Air Fryer Garlic Lemon Shrimp
Juicy and flavorful shrimp, infused with garlic and lemon, perfectly cooked in the air fryer in minutes.
Steps
- 01
If necessary, peel and devein the shrimp, then rinse and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Mince the garlic and squeeze the lemon juice.
- 02
In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.
- 03
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F), then arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket.
- 04
Cook for 4 minutes, shake the basket or flip the shrimp, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until pink and opaque.
Why it worksWhat happens to shrimp protein when it cooks?
What happens to shrimp protein when it cooks?
When shrimp cooks, heat causes its proteins to unfold from their folded 3D shapes — a process called denaturation. The unfolding releases a bound pigment (astaxanthin), turning the flesh pink, and causes the proteins to bond into a tighter network, making the flesh firm and opaque. This happens fast, which is why shrimp overcooks so easily.
Read the full article →SubstitutionsSubstitutions
Substitutions
- butter→coconut oil×1
Direct replacement. Adds slight coconut flavor.
- butter→olive oil×0.75
Use 3/4 the amount. Changes texture, less rich. Works for cooking, not for baking.
