Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp – A Zesty, Easy Seafood Dish Ready in Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful seafood dish, look no further than Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp. This recipe takes the delicious, succulent shrimp and elevates them with a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce that’s simple yet packed with flavor. The air fryer or oven bakes the shrimp to perfection, creating a juicy, tender texture that melts in your mouth.

The combination of garlic, fresh lemon, and butter is a classic for a reason—it’s the ideal balance of rich and tangy, making this dish a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side, or the main course.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Full of flavor: The lemon and garlic butter sauce infuses the shrimp, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Perfect texture: Baking the shrimp (or air frying them) ensures they stay tender without being overcooked.
Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, salad, or as an appetizer with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

This recipe is so simple that it requires only a few ingredients, but the result is restaurant-quality shrimp you’ll want to make again and again. The lemon butter sauce is the star of the show—it’s tangy, creamy, and slightly salty, complementing the shrimp’s delicate flavor.

The Secret to Perfect Baked Shrimp

The key to perfect shrimp is cooking them just right. Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while they bake. Whether you use the oven or air fryer, here are a few tips to ensure your shrimp turn out perfectly every time:

Use fresh or thawed shrimp: Frozen shrimp work well, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Don’t overbake: Shrimp cook quickly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Use large shrimp: Larger shrimp hold up better in the baking process and provide more flavor.

For the best result, consider using tail-on shrimp for an elegant presentation. They’re easy to eat with your hands and hold the flavor of the butter and garlic sauce inside. The sauce will soak into the shrimp, making each bite burst with flavor.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Making lemon butter baked shrimp involves only a few simple steps:

Prep the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. For easy cleanup, you can leave the tails on.
Prepare the butter sauce: Melt butter, add minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, and seasonings to create the perfect sauce.
Coat the shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the sauce until well-coated.
Bake or air fry: Place the shrimp on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, then bake or air fry until cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for added color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Customize the sauce: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or parsley for extra freshness.
Serve with sides: Pair with rice pilaf, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Make it a main course: Serve over pasta or in tacos for a complete meal.
Double the sauce: If you’re a fan of dipping, make extra lemon butter sauce for dunking.

Quick Recipe Summary