Name: Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound jumbo (21 to 25-count) shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small lemon (zest and juice, plus additional for serving); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/3 cup Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; Nonstick cooking spray; Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional for serving)

There’s something so satisfyingly zesty and crispy about this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe. The bright lemon and savory garlic come together to make shrimp that’s not only quick to whip up but packed with flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your weeknight dinner rotation.

A white plate filled with golden-brown breaded shrimp, each shrimp curved with a crunchy textured coating that looks crispy and seasoned. Small green chives are sprinkled evenly on top of the shrimp, adding a fresh pop of color. Around the edges of the plate, small lemon wedges are placed, showing bright yellow with a juicy texture. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and soft look to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless shrimp recipes, but this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe always steals the show. There’s something magical about air frying that keeps the shrimp juicy yet wrapped in a perfectly crisp coating without dunking in oil. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, even on busy evenings.

Speedy Cooking: Shrimp cooks in minutes in the air fryer, so dinner comes together fast.
Bright, Fresh Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and garlic powder adds just the right zing that wakes up your taste buds.
Healthier ‘Fried’ Shrimp: Air frying gives you that crisp without excess oil, making this a lighter yet indulgent meal.
Customizable Coating: Using Italian seasoning breadcrumbs with Parmesan brings savory depth that you can easily tweak to your liking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This mix of simple, fresh ingredients really elevates the shrimp. The citrus tenderizes just enough without making it mushy, and the herbs add a subtle Mediterranean vibe. I love that Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan create a tasty, golden coating that’s crisp but light.

Flat lay of fresh jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp with tails, a small whole lemon next to a small white bowl of lemon juice, lemon zest sprinkled beside it, a small white bowl containing extra virgin olive oil, a second small white bowl holding golden Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs, a small white bowl filled with grated Parmesan cheese, a single large whole egg with a clean shell, small white bowls with garlic powder, dried parsley, and dried oregano arranged symmetrically, a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper each in tiny white bowls, fresh sprigs of chopped parsley scattered artfully, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are key here — I prefer keeping the tails on for a nicer presentation and easier handling when serving.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the herbs stick, plus it enhances the flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Lemon zest and juice: The backbone of the recipe’s zingy flavor, giving brightness without needing extra salt.
Garlic powder: Offers a mild garlicky warmth that blends perfectly into the breadcrumb coating.
Dried parsley and oregano: These herbs layer in some earthiness and freshness, balancing the citrus and cheese.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs: I use whole wheat for that nutty note and extra fiber, but plain breadcrumbs work too.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the crust a lovely umami kick and helps it crust up beautifully.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to help the breading stick evenly to each shrimp.
Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking in the air fryer and encourages crispness.
Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional): Fresh herbs tossed on top at the end add color and a hint of brightness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe is. Sometimes I’ll swap in smoked paprika for a smoky twist or toss in fresh minced garlic if I have the time to add an extra punch. Don’t hesitate to play around with herbs or cheese variations to suit your mood.

Variation: One time I added a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick — wow, that really woke up the flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: I’ve swapped regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko and still got great crispiness.
Herb Swap: Fresh dill or basil also works if you want a different aromatic note.
Make it Vegan: Though I haven’t tried it yet, you could use a vegan egg substitute and plant-based Parmesan for a vegan friendly twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown fried shrimp with a crispy coating and small green chive pieces sprinkled on top. On the right side of the plate, there are three bright yellow lemon slices arranged in a small stack. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. In the bottom right corner, a small white bowl contains more chopped green chives. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate and Flavor

First, I pat the shrimp completely dry—that’s crucial for the coating to stick later on. Toss them with olive oil, lemon zest, juice, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper right in a large bowl. Cover and let it hang out for about 15 minutes at room temp if you're in a hurry, or pop it in the fridge for up to an hour if you want a deeper flavor infusion. Just don’t go too long or the lemon will start to “cook” the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Station

While the shrimp marinates, I mix the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. In another bowl, I beat the egg until smooth. I always line a baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, it makes cleanup a dream.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

Removing the shrimp from the marinade, I gently shake off any excess liquid—too much will make the breading soggy. Dip each shrimp first in the egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, making sure both sides are covered. Then I place them neatly on the baking sheet, ready to air fry.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

I preheat my air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket lightly with nonstick spray. Careful to keep the shrimp in a single layer without overlapping — this step makes all the difference for even crisping. After 2 minutes, I flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes until they’re golden and opaque. Shrimp cook so fast, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and toughness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

I usually sprinkle chopped parsley or chives right after cooking and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If I’m making multiple batches, I keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while the rest cook. The result? Crisp, juicy shrimp that taste like a restaurant favorite but took a fraction of the effort.

Top Tip

From personal experience, these tips have saved me from overcooked shrimp and soggy coatings more times than I can count. They’ll help you get those perfect crispy edges and tender insides every single time.

Dry the Shrimp Thoroughly: Before marinating, make sure the shrimp are patted dry to ensure the breading sticks well.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give each shrimp enough space to crisp up; if cramped, they steam instead.
Flip Midway: Turning shrimp halfway through cooking locks in even browning on both sides.
Watch the Clock: Cooking shrimp just until opaque keeps them juicy — overcooked shrimp get rubbery fast.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe

Garlic Lemon Shrimp - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Sometimes, I add a little extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices for a pop of color and that fresh citrus aroma. It’s such a nice contrast to the golden coating.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with a light salad, some garlic butter steamed green beans, or even a fluffy quinoa pilaf. When I’m in a hurry, I throw together some microwaveable brown rice and steamed broccoli — a quick, nutritious plate that feels anything but boring.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these shrimp atop a bed of creamy risotto or as a fun appetizer on small skewers with a drizzle of extra lemon garlic sauce. This makes them perfect for sharing at parties or family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Before storing, I let the shrimp cool completely so they don’t steam themselves soggy. They reheat pretty well if you’re gentle.

Freezing

While I don’t typically freeze cooked shrimp like this, you can freeze the breaded, uncooked shrimp on a tray first then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, pop them straight into the air fryer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

To keep the coating crispy, I reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer for just 2-3 minutes at 350°F. Avoid microwaving as that tends to make the crumb coating soggy and shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

You can use frozen shrimp as long as you thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before marinating and breading. Moisture from frozen shrimp can prevent the breading from sticking well.

How long does this shrimp take to cook in the air fryer?

Shrimp cooks very quickly in the air fryer—usually just around 4 minutes total at 390°F. Be sure to flip halfway through for even cooking and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare this shrimp in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the shrimp up to 1 hour in advance. For best results, bread and air fry the shrimp right before serving to maintain crispiness.

What can I serve with this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe?

This shrimp is super versatile and pairs well with rice, salads, steamed veggies, pasta, or even crusty bread. I often serve mine with a fresh green salad and lemon wedges on the side.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe has become a go-to for busy nights and casual get-togethers alike. The ease, the flavor, and the quick turnaround never fail to impress both me and my guests. I really encourage you to try it out—you’ll love having a fast, flavorful shrimp dish ready to go with minimal fuss.