Shrimp is my go-to on busy weeknights — it’s the easiest protein in my rotation: thaw, toss, and it’s on the table in minutes. This garlic shrimp uses zero added salt; the flavor comes from minced garlic, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, and the shrimp’s own sweetness does the rest.
If you’re managing or watching sodium with your family — say a doctor has suggested cutting back on salt — shrimp is a smart protein to keep around. It carries a little natural sodium, but it’s far lower than a restaurant’s salty shrimp dishes.
Why No Added Salt Still Tastes Good
Shrimp is naturally sweet, and garlic plus a bright hit of lemon covers a lot of ground without any salt. I season with black pepper and a pinch of smoked paprika for color, and that’s enough. If someone at home is managing sodium, this dish is naturally low in it, so there’s no stress in making it.
If you need to limit sodium, it’s best to follow your doctor’s advice on what fits your diet.
Ingredients (2 servings)
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, 300 g (about 150 g per serving)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (about 15 ml)
- ¼ lemon (juiced)
- Smoked paprika, a pinch (optional, for color, adds no sodium)
One serving (about 150 g shrimp) carries roughly 150–170 mg of natural sodium (USDA: raw shrimp is about 111 mg per 100g). With zero added salt, that’s typically well below a restaurant’s garlic-buttered or salted-egg shrimp — exact numbers depend on the restaurant’s recipe.
Steps
- Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Add the shrimp and toss to coat; marinate 10 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes. Lay the shrimp in a single layer (don’t overlap).
- Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the shrimp turn pink, curl into a C shape, and the flesh is opaque.
- Sprinkle with a little smoked paprika and fresh-cracked black pepper, and serve.
Tips
- Frozen shrimp can go in straight from the freezer; add 2–3 minutes and cook until fully pink and opaque.
- For a full meal: roast a few broccoli florets in the same basket, or pair it with our air fryer low-sodium roasted veggies — two dishes, one basket to wash.