Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

The irresistible aroma of buttery garlic and sharp Parmesan wafting through your kitchen is just the beginning when you make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. This delectable appetizer or main dish delivers perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy, flavor-packed coating in just minutes. The air fryer works its magic by creating that coveted golden exterior while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside. You’ll learn how to prepare this restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, transforming humble frozen shrimp into an impressive meal that’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. In just 10 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have succulent shrimp with a satisfying textural contrast—crispy, cheese-coated exteriors giving way to tender, juicy centers with each bite. The combination of fresh garlic and garlic powder creates a depth of flavor that permeates every morsel.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this method uses significantly less oil than traditional frying while still delivering that coveted crispy texture. The air fryer eliminates the need for constant monitoring, meaning you can prepare other components of your meal while your shrimp cooks to perfection.

Perhaps best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an elegant appetizer, toss it with pasta, or add it to a salad for a protein boost. The garlic Parmesan flavor profile is universally appealing, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

Ingredients List for the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

The magic of this dish comes from the perfect balance of high-quality ingredients that create a flavor explosion with minimal effort. The combination of fresh and dried garlic provides depth, while the Parmigiano adds rich umami notes that perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

• 1 bag frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled and deveined (12 oz.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmigiano (Parmesan cheese)

Pro Tips

To elevate your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp from good to extraordinary, focus on these three critical techniques:

First, never skip patting your shrimp dry. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Using paper towels to thoroughly dry the shrimp ensures the seasoning adheres properly and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

Second, arrange your shrimp in a single layer during air frying, even if it means cooking in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than air frying, resulting in soggy rather than crispy shrimp. The extra few minutes for batch cooking are well worth the superior texture.

Finally, for maximum flavor penetration, consider marinating the seasoned shrimp for 15-20 minutes before cooking if time allows. This short rest allows the salt, garlic, and lemon to work their magic, resulting in more flavorful shrimp throughout rather than just on the surface. This step is optional but delivers noticeably better results, especially when serving the dish as a standalone appetizer.

Instructions

Step 1: Pat dry your shrimp with a paper towel and place them in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and cheese to the bowl and mix to coat all the shrimp.

Step 3: Place the shrimp in the air fryer in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook on manual setting, at 360°F for 10 minutes, turning the shrimp over after 5 minutes. Please note If you are using different size shrimp, the cooking time may vary.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy with a cocktail sauce, over pasta, or in a salad!

Variations

The versatility of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp makes it the perfect canvas for creative adaptations. For a spicy twist, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. The heat perfectly complements the garlic and cheese flavors, creating a more complex taste experience.

For a Mediterranean variation, mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil to the seasoning. After cooking, top with diced tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese for a bright, fresh take on this classic dish.

Those following a keto or low-carb diet will be pleased to know this recipe is already compatible with their eating plans. For a gluten-free version, simply ensure your Parmesan cheese doesn’t contain any anti-caking agents with gluten—most high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano is naturally gluten-free.

Storage and Serving

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the exterior is at its crispiest. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F to restore some crispness.

For an elegant appetizer presentation, serve on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, accompanied by a small dish of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast between the savory shrimp and the bright acidity of the sauce creates a balanced flavor profile.

Transform this dish into a complete meal by serving it atop a bed of buttery garlic pasta or creamy risotto. The shrimp also makes an excellent protein addition to a Caesar salad or can be tucked into warm tortillas with slaw for quick garlic shrimp tacos that will elevate your weeknight dinner routine.

FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp works wonderfully in this air fryer garlic Parmesan recipe. Just ensure they’re properly deveined and patted dry before adding the seasonings. The cooking time remains the same.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp (21-30 count per pound) are ideal for this air fryer method. If using jumbo shrimp, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. For smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes and check for doneness.

Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these garlic Parmesan shrimp in a conventional oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. They’ll still be delicious, though slightly less crispy than the air-fried version.

Is pre-shredded Parmesan okay to use?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. For best results, use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, which melts better and provides superior flavor to your air fryer shrimp.

How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent to opaque pink and form a “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked. Always check the thickest part of a shrimp to ensure it’s no longer translucent.

The ease and speed of preparing Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp make it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’re minutes away from enjoying restaurant-quality garlic shrimp that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

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