Creamy Cajun Shrimp with Lemon and Parsley Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Make butter-lemon sauce: While shrimp cooks, combine melted butter and lemon juice in a large bowl, preparing the finishing sauce.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Transfer the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the butter-lemon mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
- 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
