Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe: Crispy Magic in Minutes

Succulent garlic parmesan shrimp refine ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

These delectable morsels promise a restaurant-quality dish without complex cooking techniques.

The air fryer works magic, creating crispy exteriors while maintaining tender, juicy interiors.

Perfectly seasoned shrimp emerge golden and irresistible, inviting food lovers to savor each delightful bite.

Minimal ingredients and rapid preparation make this recipe a weeknight game-changer for busy home cooks.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the elegant yet uncomplicated approach to elevating simple shrimp.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, offering a sophisticated twist on classic comfort food.

Golden Shrimp with a Garlic Parmesan Kick

  • Rapid Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon creates an incredible taste profile that transforms simple shrimp into a gourmet dish in minutes.
  • Effortless Cooking Technique: Air frying delivers perfectly crispy shrimp without excess oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying while maintaining a delightful golden exterior.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: From preparation to plate, this recipe takes just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy professionals or families wanting a delicious seafood meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Versatile Serving Options: These garlic Parmesan shrimp can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or salad topping, offering flexibility for different meal preferences and occasions.

Your Air Fryer Shrimp Ingredient Lineup

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, best when thawed completely and patted dry for crispy texture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Helps coat shrimp and adds bright, tangy flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances natural shrimp taste.
  • Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic garlic flavor from two different forms.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty umami notes and creates crispy exterior when air fried.
Optional Serving Suggestions:
  • Cocktail Sauce: Traditional dipping sauce for shrimp.
  • Pasta: Complementary base for serving shrimp.
  • Salad: Light option for incorporating cooked shrimp.

Cooking Crunchy Shrimp in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Pat thawed shrimp dry using paper towels. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

Add the following ingredients to the bowl:
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Minced garlic
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese

Gently mix until shrimp are completely coated with seasonings.

Step 3: Arrange In Air Fryer

Spread shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in multiple batches if necessary.

Step 4: Cook To Perfection

Set air fryer temperature to 360°F (180°C). Cook for 10 minutes total.

At 5-minute mark, carefully flip shrimp to ensure even browning.

Note: Cooking duration might slightly vary based on shrimp size.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Remove shrimp when golden and crispy. Plate immediately.

Serving suggestions:
  • Pair with cocktail sauce
  • Serve over pasta
  • Toss in fresh salad
  • Enjoy as appetizer or main course

Expert Tricks for Juicy, Flavorful Shrimp

  • Ensure Maximum Flavor: Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to help spices and cheese adhere perfectly and create a crispy exterior.
  • Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange shrimp in a single layer without touching to guarantee even cooking and achieve that golden, crispy texture.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Look for a golden color and slightly curled shape- signs that shrimp are perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
  • Customize Seasoning: Experiment with additional herbs like parsley or red pepper flakes to personalize the flavor profile of your shrimp.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy shrimp right after cooking to maintain their crispy coating and optimal temperature for the best taste and texture.

Keep Shrimp Crisp with Smart Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in Air Fryer: Warm shrimp at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through to maintain crispiness and prevent overcooking.
  • Microwave Alternative: Heat in short 15-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent rubbery texture. Best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

Side Dishes That Complete Your Shrimp Feast

  • Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair the garlic Parmesan shrimp with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's zesty and rich flavors, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
  • Create a Mediterranean Salad Companion: Toss the shrimp over a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a light, vibrant meal that enhances the seafood's delicate texture.
  • Match with Buttery Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious seasoning and provide a crunchy contrast to the tender, crispy shrimp, creating a satisfying culinary experience.
  • Brighten with Citrus Coleslaw: Prepare a tangy lemon-dressed coleslaw that adds a refreshing crunch and zesty flavor profile, perfectly balancing the rich, garlicky shrimp and cutting through its robust seasoning.

Give Your Shrimp a Flavor Makeover

  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap garlic powder with dried oregano, thyme, and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese before serving to enhance the regional taste.
  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace Parmesan with Cajun seasoning blend, incorporating paprika, cayenne, and dried herbs. Serve with a zesty remoulade sauce for an extra punch of heat and complexity.
  • Coconut Curry Fusion: Substitute olive oil with coconut milk and add mild curry powder to the seasoning mix. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve over steamed jasmine rice for a tropical-inspired dish.
  • Lemon Pepper Zest: Increase lemon juice quantity and mix in freshly ground black pepper. Top with lemon zest and chopped parsley just before serving to brighten the overall flavor profile.
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent shrimp dazzle with crispy garlic parmesan coating straight from the air fryer. Quick and elegant coastal flavors mingle in this irresistible dish you’ll crave after the first delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled, and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic

Liquid and Cheese:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup fresh shredded Parmigiano Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blot excess moisture from thawed shrimp using clean paper towels, transferring them into a spacious mixing vessel.
  2. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the seafood, then generously sprinkle garlic powder, introduce minced garlic, and dust with shredded Parmesan cheese.
  3. Gently massage the seasonings into the shrimp, ensuring each morsel becomes thoroughly coated with the aromatic mixture.
  4. Carefully distribute the seasoned shrimp across the air fryer basket, creating a uniform single layer without overcrowding the cooking surface.
  5. Configure the air fryer to 360°F, allowing the shrimp to crisp and cook for approximately 10 minutes, rotating them midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform golden browning.
  6. Monitor the shrimp closely during the final cooking minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue and slight crispiness that indicates perfect doneness.
  7. Immediately transfer the succulent, fragrant shrimp from the air fryer, presenting them alongside complementary accompaniments like zesty cocktail sauce, al dente pasta, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

  • Dry shrimp thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture in the air fryer.
  • Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most vibrant and rich flavor profile.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each shrimp cooks evenly and develops a perfect golden-brown exterior.
  • Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size – smaller shrimp will cook faster, while larger ones might need an extra minute or two.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal crispy texture and maintain the shrimp’s succulent interior.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like parsley or basil for an extra layer of aromatic freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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