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; Additional fresh lemon juice

There's something truly satisfying about the zesty brightness of lemon paired with the savory punch of garlic, especially when tossed with succulent shrimp. This Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe brings that magic to your kitchen with crispy edges and juicy centers, all without the mess of deep frying. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to for quick dinners!

A white plate full of golden brown breaded shrimp, each shrimp showing a crunchy texture with a light orange-pink color on parts of the shrimp visible under the breadcrumbs; small green chives are sprinkled over the shrimp, adding a touch of color, with lemon wedges placed at the edge of the plate on a white marbled surface in the background 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’m honestly a big fan of shrimp recipes that are both healthy and bursting with flavor, and this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe ticks all those boxes! You get that perfect crispy coating from the air fryer, without dunking the shrimp in oil—and the lemon and garlic combo? It’s just unbeatable.

Speedy Cooking: From start to finish, this recipe takes under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights when you want dinner fast but delicious.
Light and Healthy: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that crispy texture with way less oil, so it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Incredible Flavor: The garlic, lemon zest, and herbs create a bright, fresh taste that elevates simple shrimp to something special.
Easy to Customize: Whether you like it spicy or extra cheesy, you can tweak the seasoning to fit your mood or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe plays a key role—from bringing flavor to creating that irresistible crunch. Here’s why I love the mix—and some tips to get the best results when shopping or prepping.

Flat lay of fresh jumbo shrimp with translucent shells, a small whole bright yellow lemon, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs with visible herbs, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, one large whole egg with a smooth brown shell, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of dried parsley flakes, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl of kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, and a small white bowl of chopped fresh green parsley, all arranged symmetrically 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: Bigger shrimp (21 to 25 count) are perfect here because they cook quickly but stay juicy and meaty—plus, they’re easy to handle in the air fryer.
Extra virgin olive oil: This adds subtle richness and helps the spices stick to the shrimp while keeping things light.
Lemon: The zest and juice brighten the dish with fresh citrus notes—don’t skip the zest for that intense lemon aroma!
Garlic powder: Gives a mellow garlic flavor without burning, which can happen with fresh garlic in quick air frying.
Dried parsley and oregano: These herbs add earthiness and depth, balancing the brightness of lemon beautifully.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—kosher salt has a clean, mild flavor and helps “open up” the taste of the shrimp.
Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs: Provides that crisp crust while adding a little wholesome texture and flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and richness that perfectly complements the breadcrumbs and shrimp.
Egg: Acts as a binder so the breadcrumb coating sticks well during air frying.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps you get that golden brown finish without using too much oil.
Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional): For garnish—they add a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor.

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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 always enjoy giving this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe a little twist depending on the mood and what I have on hand. Feel free to add your favorite spices or try swapping in fresh herbs for dried ones to freshen it up.

Variation: One of my favorite customizations is adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick—it gives the shrimp a lovely warmth that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds for a crunchy coating without gluten.
Extra cheesy: Sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top just before serving to take the cheesy flavor up a notch.
Herb swaps: Fresh dill or basil can be swapped in for parsley and oregano to bring your own personal twist.

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

A white plate filled with a pile of golden-brown fried shrimp with a crispy breadcrumb coating, some sprinkled with small green herb pieces. On the right side of the plate, there are three lemon slices arranged neatly. In the bottom right corner, a small white bowl contains chopped green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the shrimp for maximum flavor

Start by patting your shrimp dry—this helps the marinade cling better. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. I usually let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes to soak up those flavors. If I have time, I refrigerate for an hour, but be careful not to leave the shrimp too long in citrus or they’ll start to “cook” and get mushy.

Step 2: Prep the crispy coating station

While your shrimp marinates, mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, beat up a large egg. This two-step dipping process is key to getting an even, crunchy coating that sticks during air frying.

Step 3: Dip, coat, and arrange

Remove the shrimp from the marinade and gently shake off excess liquid. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then rollover into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Arrange the shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they’re ready for quick transfer to the air fryer.

Step 4: Air fry to golden perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C), then lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the shrimp in a single layer—don't overcrowd or they'll steam instead of crisping. Spray the shrimp tops lightly. Cook for 2 minutes, carefully flip with tongs, then cook 2 more minutes until golden and shrimp are opaque. I usually do this in batches and keep finished shrimp warm in a low oven.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to perfecting this Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe, and I think they’ll really help you get it just right at home.

Dry shrimp first: Always pat your shrimp dry before marinating—it keeps the crust crisp instead of soggy.
Don’t overcrowd: Air fryer baskets need space for air circulation. Cook shrimp in batches if needed for the best crispy finish.
Zest and juice fresh lemon: Using both lemon zest and juice intensifies that bright, citrus flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
Flip shrimp gently: When flipping halfway through cooking, use tongs carefully to preserve the breadcrumb coating.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe

garlic lemon shrimp - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this shrimp with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives—they add such a nice fresh pop of color and a subtle onion-y note that brightens the whole dish. A quick squeeze of extra fresh lemon juice right before digging in is my little finishing touch to amp up that zesty flavor.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic butter rice, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad. When I want to keep it light, I go for quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes—it complements the shrimp’s brightness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For easy entertaining, I sometimes serve these shrimp on toasted baguette slices with a dab of garlic aioli for an elegant appetizer. Another fun idea is stacking them over a bed of creamy polenta with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a fancy weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I let them cool completely before sealing and place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

Freezing air-fried shrimp can be tricky, but I’ve had good luck freezing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag once firm. They’re best used within a month and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 320°F) for 2-3 minutes to revive the crispiness without overcooking. Microwaving tends to make them rubbery, so I avoid that if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry thoroughly before marinating, and then follow the recipe as usual for the best crisp results.

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

Shrimp cooks very quickly in the air fryer—typically around 4 minutes total at 390°F, flipping halfway through. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye.

What can I substitute for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?

You can use plain breadcrumbs and add your own dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to mimic the Italian seasoning. Panko breadcrumbs also work well for extra crispiness.

How do I prevent shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the shrimp themselves with nonstick cooking spray. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even air flow and less chance of sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it blends simplicity, speed, and flavor so seamlessly. I love how easy it is to throw together yet feels fancy enough to serve guests or just treat yourself. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how such a quick dish can pack so much taste and texture. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, which always wins in my book!