Creamy Cajun Shrimp with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

Introduction

This Cajun Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a snack. With a spicy Cajun seasoning and a buttery lemon finish, it’s easy to make using an air fryer for a perfectly cooked bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 2-3 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, which has been brushed with olive oil or sprayed with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Air fry the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when fully cooked.
5. Step 5: While the shrimp cooks, mix the melted butter and lemon juice in a large bowl.
6. Step 6: When the shrimp are done, transfer them to the bowl with the butter and lemon mixture and toss gently to coat.
7. Step 7: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor in your Cajun seasoning.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Serve over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a short burst to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning adherence.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a simple blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme to mimic Cajun flavor.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp with Lemon and Parsley Recipe

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4.5 from 101 reviews

This Cajun Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp seasoned with a bold blend of Cajun spices and garlic powder, air fried to perfection for a quick and flavorful meal. Finished with a buttery lemon sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a delicious low-effort dinner or appetizer.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Finishing Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture for the shrimp.
2. Season shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly coated, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
3. Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Air fry shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Make butter-lemon sauce: While shrimp cooks, combine melted butter and lemon juice in a large bowl, preparing the finishing sauce.
6. Toss shrimp in sauce: Transfer the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the butter-lemon mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors.

Notes

• Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought. It typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
• Be careful not to overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• You can serve the shrimp with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, shrimp can also be cooked quickly in a stovetop skillet using the same seasoning and method.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, air fryer shrimp, spicy shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, seafood appetizer