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–+ servings
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

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We air-fry peeled large shrimp tossed in lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic, and a light oil coating for crisp edges and bright citrus flavor. Quick preheat plus a single-layer cook yields tender, just-opaque shrimp in under 10 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish / Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp raw, peeled and deveined, 16–20 count
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil canola or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse cracked black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Diamond Crystal or similar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated (from ~1 small lemon)
  • 2 clove garlic minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (optional finish)
  • chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Air fryer basket style, 3–5 qt or larger
  • Mixing bowl medium, for seasoning shrimp
  • Microplane or fine grater for lemon zest
  • Tongs for arranging shrimp in basket

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a medium bowl.
  3. Toss shrimp with oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic (if using), salt, and cracked black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between pieces; work in batches if necessary.
  5. Cook at 400°F for 4 minutes, shake basket or flip shrimp, then cook an additional 3–4 minutes until shrimp are opaque and form a loose C with light browning at edges.
  6. Transfer shrimp to a bowl, toss with melted butter if using, and grate a little extra lemon zest over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for even crisping.
  • Look for opaque flesh and a loose C-shape; overcooked shrimp tighten into an O.

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