n8n: Swap SerpApi for a Cheaper Search API in 5 Minutes

Description and use

This recipe shows how to swap SerpApi for Litescrape in n8n to reduce costs and secure the API key.

Problem

The SerpApi call is the most expensive part of an n8n workflow that pulls Google Shopping results, and its API key is exposed in the node’s query string.

Outcome

The workflow now uses a cheaper search API, reduces cost per run, and secures the API key by moving it to an encrypted credential.

Workflow

• Change the URL to the Litescrape Google Shopping endpoint.
• Delete the engine and api_key query parameters.
• Configure Generic Credential Type as Bearer Auth and store the Litescrape API key.
• Rename the node and update any references.
• Execute the node to test the single request, then run the full workflow.

Evidence

The search call is usually the most expensive part of the run.

Source

The key travels as a query parameter.

Source

Litescrape expects the key in the Authorization header as a bearer token.

Source