AIR FRYER COLOSSAL GARLIC AND LEMON SHRIMP

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🍤 Air Fryer Colossal Garlic and Lemon Shrimp

🍽️ Servings: 2–4

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

✅ Low-Carb | Keto-Friendly | Gluten-Free | High-Protein

🧾 Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) colossal shrimp (U12–U15), peeled & deveined, tails on or off

  • 1½ tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Optional: lemon wedges, for serving

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Preheat the air fryer:

    • Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.

  2. Prepare the marinade:

    • In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

    • Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.

    • Let sit for 5–10 minutes (optional but boosts flavor).

  3. Air fry the shrimp:

    • Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed — don’t overcrowd.

    • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly crisped at the edges.

  4. Serve:

    • Transfer to a plate, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

    • Serve immediately!

🌿 Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve over garlic butter pasta, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles

  • Toss in a salad with avocado and greens

  • Skewer and serve as party appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauce

  • Use in tacos with a citrus slaw

❓ Q&A: Air Fryer Colossal Garlic and Lemon Shrimp

🔸 What does “colossal shrimp” mean?

Colossal shrimp are typically U12–U15, meaning under 12 to 15 shrimp per pound. They’re big, juicy, and perfect for air frying without drying out.

🔸 Can I use smaller shrimp?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to about 5–6 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

🔸 Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — thaw fully and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

🔸 What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can pan-fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

🔸 Can I make them spicier?

Absolutely. Add:

  • More red pepper flakes

  • A dash of cayenne

  • A spoon of harissa or hot sauce to the marinade

🔸 How long will they keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes or enjoy cold in a salad.

🔸 Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to ensure even crisping. Overcrowding will steam the shrimp instead of roasting them.

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