Cajun Shrimp in the Air Fryer Recipe
This Cajun Shrimp recipe features perfectly seasoned large shrimp coated in a bold Cajun and garlic powder blend, then air fried to juicy perfection and tossed in a luscious lemon butter sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, this dish is a quick and flavorful seafood delight ideal for a weeknight dinner or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the shrimp evenly.
- Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat all the shrimp evenly with the spices and oil, infusing them with flavor.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent the shrimp from sticking during cooking.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Air fry the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Make Lemon Butter Sauce: While the shrimp cooks, mix the melted unsalted butter and lemon juice together in a large bowl to create a bright and rich finishing sauce.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the hot shrimp to the bowl with the lemon butter mixture and toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly with the buttery sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the shrimp with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The Cajun seasoning can be store-bought or homemade by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Make sure shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer spicier shrimp, add additional cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness in the butter sauce.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer model; always ensure shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
Keywords: Cajun shrimp, air fryer shrimp, spicy shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, seafood appetizer, lemon butter shrimp
