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Healthy Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp

Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp - featured image
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This Healthy Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp recipe is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. Smoky Cajun spices, fresh lemon, and parsley make this dish a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed, tails on or off as you like)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges (zest first if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a medium mixing bowl. If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cool running water and drain well first.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning on top and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Shrimp are done when pink, curled, and slightly charred at the edges.
  7. Transfer cooked shrimp to a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges and parsley if desired.

Notes

For less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Make sure shrimp are in a single layer for best crispiness. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for keto diets. For extra crunch, toss shrimp in a little cornmeal or almond flour before air frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer shrimp, cajun shrimp, healthy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free, low carb, spicy shrimp, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/healthy-air-fryer-cajun-shrimp-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner/