Name: Cajun Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp with tails on; 3 tablespoon butter; 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 minced garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley; lemon wedges; salt to taste

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Spicy, juicy Cajun Garlic Shrimp can be cooked in just 15 minutes and served as an appetizer with toast or a quick dinner with pasta! This is a simple, no-fuss recipe that is loaded with Cajun spices, garlic, and a pop of fresh lemon and will disappear fast whenever served.

Beautiful white bowl filled with cooked cajun garlic shrimp served with toast and lemons then garnished with fresh parsley as an appetizer or main dish.

Everyone can use a recipe that’s made in 15 minutes or less, right? And when that recipe is loaded with spicy, savory flavor and does double duty as an appetizer and a main dish, we are all in luck.

Why I Love This Recipe

The first time I made this recipe, I was in love. Here’s why:

It’s quick with just minutes of prep time, but does not skimp on flavor. My favorite Cajun seasoning and garlic (which I always have on hand) give incredible flavor to tender shrimp, and lemon juice gives a pop of freshness.
This recipe is so versatile. I’ve served it as an appetizer with garlic toast, for lunch over fresh salad greens, and for dinner with either pasta or rice.
I can customize the heat level depending on how I’m serving it. I make it spicy when I serve it as a main dish and cut back a little on the heat when I serve it as an appetizer.

Cajun garlic shrimp perfected cooked in a non-stick pan served as an appetizer or as a main dish.

Ingredients Needed For Cajun Garlic Shrimp

Large Peeled and Deveined Shrimp – I like to use shrimp with the tails on.
Garlic
Cajun Seasoning – whatever brand is your favorite.
Butter
Kosher Salt
Fresh Parsley

Scroll down for the ingredient measurements and full instructions.

What Is Cajun Seasoning?

It’s a richly flavored seasoning from Louisiana, the home of amazing Cajun cuisine. Most folks tend to put their own spin on it, but generally, it’s a spicy blend featuring paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano.

Raw shrimp sprinkled with garlic and Cajun seasoning ready to be cooked in a non-stick skillet.

How To Make Cajun Garlic Shrimp

Add the shrimp to a medium-sized bowl. Add garlic, then sprinkle on Cajun seasoning and toss to coat the shrimp.
In a large-size skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook on one side for 3-4 minutes until seared. Turn the shrimp and cook another 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
Place shrimp in a serving bowl or on a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Can You Make This Recipe In The Air Fryer?

You sure can. Cooking seafood in the air fryer is super easy, and just like my Air Fryer Salmon, this shrimp will turn out tender and juicy.

Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees. Place the Cajun Garlic Shrimp in the basket and cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point. Keep an eye on the shrimp to ensure it does not overcook. The cooking time will vary depending on the model of air fryer you are using.

Tips For Making This Recipe

Don’t overcook the shrimp. The tails should be pink and the shrimp opaque.
Cook shrimp with the tails on for more flavor that will seep out as they cook.
Make sure that you do not over-crowd the pan when cooking.
Finish off this Cajun shrimp recipe with a garnish of fresh parsley and lemon juice to brighten up the spicy seasonings.

Cajun Garlic Shrimp Recipe