Description
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, juicy shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Marinated with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs, these shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer for a healthier, delicious meal or appetizer that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 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
Coating
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Nonstick cooking spray
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Additional fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and place them in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour. Avoid marinating longer to prevent the citrus from breaking down the shrimp texture.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate dish, beat the large egg thoroughly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Dip each shrimp first into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Place the coated shrimp on the prepared baking sheet.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not overlap. Spray the top of the shrimp lightly with nonstick spray. Cook for 2 minutes, then carefully flip each shrimp using tongs. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until shrimp are light golden brown, opaque, and cooked through. If cooking in batches, keep the finished shrimp warm in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness and flavor.
Notes
- For the best texture, do not over-marinate the shrimp to avoid a mushy consistency from the lemon juice.
- Using whole wheat breadcrumbs increases fiber and adds a nutty flavor to the coating.
- Nonstick cooking spray helps ensure even crispiness without excess oil.
- You can keep cooked shrimp warm in a low oven while finishing other batches to serve all at once.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or over pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 146 mg
