Air Fryer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked shrimp with bright lemon and garlic, paired with crisp-tender asparagus for a vibrant, healthy weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired air fryer (high-protein) ready in about 23 minutes pairs large shrimp, lemon juice, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb large shrimp dry, then toss with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 1.5 lbs trimmed asparagus in a single layer in air fryer basket, then top with shrimp mixture.
  3. Step 3: Air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until shrimp are opaque and asparagus is tender-crisp with slight char on edges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Air Fryer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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