Zesty Shrimp Delight

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delectable Lemon Pepper Shrimp. This recipe promises a culinary experience where succulent shrimp meets the vibrant, tangy zest of lemon and a perfectly balanced blend of aromatic spices. Each bite is further elevated by a luscious, zesty lemon butter sauce, ensuring a mouthwatering flavor that will impress. Whether you prefer to serve it atop a bed of pasta, mixed into a fresh salad, or alongside your favorite comforting side dishes, this versatile dish is guaranteed to elevate any meal. We’ll explore three distinct cooking methods – air frying, baking, and pan-searing – to ensure you can achieve perfection in your kitchen, no matter your preferred technique or equipment.

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Table of Contents

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Explosive Flavor: This Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe isn’t just flavorful; it’s an explosion of taste. The carefully crafted lemon pepper seasoning delivers a potent burst of tangy citrus and robust black pepper, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The addition of a rich lemon butter sauce amplifies these flavors, coating each shrimp in a heavenly glaze that’s both bright and savory.
• Effortlessly Quick: Say goodbye to lengthy cooking sessions! This dish is incredibly fast to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. From prep to plate, you can have a gourmet-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes, allowing you more time to savor your food and less time in the kitchen.
• Incredibly Versatile: One of the best aspects of this Lemon Pepper Shrimp is its adaptability. Whether you prefer the satisfying crunch of air-fried shrimp, the tender succulence of baked, or the perfect sear of pan-fried, this recipe delivers. It also pairs beautifully with a diverse range of accompaniments, from simple pasta and vibrant salads to hearty grains and steamed vegetables, making it suitable for any occasion or dietary preference.
• A Wholesome Choice: Shrimp is renowned for being a lean protein source, low in calories and fat, yet packed with essential nutrients. This recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence, providing a healthy and satisfying option for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet without compromising on flavor. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more seafood into your weekly meal plan.
• Simple to Customize: Your kitchen, your rules! This recipe offers ample opportunity for customization. Adjust the intensity of the lemon pepper seasoning to your liking, experiment with a hint of cayenne for a spicy kick, or incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the lemon butter sauce. You can easily tailor this dish to suit your taste preferences, making it a truly personal culinary creation.

Understanding Shrimp Types: Choosing the Best for Your Dish

Selecting the right shrimp is the first step towards a perfect Lemon Pepper Shrimp dish. The market offers a variety of options, including raw, pre-cooked, frozen, deveined, tails-on, and tails-off. For this recipe, I highly recommend using raw, wild-caught, and pre-deveined shrimp. This choice ensures superior flavor and simplifies your preparation process.

Pre-cooked shrimp, while convenient, often falls short in terms of taste and texture. They are typically cooked once, then frozen, and reheating them often results in an overcooked, rubbery consistency that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the dish. For truly succulent shrimp, starting with raw is key.

Choosing deveined shrimp is a significant time-saver. The “vein” running along the shrimp’s back is actually its digestive tract, which can contain grit. While not harmful, removing it improves both appearance and taste. If you purchase shrimp that isn’t deveined, you can easily do it yourself. Simply make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp with a sharp paring knife and gently lift out the dark vein with the tip of the knife or your fingers. For a visual guide, consider resources like Fine Cooking’s “How to Peel and Devein Shrimp.”

When it comes to size, I prefer large shrimp, typically categorized as 15-20 count per pound. This size offers a substantial, satisfying bite and cooks more evenly without becoming tiny or difficult to manage.

Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: What You Need to Know

When shopping for shrimp, you’ll often encounter both “fresh” and frozen options. It’s important to understand that most “fresh” shrimp displayed at the seafood counter has actually been previously frozen and thawed for display. True fresh shrimp, never frozen, is a rare find unless you live directly near a shrimp fishing port.

For this reason, buying frozen shrimp is often the best choice for quality and convenience. Frozen shrimp are typically flash-frozen shortly after being caught, preserving their freshness and texture. This ensures that when you thaw them at home, they retain their succulent bite and sweet flavor, avoiding the potential degradation that occurs with shrimp thawed for extended periods at the market.

If you opt for frozen shrimp, proper thawing is crucial to prevent a watery or mushy texture. The best method is to transfer the frozen shrimp to a bowl and let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, place the frozen shrimp in a colander and rinse them under cold running water for about 5-10 minutes, gently separating them until fully thawed. Avoid using hot water, as this can begin to cook the shrimp unevenly. Once thawed, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This step is essential for achieving a good sear or crispy breading.

Perfectly Seasoning Your Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the robust lemon pepper seasoning, which provides the quintessential tangy and peppery flavor profile. To truly make this dish shine, invest in a high-quality lemon pepper seasoning. The effectiveness of your seasoning directly impacts the final taste, so choosing a reputable brand is key. Many gourmet stores or specialty spice shops offer excellent blends. Personally, I also love the Lemon Garlic Seasoning from Trader Joe’s for an extra layer of garlicky goodness.

Beyond the lemon pepper, we’ll incorporate smoked paprika and salt. Smoked paprika adds a beautiful depth of color and a subtle smoky undertone that complements the brightness of the lemon. Salt, of course, is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. The key to effective seasoning is to ensure an even coating on all sides of the shrimp. After patting your shrimp dry, sprinkle the spices generously and rub them gently into the flesh. This ensures every piece is infused with flavor before it even hits the heat.

Once your shrimp is perfectly cooked through one of our recommended methods—whether air fried, baked, or pan-seared—the journey to flavor perfection continues. The final flourish involves drizzling a generous amount of our homemade zesty lemon butter sauce over the cooked shrimp. This luxurious glaze not only adds an extra layer of vibrant lemon and rich butter but also helps to keep the shrimp moist and tender, bringing the entire dish together in a symphony of flavors.

Tails On or Tails Off? A Matter of Preference

When preparing shrimp, one common question often arises: should you leave the tails on or remove them? The answer, ultimately, comes down to personal preference and how you plan to serve the dish.

Many chefs and home cooks choose to leave the tails on primarily for presentation. Shrimp with tails intact often look more appealing on a plate, providing a beautiful curved shape that adds elegance to the dish. They can also offer a convenient “handle” for picking up and eating the shrimp, especially in appetizers or finger foods. Some people also believe that the tails add a subtle extra flavor to the broth or sauce during cooking, although this effect is generally minimal.

Conversely, removing the tails makes the shrimp easier to eat, particularly when serving it with pasta, rice, or in a salad where you don’t want to deal with discarding shells mid-meal. For this Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe, whether you keep the tails on or take them off won’t significantly impact the cooking process or the delicious flavor. Feel free to choose the option that best suits your serving style and dining preference.

Creating Crispy Breaded Lemon Pepper Shrimp

For those who love a satisfying crunch, breaded Lemon Pepper Shrimp is an absolute treat. The key to achieving a perfectly crispy coating lies in the right breading mixture and proper technique.

You can use a good quality store-bought fish fry breading mix for convenience, which typically contains a blend of flours and seasonings. Alternatively, making your own breading is simple and allows for customization: combine ½ cup of yellow cornmeal with ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. This homemade blend provides a lovely texture and flavor base.

The breading process begins with ensuring your shrimp is completely dry. Then, for adhesion, you’ll first dredge the shrimp in a liquid—buttermilk is excellent for this, as its acidity tenderizes the shrimp slightly and helps the breading stick. If buttermilk isn’t available, a beaten egg makes a perfectly fine substitute. After coating in liquid, dredge the shrimp generously in your seasoned breading mix, pressing gently to ensure every surface is covered. This dual-layer approach locks in moisture and creates a crisp exterior.

If you’re using an air fryer for your breaded shrimp, a crucial step for achieving maximum crispness is to lightly spritz the breaded shrimp with cooking oil (an air fryer oil spray bottle is perfect for this). Pay special attention to any visible white spots, as these areas often need a little extra oil to turn golden brown and crispy. This light coating of oil helps the breading to “fry” evenly in the hot air, preventing a dry, floury texture and ensuring a beautiful, golden-brown finish.

Succulent Non-Breaded Lemon Pepper Shrimp

For a lighter, gluten-free, or lower-carb option, preparing your Lemon Pepper Shrimp without breading is just as delicious and equally simple. This method allows the natural sweetness of the shrimp and the bold flavors of the lemon pepper seasoning to truly shine. The key here is to achieve a beautiful sear or even cook without drying out the delicate seafood.

The process for non-breaded shrimp is straightforward: first, ensure your shrimp are impeccably dry. This is paramount for achieving a good sear when pan-frying or for preventing steaming in the oven or air fryer. Once dry, generously season the shrimp directly with your lemon pepper blend, smoked paprika, and salt. Gently rub the spices into the shrimp to ensure a complete and even coating.

Without breading, the cooking process is even faster, making it an excellent choice for truly quick meals. Whether you choose to air fry, pan-sear, or bake, the goal is to cook the shrimp just until it turns opaque and forms a gentle ‘C’ shape. This indicates perfect doneness, preserving its tender, juicy texture. After cooking, a generous drizzle of the warm lemon butter sauce will envelop the shrimp, adding a luxurious finish and an extra layer of zesty, buttery goodness that ties the entire dish together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Creating this flavorful Lemon Pepper Shrimp dish is a straightforward process, regardless of whether you choose a breaded or non-breaded approach. Here’s a simplified overview of the steps involved, with more detailed instructions provided in the full recipe card below:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by patting your raw shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure optimal seasoning adherence and a better sear or crisp finish, preventing a soggy texture.
2. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, season the shrimp generously. For non-breaded shrimp, toss with lemon pepper seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. For breaded shrimp, you’ll first dredge them in buttermilk (or a beaten egg) and then coat them in a seasoned fish fry breading mixture.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method: This recipe offers three excellent ways to cook your shrimp:
   • Air Fry: A fantastic option for both breaded and non-breaded shrimp, yielding quick, crispy results.
   • Bake: An easy, hands-off method for evenly cooked shrimp, perfect for larger batches.
   • Pan Sear: Ideal for non-breaded shrimp, creating a beautiful golden crust and juicy interior.
4. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the shrimp cooks, quickly prepare your luscious lemon butter sauce. Combine fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and unsalted butter in a small saucepan and gently heat until the butter melts and the flavors meld.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the shrimp is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving dish. Drizzle generously with the warm lemon butter sauce. Serve immediately over pasta, with a fresh salad, or alongside your favorite vegetables and starches for a complete and satisfying meal.

The Secret Weapon: Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce

While the lemon pepper seasoning works wonders, the homemade lemon butter sauce is truly what elevates this dish from delicious to extraordinary. This simple yet profound sauce acts as a flavor amplifier, coating each shrimp in a glossy, tangy, and rich embrace that takes it to an entirely new level.

The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity. Fresh lemon juice provides a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a harmonious balance. Lemon zest, with its concentrated essential oils, offers an aromatic depth of citrus that juice alone cannot achieve. When gently melted with unsalted butter, these ingredients transform into a silken glaze that clings beautifully to the shrimp.

You have a couple of options for incorporating this liquid gold. You can dip each cooked shrimp into the sauce as you eat, allowing for a burst of flavor with every bite. Alternatively, and highly recommended for maximum impact, you can generously glaze the entire batch of cooked shrimp in the sauce just before serving. For breaded shrimp, I particularly love to drizzle the glaze over them and then return them to the air fryer or oven for an extra minute or two. This brief reheat allows the glaze to truly seep into the breading, infusing every nook and cranny with its irresistible flavor, creating a crispy, buttery, and zesty exterior.

Mastering Lemon Zest for Optimal Flavor

Lemon zest is a powerful ingredient that adds concentrated citrus flavor and aroma without the acidity or liquid of lemon juice. It’s the colorful outer layer of the lemon peel, rich in fragrant essential oils. Proper zesting ensures you capture only this flavorful outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

To zest a lemon, you have a few excellent tools at your disposal:

• Microplane Zester: This is my preferred tool for efficiency and fine zest. Hold the microplane in one hand and the lemon in the other. Gently graze the lemon across the sharp blades, moving away from your body, then back. Rotate the lemon as you go, zesting only the bright yellow part and stopping when you see the white pith.
• Box Grater/Cheese Grater: If you don’t have a microplane, the smallest holes on a box grater work well. Use the same technique, applying gentle pressure and rotating the lemon to avoid the pith.
• Paring Knife/Vegetable Peeler: For larger strips of zest (often called “peel” or “strips”), you can carefully use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to remove thin strips of just the yellow part. These larger pieces can then be finely minced with a knife if small zest is desired, or added directly to sauces to infuse flavor and then removed before serving.

The key to perfect zest is to apply light pressure and continuously rotate the lemon, ensuring you only remove the vibrant yellow layer. Once the white pith begins to show, move to another section of the lemon. The white pith can impart an unpleasant bitterness to your dish, so it’s best to avoid it. The fine zest will effortlessly dissolve and infuse your lemon butter sauce with an incredible depth of citrus flavor.

Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp: Tips for Perfect Texture

Overcooked shrimp is a common pitfall that can transform a potentially delicious meal into a rubbery, dry, or even mushy disappointment. Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, which is precisely why it’s a favorite for quick meals, but it also means you must be vigilant. The difference between perfectly cooked and overcooked can be a matter of seconds.

The tell-tale signs of overcooked shrimp are a dry, tough, or rubbery texture. In some cases, it can even become mushy if cooked at too low a temperature for too long. The key to perfection is to remove the shrimp from the heat just as its flesh turns uniformly pink and opaque throughout. Visually, raw shrimp has a greyish, translucent appearance. As it cooks, it will curl and turn a vibrant pink-orange color, becoming opaque in the center. A perfectly cooked shrimp will typically form a gentle “C” shape. If it curls tightly into an “O” shape, it’s likely overcooked.

My best advice: watch your shrimp like a hawk as it cooks. Do not wander away from the stove, especially when pan-searing, where direct heat cooks very quickly. Whether air frying, baking, or pan-searing, keep an eye on the color and shape. As soon as all pieces have reached that beautiful pink opacity and gentle C-curl, take them off the heat immediately. This attentiveness ensures you’ll enjoy succulent, tender Lemon Pepper Shrimp every single time.

Reheating Lemon Pepper Shrimp Properly

Reheating seafood can be tricky, as it’s prone to drying out or becoming rubbery if not done correctly. To preserve the delicious flavor and tender texture of your leftover Lemon Pepper Shrimp, avoid the microwave at all costs. The microwave’s uneven heating often leads to tough, chewy shrimp.

Here are the best methods for reheating your Lemon Pepper Shrimp:

• Stovetop Method: This is arguably the best way to reheat shrimp, especially if it was originally pan-seared or un-breaded.
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) to the pan.
  3. Once the butter is melted or the oil is shimmering, add the leftover shrimp in a single layer.
  4. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp is warmed through. Avoid cooking for too long, as this will lead to overcooked, rubbery shrimp.
• Air Fryer Method: Perfect for restoring some crispness to breaded shrimp, and works well for non-breaded too.
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the leftover shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. A light spray of cooking oil can help revitalize any breading.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp is heated through and slightly crisp. Monitor closely, as cooking times can vary.

Remember, the goal is simply to warm the shrimp through without re-cooking it. A quick, gentle reheat ensures your leftovers are almost as good as fresh.

Storing Leftover Shrimp for Freshness

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and safety of your cooked Lemon Pepper Shrimp. Once cooled to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air and other food odors. Stored correctly, your leftover shrimp will remain fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy quick, flavorful meals throughout the week.

Freezing Shrimp for Future Meals

If you’ve made a large batch of Lemon Pepper Shrimp or anticipate not finishing it within a few days, freezing is a great option to extend its shelf life. To freeze leftovers, allow the cooked shrimp to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Tightly sealed and covered, the shrimp can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, defrost the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions provided above (stovetop or air fryer are recommended) to warm it gently and restore its texture. This ensures you can enjoy your delicious Lemon Pepper Shrimp whenever a craving strikes, with minimal effort.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Lemon Pepper Shrimp is incredibly versatile, making it easy to pair with a wide array of side dishes. Its bright and savory flavors complement many different cuisines and meal types. Here are some fantastic recipes to serve alongside your shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal:

• Roasted Ranch Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these potatoes offer a savory, herb-infused counterpoint to the zesty shrimp.
• Air Fryer Green Beans: A quick and healthy vegetable side that provides a fresh, tender-crisp texture and vibrant green color.
• Green Goddess Cobb Salad: For a lighter meal, this refreshing salad with its creamy dressing adds a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
• Bow Tie Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad offers a comforting and substantial side, perfect for picnics or a make-ahead lunch.
• Broccoli Salad With Cheese: A crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet salad that provides a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment.
• Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: For a heartier main course, combine the shrimp with this rich and zesty pasta dish, creating a fantastic surf-and-turf experience.
• Shrimp Burger Recipe: Transform your leftover lemon pepper shrimp into delicious shrimp burgers for a creative and fun meal.
• Garlic Parmesan Risotto: The creamy, rich texture of risotto beautifully balances the tanginess of the shrimp.
• Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: A hearty and nutritious option, providing complex carbohydrates and earthy flavors.
• Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing lemon butter sauce.

More Irresistible Lemon Pepper Recipes

The magic of lemon pepper extends far beyond shrimp. If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant and zesty flavors of this dish, you’ll be thrilled to discover how wonderfully it complements other proteins. Here are some other fantastic lemon pepper recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: Crispy, tangy, and utterly addictive, perfect for game day or a casual gathering.
• Hot Lemon Pepper Wings: For those who crave an extra kick, these wings combine the classic lemon pepper flavor with a fiery twist.
• Lemon Pepper Fish: A light and flaky option, this recipe brings the same zesty goodness to your favorite white fish fillets.
• Lemon Pepper Steak: Unexpected yet incredibly delicious, lemon pepper adds a surprising brightness to grilled or pan-seared steak.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

This Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe is perfectly seasoned with tangy lemon and a delightful blend of spices, creating a truly irresistible dish. The succulent shrimp is then bathed in a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce, promising a mouthwatering flavor with every bite. Ideal for serving over pasta, in fresh salads, or with your favorite side dishes, this recipe offers three convenient cooking methods to ensure a gourmet meal that will impress. Prepare to elevate your next dining experience with this quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful seafood dish.

Author: Brandi Crawford

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Course: Dinner, Lunch
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 291 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer (e.g., Cosori Air Fryer)
• Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
• Air Fryer Parchment Paper
• Saucepan (for glaze)
• Large bowls (for dredging/seasoning)
• Baking sheet (for oven method)
• Skillet (for pan-searing method)
• Microplane or Box Grater (for lemon zest)

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (high quality recommended)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika for a milder flavor)
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil (such as olive oil, for cooking and spraying)
• ¼ cup buttermilk (only for breaded shrimp; substitute with a beaten egg if needed)
• ¼-1/2 cup fish fry breading (only for breaded shrimp; use enough to fully coat the shrimp; homemade option: ½ cup yellow cornmeal + ¼ cup all-purpose flour)

Lemon Pepper Glaze Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (typically from 1 small lemon)
• 1 ½-2 teaspoons lemon zest (ensure no bitter white pith)

Instructions

Lemon Pepper Glaze

1. Combine the unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, and finely grated lemon zest in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and the lemon zest has visibly dissolved into the sauce, creating a smooth and aromatic glaze.

Breaded Lemon Pepper Shrimp

1. Ensure the raw shrimp are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the breading to adhere properly and for crispness.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, add the dried shrimp and buttermilk. Toss until each shrimp piece is evenly and completely coated. (If using a beaten egg as a substitute, follow the same coating process).
3. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the fish fry breading, smoked paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to create your seasoned breading mixture.
4. Take each buttermilk-coated shrimp and dredge it generously in the seasoned breading mixture. Press gently to ensure a thick and even coating on all sides. Add more breading mix to the bowl if necessary.
5. Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with cooking oil. Carefully arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the top of the breaded shrimp with cooking oil, making sure to cover any visible white spots to promote even browning and crisping.
6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Open the basket, flip each shrimp to the other side, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and perfectly crispy. For an enhanced flavor infusion, drizzle with the prepared lemon pepper glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of air frying, allowing it to seep into the crispy breading.
7. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and your oven’s calibration.
9. Serve immediately, drizzling generously with the warm lemon pepper glaze, or offer it as a delightful dipping sauce on the side.

Non-Breaded Lemon Pepper Shrimp

1. Start by ensuring the raw shrimp are completely dry. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat away any excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, generously sprinkle both sides of the dried shrimp with lemon pepper seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt to taste. Gently rub the spices into the shrimp to ensure a full and even coating on every piece.
3. Pan Sear Method: Add 1 teaspoon of cooking oil or butter to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering or the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the seasoned shrimp to the pan. Crucially, do not overcrowd the pan; the shrimp should not touch. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure a proper sear and even cooking.
4. Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp are cooked through when they turn opaque in the center and form a distinct “C” shape.
5. Serve hot, topped with a generous amount of the vibrant lemon pepper glaze.
6. Air Fryer Method: Place the seasoned, non-breaded shrimp in a single layer within the air fryer basket.
7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked, opaque, and have formed a “C” shape. Adjust the cooking time based on the specific size of your shrimp.
8. Drizzle the cooked shrimp with the lemon pepper glaze before serving.
9. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
10. Bake for 4-6 minutes, or until the shrimp turns opaque in the center and forms a “C” shape. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking, as this method is very fast.
11. Finish by topping the baked shrimp with the delicious lemon pepper glaze.

Notes

• Buttermilk Substitute: If buttermilk is unavailable for the breaded shrimp, a lightly beaten egg serves as an excellent alternative for dredging, helping the breading adhere effectively.
• Homemade Breading: For a homemade fish fry breading, combine ½ cup yellow cornmeal with ¼ cup all-purpose flour. This blend creates a wonderfully crispy texture. You can adjust ratios to your preference.
• Oil for Crispness: When air frying breaded shrimp, a light spray of cooking oil is absolutely crucial. It helps the breading achieve that desirable crispy, golden-brown crust and ensures it adheres properly rather than flaking off.
• Watch Cook Times: Regardless of the cooking method chosen, the cooking time will vary based on the size of the shrimp you are using. Always keep a watchful eye on the shrimp as it cooks, as overcooking can quickly lead to a dry, rubbery texture.
• Identifying Overcooked Shrimp: If your shrimp turns out dry, rubbery, or mushy, it indicates that it has been cooked for too long. Shrimp cooks incredibly fast. The key to perfect doneness is to remove them from the heat right when the flesh is uniformly pink and opaque throughout. It will also form a gentle “C” shape. Do not leave shrimp unattended while cooking, especially when pan-searing on the stove, as they can overcook in a matter of seconds.
• Glaze Preparation Tip: While it is technically possible to melt the butter for the glaze in the microwave and then combine it with the lemon juice and zest, I have found that it’s much harder to get the lemon zest to fully infuse and smooth out this way. For the best flavor and consistency, preparing the glaze gently on the stovetop is highly recommended.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition data is an estimate provided as a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using third-party tools like MyFitnessPal.com. For the most accurate nutritional details for your specific recipe, we recommend calculating the information based on the actual ingredients and brands you use. You are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of any nutritional information provided.

• Serving Size: 4 oz
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Fat: 9 g

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