Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Cajun shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. With a spicy Cajun seasoning and a buttery lemon finish, these shrimp are sure to please your taste buds in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (see notes)
• 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: While the air fryer preheats, add the shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder to a mixing bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, brushed with olive oil or sprayed with cooking spray.
4. Step 4: Air fry the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
5. Step 5: While the shrimp cooks, mix the melted butter and lemon juice in a large bowl.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cooked shrimp to the butter-lemon mixture and toss gently to coat.
7. Step 7: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the butter sauce.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can quickly sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, use peeled and deveined frozen shrimp that are completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking.

What can I serve with Cajun shrimp?

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cajun Shrimp Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Cajun Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp seasoned with a flavorful blend of Cajun spices and garlic powder, air fried to perfection for a quick, healthy meal. Tossed in a buttery lemon sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, these shrimp are perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.

---

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 the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes to ensure it reaches optimal cooking temperature for the shrimp.
2. Season the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss thoroughly to coat each shrimp evenly with the spices and oil.
3. Prepare the air fryer basket: Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or use cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer without overlapping.
4. Air fry the shrimp: Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
5. Make the butter lemon sauce: While the shrimp are cooking, mix the melted butter and lemon juice together in a large bowl to create a flavorful sauce.
6. Toss shrimp in sauce: Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to the bowl with the butter-lemon mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp for a fresh finish and serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

• The Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; typical ingredients include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Ensure shrimp are thawed and patted dry before seasoning for best air frying results.
• Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding extra cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
• Serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

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