Crispy, juicy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp—ready in minutes! A savory, low-effort recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or appetizer spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are not just simple – they’re carefully chosen for how brilliantly they all work together. Every item adds its own flair, contributing to the fabulous flavor, tempting aroma, and gorgeous color of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. With just a quick trip to the grocery store (or maybe even your pantry), you’ll be well on your way.
- Large shrimp: The star of this show, peeled and deveined for easy eating and maximum flavor absorption.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp up the shrimp in the air fryer and carries those delicious seasonings to every crevice.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a bold aroma that’s absolutely essential in this dish — don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for the best melt and coating, delivering that crave-worthy savory finish.
- Paprika: Adds a pop of color and a subtle smoky warmth that makes the shrimp truly special.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Lends a touch of heat and a bit of bite to balance the cheesy, garlicky goodness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brightens up the final look and adds a hint of freshness.
- Lemon wedges: Squeeze on top for a citrusy zing that makes the shrimp even more irresistible.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you get the shrimp ready. A hot air fryer ensures the shrimp start cooking right away, locking in juiciness and achieving that gorgeous golden crisp exterior.
Step 2: Toss Shrimp with Flavor
In a large bowl, combine your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until every shrimp is beautifully coated — the cheese and spices should cling to each piece, promising a flavor-packed result.
Step 3: Arrange Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Lay the seasoned shrimp out in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd; you want the hot air to circulate, ensuring a crisp finish. If necessary, work in batches for the best results with this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the shrimp for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them — you’re looking for a golden color and slightly crisp edges. The shrimp will turn opaque and pink, signaling they’re done (and ready to devour!).
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a platter and, if you like, scatter chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, letting your guests squeeze on as much bright citrus as they love.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a simple garnish! Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp shines brightest with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or even extra parmesan right before serving. A squeeze of lemon right on the plate brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony and adds a hint of elegance to your dish.
Side Dishes
This shrimp is so versatile when it comes to sides. For a hearty meal, serve over buttery rice, light pasta, or alongside a crisp green salad. Garlic bread is always a hit, soaking up every delicious bit, while roasted veggies or steamed asparagus add beautiful color and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the plate: pile Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp on skewers for a party platter, tuck them into tacos with fresh slaw, or top a Caesar salad for serious wow factor. For an easy appetizer, arrange them on a big board with lemon wedges and toothpicks for grabbing and dipping. However you serve them, they disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp (which doesn’t happen often!), simply let them cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days, making them great for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating — this helps preserve their flavor and texture.
Reheating
For best results, pop the shrimp back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 2–3 minutes, just until heated through. This keeps them crisp and juicy. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, but avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mixing with the seasonings and cheese. This helps the coating stick and the shrimp cook evenly in the air fryer.
What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and are easy to handle, but medium shrimp also work — just keep a close eye on cooking time, as they may be ready a minute or two earlier.
Can I make this dairy-free?
While parmesan cheese is classic, you can try a dairy-free cheese alternative or even leave out the cheese altogether and up the garlic and paprika for plenty of flavor — it will still be delicious!
Do I need to flip the shrimp halfway through?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures that each side gets beautifully crisp and that the shrimp cook evenly. It’s worth that quick pause in the middle!
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp will turn pink and opaque with a light golden crust from the cheese. They shouldn’t curl into tight circles (that means they’re overcooked) — just a gentle C shape is perfect for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp.
Final Thoughts
You’re officially ready to make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp a new favorite at your table. With outrageous flavor, quick prep, and endless ways to serve, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create sensational results. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more — trust me!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe transforms juicy shrimp into a crave-worthy appetizer or main dish. Each bite is loaded with savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and a touch of paprika for depth. Quick to make in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, entertaining, or a healthy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish & Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to come to temperature while you prep the shrimp for best results.
- Prepare the Shrimp – In a large bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every shrimp is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer – Place the coated shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd—work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Shrimp – Air fry for 8–10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and carefully flip the shrimp for even browning. The shrimp are done when they’re golden, slightly crisp, and opaque in the center.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove the hot shrimp to a plate, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- For best results, pat shrimp dry before tossing with oil and seasonings to prevent excess moisture.
- Make sure shrimp are arranged in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness.
- You can double the recipe, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
- This shrimp is great over salads, pasta, rice bowls, or served on its own as an appetizer.
- If you like extra zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the coating mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg