Let’s be honest—Lent dinners can get repetitive real fast. One too many plain fish fillets and suddenly you’re daydreaming about cheeseburgers. That’s where air fryer shrimp recipes for Lent come in clutch. Shrimp cooks crazy fast, soaks up flavor like a champ, and somehow feels indulgent even when it’s totally meatless. Win-win.
If you’re already loving fish Fridays, you’ll probably also enjoy these 10 Easy Air Fryer Fish Recipes Perfect for Lent when shrimp isn’t the vibe. And for nights when seafood just isn’t happening at all, keep my 15 Vegetarian Air Fryer Meals for Lent bookmarked—future you will be grateful.
Now grab that air fryer basket and let’s make shrimp Fridays something you actually look forward to. 😉
1. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Simple, classic, and impossible to mess up.
Ingredients
- Raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss shrimp with melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spread shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 390°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
Why You’ll Love It
Juicy, garlicky, and perfect over rice or pasta. I’ve eaten these straight out of the basket more times than I’ll admit.
2. Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Crunch without deep frying? Yes please.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dip shrimp in beaten eggs.
- Coat with panko, parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping once.
Why You’ll Love It
They’re golden, crunchy, and wildly snackable. Pair with cocktail sauce and try not to eat them all before dinner.
3. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Bright, zesty, and super light.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning.
- Air fry at 380°F for 6–7 minutes.
- Finish with fresh lemon zest.
Why You’ll Love It
This one feels fresh and clean—great when you want something lighter than breaded shrimp.
4. Honey Garlic Air Fryer Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Sweet, sticky, and dangerously good.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Toss shrimp in sauce.
- Air fry at 390°F for 7–8 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
The glaze caramelizes just enough to feel fancy. Serve over rice and call it dinner.
Quick Break (But a Helpful One)
If shrimp is winning you over, salmon deserves a spot in your Lent rotation too. My 8 Air Fryer Salmon Recipes That Feel Gourmet are perfect for nights when you want something a little extra without extra effort.
And if you’re feeding kids (or adults who act like kids at dinner), save 10 Kid-Friendly Air Fryer Seafood Recipes. These are the meals that disappear without complaints—and that’s priceless.
5. Cajun Air Fryer Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Spicy, bold, and full of attitude.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking once.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect for shrimp bowls or tacos. Add extra spice if you’re feeling brave.
6. Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
Why it’s awesome: Because tacos make everything better.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Tortillas
- Cabbage slaw
- Lime crema
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season shrimp with chili powder and cumin.
- Air fry at 390°F for 7 minutes.
- Assemble tacos with slaw and crema.
Why You’ll Love It
These feel like restaurant tacos without the wait—or the bill.
7. Air Fryer Parmesan Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Cheesy, crispy, and comforting.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Grated parmesan
- Breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Coat shrimp in parmesan and breadcrumbs.
- Air fry at 400°F for 7–8 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Even shrimp skeptics usually come around for this one. Cheese helps.
8. Teriyaki Air Fryer Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Sweet-savory perfection.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Teriyaki sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss shrimp in teriyaki sauce.
- Air fry at 380°F for 6–7 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Why You’ll Love It
Great for meal prep and surprisingly good as leftovers—rare shrimp behavior.
9. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Crunchy, tropical, and fun.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Shredded coconut
- Panko
- Eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dip shrimp in egg.
- Coat with coconut and panko.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8–9 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Serve with sweet chili sauce and pretend you’re on vacation.
10. Mediterranean Air Fryer Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Fresh flavors, zero heaviness.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Cherry tomatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
- Add tomatoes to the basket.
- Air fry at 390°F for 7 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect over couscous or tucked into pita bread.
11. Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi
Why it’s awesome: Classic comfort without the stovetop mess.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Butter
- Garlic
- White wine
- Lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss shrimp with melted butter, garlic, wine, and lemon.
- Air fry at 390°F for 6–8 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Serve with pasta or crusty bread. No regrets.
12. Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Why it’s awesome: Big flavor, minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Chili flakes
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6–7 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Fast, fiery, and perfect when you’re short on time but still want flavor.
Final Thoughts: Shrimp Makes Lent Way Better
If you’re navigating meatless Fridays, these air fryer shrimp recipes for Lent make life easier—and tastier. They cook fast, clean up easy, and don’t feel like a compromise.
Rotate these with air fryer fish recipes for Lent, mix in a few vegetarian air fryer meals, and save those gourmet salmon recipes for when you want to impress without trying too hard. Between shrimp, fish, and veggie options, your air fryer has Lent completely handled.
Now the real question—crispy or garlicky shrimp first? 😄
