Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s lightning-fast yet totally crave-worthy, look no further than Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crispy, garlicky, and cheesy appetizer or main that’s on the table in under 20 minutes. Every bite bursts with savory flavors and irresistible juiciness, making it the kind of recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want to wow family or friends—no laborious frying required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of basic ingredients, this dish lets each flavor shine. The freshness of the shrimp, the punchy garlic, and the nutty Parmesan all play starring roles. Here’s what you’ll gather to make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Always use raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor; pre-cooked shrimp won’t deliver the same juicy results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the seasonings stick and gives the shrimp a delicious golden coat.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adjust the amount for a softer or bolder garlic flavor—fresh minced always wins for aroma!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a pop of color and a touch of gentle, smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Pick finely grated cheese so it melts and crisps beautifully around each shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the plate and brings a fresh herbal finish—don’t skip the garnish!
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze before serving makes every bite pop with zesty freshness.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
To set yourself up for success, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give it about five minutes so it’s perfectly hot—this step is crucial for getting those shrimp deliciously crisp on the outside without overcooking inside.
Step 2: Toss the Shrimp with Oil and Seasonings
Grab a mixing bowl and combine your peeled, deveined raw shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each shrimp is slicked with oil and shimmering with spices.
Step 3: Coat with Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese right over your seasoned shrimp. Gently toss or fold until every piece is fully coated—you want the cheese clinging to each curve to form the ultimate cheesy crust.
Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spritz your air fryer basket with cooking spray. This quick step keeps the shrimp from sticking and helps their cheese crust crisp up perfectly.
Step 5: Arrange Shrimp in a Single Layer
Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each piece. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches so every shrimp gets its moment in the heat and comes out golden (not soggy).
Step 6: Air Fry Until Golden and Juicy
Cook your shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes, pausing at the halfway mark to give the basket a gentle shake. This ensures each shrimp cooks evenly and gets a crackling-cheesy finish. They’re ready when opaque, pink, and flecked with gold.
Step 7: Serve with Flair
Once cooked, carefully move the shrimp to a platter. While they’re still piping hot, sprinkle with chopped parsley and get those lemon wedges ready on the side—your crowd-pleasing Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp are ready to impress!
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor to this otherwise rich dish. Don’t forget the lemon wedges: a quick squeeze over the top brings out the garlic and cheese, elevating each mouthful. For a finishing touch, you might also grate a bit more Parmesan right before serving—because when is extra cheese ever a bad thing?
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp play nicely with all kinds of sides. Toss them over a cool, fresh salad for a light meal, nestle them next to garlicky pasta, or set them on a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious juices. Crusty bread is always a winning move for mopping up those garlicky drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these shrimp into impressive party bites by serving them on skewers with a drizzle of lemon aioli. Feeling fancy? Tuck them into lettuce cups with chopped tomatoes and more Parmesan for a fun twist. Or, arrange them around a big platter with dipping sauces like marinara or herby yogurt for a casual, shareable appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making a quick protein fix for lunches or snacks.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the Parmesan coating can lose some of its texture after reheating. If you must freeze, arrange the cooled shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag—this keeps them from clumping. Consume within two months for best flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your shrimp in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 2-3 minutes). This helps revive their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make both the shrimp and cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure the frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. Extra moisture can prevent the cheese from crisping up, so dry shrimp is key.
What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp (16-20 per pound) are ideal—they cook evenly and are big enough to get that delicious parmesan coating, but smaller sizes will still work in a pinch. Adjust cooking time slightly for smaller shrimp to avoid overcooking.
Can I make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp without Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan is the hero of this dish, you could swap it for Romano or Asiago for a similar nutty flavor. For a dairy-free version, experiment with nutritional yeast and a pinch of extra salt.
How do I keep the shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A quick spray of nonstick cooking spray or a light brushing of oil goes a long way. You can also use parchment liners designed for air fryers if you’re worried.
What dips pair well with this dish?
Try classic cocktail sauce, zesty lemon aioli, or a fresh tzatziki for a creamy, cool contrast. Even a spicy marinara or honey mustard brings a fun twist to your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp platter.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp never disappoints. It’s simple to prepare, outrageously flavorful, and sure to make you look like a kitchen superstar. Give it a try—you’ll be adding it to your favorites before you know it!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The shrimp are coated in a garlic and Parmesan mixture, then air-fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (raw)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, coat the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and toss gently to coat.
- Prep Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Cook Shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer shrimp to a platter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Shrimp, Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Recipe
