Description
This Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Shrimp recipe features jumbo shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, air fried to golden perfection. Quick and healthy, it’s perfect for a light dinner or appetizer, garnished with fresh lemon and parsley for a burst of freshness.
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
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and place them in a large bowl. Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss everything to coat evenly. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour, but do not marinate longer to prevent the citrus from breaking down the shrimp.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a shallow baking dish, combine Italian seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate shallow dish, beat the large egg until smooth. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and place nearby.
- Coat Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the marinade and shake off excess liquid. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, shaking off extra, then dredge in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture to coat both sides thoroughly. Arrange the breaded shrimp on the prepared baking sheet.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat. Spray the air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry for 2 minutes, then carefully flip each shrimp with tongs. Continue cooking for about 2 more minutes until shrimp turn light golden brown, opaque, and are cooked through. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch closely.
- Repeat and Serve: Cook any remaining shrimp in batches, keeping the already cooked ones warm in a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven if desired. Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley or chives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
Notes
- Use jumbo shrimp (21 to 25-count) for the perfect size that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- Do not over-marinate shrimp in citrus to avoid mushy texture.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a healthier twist while still providing a crispy coating.
- Use nonstick cooking spray generously to get crispy shrimp without sticking.
- Keep cooked shrimp warm in a low oven while finishing remaining batches.
- Feel free to serve with a dipping sauce like a garlic aioli or cocktail sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 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
