Description
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, juicy shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of Italian-seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, these shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer for a healthier fried shrimp alternative that's perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and 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
Breading
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Nonstick cooking spray
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and place them in a large bowl. Add olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to mix evenly. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to develop, but not longer to avoid breaking down shrimp texture.
- Prepare the breading stations: In a shallow dish, combine the Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate shallow dish, beat the large egg. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for placing breaded shrimp.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove shrimp from marinade and shake off excess. Dip each shrimp first into beaten egg, shaking off extra, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Place breaded shrimp on the prepared baking sheet.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket without overlapping (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray tops of shrimp with nonstick spray. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove the basket and flip shrimp carefully with tongs. Return the basket and cook for an additional 2 minutes until shrimp are lightly golden, opaque, and cooked through.
- Keep warm and serve: If cooking in batches, keep cooked shrimp warm in a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven until all batches are done. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice as desired.
Notes
- For juicier shrimp, do not marinate longer than 1 hour to prevent the citrus from breaking down the texture.
- Use Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs for added flavor and a healthier option.
- Keeping the shrimp in a single layer ensures evenly crispy breading in the air fryer.
- Spraying the shrimp and basket lightly with nonstick spray helps achieve a golden finish and prevents sticking.
- If desired, keep cooked shrimp warm in a low-temperature oven while finishing remaining batches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: Approximately 300 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
