sacrificing an ounce of taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp is that each ingredient is simple, but every one matters for building layers of bright flavor and that irresistible shrimp texture. This tiny ingredient list brings you huge results, infusing the shrimp with color, aroma, and that crave-worthy lemon pepper punch.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps the seasonings cling to the shrimp for even cooking and flavor in every bite.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the shrimp, lending a tangy flavor that perfectly balances the pepper and garlic.
- Lemon pepper: This vibrant blend provides great citrus aroma and a peppery kick—it’s the star of the show.
- Paprika: Just a pinch deepens the color and weaves in a subtle smoky sweetness that rounds everything out.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, savory backbone without overpowering the shrimp or lemon notes.
- Uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The hero ingredient—shrimp cook up juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned in the air fryer.
- Lemon slices (optional for garnish): A pretty twist that adds even more color and a burst of fresh aroma at serving time.
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Marinade
Grab a medium bowl and stir together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This zesty marinade will coat each shrimp in bright flavor and a hint of golden color, setting the stage for a crave-worthy air fryer finish.
Step 2: Toss the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Give everything a gentle toss to evenly coat the shrimp in your marinade. Take a moment for the aromas to hit you—this is when you’ll know the dish is going to be something special!
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare
While the marinade works its magic, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil to ensure the shrimp don’t stick—and pop out with that just-right crispness.
Step 4: Arrange and Air Fry
Lay the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer for even cooking (if you’re working with a smaller basket, cook in batches). For extra boldness, pour any remaining marinade over the shrimp. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re opaque with pink accents and delightfully plump.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once done, transfer your Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp to a serving plate. Top with fresh lemon slices if you’d like an extra burst of color and a finishing scent of citrus. Get ready for rave reviews from your very first bite!
How to Serve Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Garnishes
Nothing completes Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp quite like a scatter of lemon slices or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The citrus slices intensify the fresh aroma and give each plate a restaurant-worthy look, while chopped parsley or even chives add a cheerful pop of green that makes every bite feel just a touch more special.
Side Dishes
This shrimp is fabulously versatile! Pair with whole-grain rice or quinoa for a filling, healthy meal, or serve over a crisp, vibrant salad for ultimate lightness. For a hearty finish, roasted veggies or a garlicky couscous are wonderful plates to catch all the lemony, peppery juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Pull out cocktail glasses and serve your shrimp chilled for a playful appetizer, tuck a few into lettuce cups with avocado slices for hand-held bites, or scatter them over tacos with crunchy cabbage and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp easily fits into grain bowls, pasta, and even atop a spicy flatbread for a warm, crowd-pleasing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp, let them cool completely, then tuck into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, and they’ll be fresh, juicy, and just as flavorful as day one.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—making it easy to have a speedy, flavor-packed meal whenever you crave it.
Reheating
Gently reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for just 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps them from overcooking. Avoid the microwave if you can, which can make shrimp rubbery, but a quick skillet toss with a splash of lemon juice also works beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw your shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. Starting with dry shrimp ensures the seasoning sticks and you get beautifully caramelized edges.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s zingy, not spicy! The lemon pepper adds bright, fragrant heat without overwhelming the shrimp. If you want more kick, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or a little extra black pepper.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Simply double all marinade and shrimp amounts, and air fry in batches so everything cooks evenly and gets that signature air-fried crispness.
Do I need to marinate the shrimp in advance?
No lengthy marination needed! A quick toss in the marinade right before air frying infuses plenty of flavor, but letting them sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep sides intensifies the lemon pepper notes.
What sizes or types of shrimp work best?
Medium shrimp are ideal for this recipe—they’re easy to work with and cook quickly in the air fryer. You can also use large shrimp, just add another minute or so to the cook time and keep an eye out for that pink, opaque perfection.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, fresh, and nourishing main that dazzles with minimal effort, you can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp. It’s a versatile comfort meal with serious flavor, and once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite. Give it a go—and let your taste buds do a happy dance!
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Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful main course with juicy shrimp tossed in a zesty lemon-pepper marinade. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s low in calories and Weight Watchers-friendly, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or light dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for spraying 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: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the shrimp. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly crisp texture.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss thoroughly or stir until all the shrimp are well coated with the mixture.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-aerosol olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to help them cook evenly.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Shrimp are done when they turn opaque with pink accents and become firm.
- Optional – Add Extra Marinade: For added flavor, pour any leftover marinade over the shrimp before cooking. This step is optional but highly recommended for extra zest.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and garnish with fresh lemon slices, if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot!
Notes
- This recipe makes two generous servings; each serving is 1 Weight Watchers point on the Blue and Purple plans, 3 points on the Green plan, and 1 point on the current WeightWatchers program (2023).
- For best results, use medium shrimp and make sure they are peeled and deveined before marinating.
- If desired, double the marinade for extra saucy shrimp—just adjust nutritional info accordingly.
- Shrimp cook very quickly, so do not overcook or they may become rubbery.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American