If you’re looking for a quick meal that feels truly special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is your new hero. Succulent shrimp get a golden, cheesy crust kissed with garlic and paprika, while the air fryer makes everything crispy and foolproof in just minutes. From weeknight craving to dazzling dinner party app, this keyphrase delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready for a dish that’s light, luscious, and guaranteed to win fans—there’s something magical about the first bite of that juicy, garlicky, Parmesan-topped shrimp!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role. The synergy between tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and salty cheese is unbeatable—each ingredient needs to shine for the perfect bite.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for juicy texture and maximum flavor; tails on or off is up to you!
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and gives shrimp a gorgeous golden exterior while keeping things light.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of aromatic flavor that infuses the whole dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parm melts and crisps up beautifully, creating that irresistible savory crust.
- Paprika: Adds just a hint of warm color and subtle smokiness you’ll notice in every bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the shrimp are perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: A touch of pepper cuts through the richness and balances out the garlic.
- Lemon juice: A fresh squeeze right before serving wakes up all the flavors and gives a bright finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For that pop of color and a hint of fresh, herby flavor on top.
- Lemon wedges: The perfect way to let everyone adjust acidity to their liking at the table.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Step 1: Season and Toss the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t hold back—get in there and toss until every single shrimp is equally coated in all that cheesy, garlicky goodness. This is the foundation of flavor for your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, so be thorough!
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. This little step ensures the shrimp go in hot, which helps the coating crisp up beautifully and gives you those delicious edges.
Step 3: Arrange and Cook
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket—crowding isn’t your friend here, so if needed, cook in batches. Let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’re looking for pink, opaque shrimp with little crispy bits on the edges and a golden Parmesan crust.
Step 4: Finish With Freshness
As soon as you pull the shrimp from the air fryer, give them a nice drizzle of lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. This last step lifts all the flavors and takes your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp from good to knockout delicious.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Garnishes
Go bold with extra grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley sprinkled right before serving. A few juicy lemon wedges on the side let everyone add their own zing, making the flavors pop even more. Between that melty cheese and the pop of green, the plate is as pretty as it is tasty!
Side Dishes
This shrimp is a dream atop a mound of steaming pasta, tossed into garlicky rice, or scattered over salad greens. For a low-carb feast, serve alongside roasted veggies or spiralized zucchini. Crusty bread is never a bad idea—you’ll want to soak up every last bit of garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by threading shrimp on skewers for party-ready bites, or serve them in lettuce cups with a dollop of Greek yogurt and squeeze of lemon. Turn leftovers into the ultimate shrimp tacos, or pile them onto crostini for a quick appetizer. There are endless ways to show off the versatility of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, let them cool to room temperature first, then place in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, ready for salads, wraps, or impromptu snacks.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze cooked shrimp! Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. For best flavor and texture, enjoy your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-cooked magic, pop the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes, just until heated through. A quick reheat ensures they stay plump and don’t get rubbery. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top never hurts, either!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing with the seasonings. Too much moisture will prevent that crisp exterior we all crave.
What size shrimp work best?
Large shrimp (about 21–25 per pound) are ideal for this dish—they’re juicy and cook perfectly in the air fryer without becoming chewy. Medium shrimp work in a pinch but cook them for a minute less.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just air fry in batches so the shrimp aren’t crowded—this is the trick to getting that Parmesan crust on every single piece.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for Parmesan?
If you need to skip the cheese, try nutritional yeast for a similar umami kick and golden finish. The final flavor won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still have delicious garlicky shrimp.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook quickly! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, with tiny golden browned edges. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye and remember they’ll finish cooking a touch after you remove them from the heat.
Final Thoughts
If quick, bold, and crowd-pleasing meals are your thing, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp deserves a spot on your regular dinner lineup. It’s the kind of dish that feels special every time you serve it, with flavor that always gets people asking for seconds. Give it a try—you might just discover your new weeknight favorite!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make dish with this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp coated with garlic, Parmesan, and spices, air-fried to perfection for a crispy finish. A delightful main course that’s quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, add panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
- This shrimp pairs well with pasta, rice, or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
