Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe for Tasty Dinners

Crispy, golden shrimp with garlic parmesan flavor dance beautifully in the air fryer, creating a mouthwatering seafood sensation.

Seafood enthusiasts know how quickly these little gems cook to perfection.

Delicate proteins absorb rich seasonings while maintaining a stunning crunch.

Minimal oil ensures a healthier approach to indulging your protein cravings.

Each bite promises an explosion of savory parmesan and garlic notes that complement the tender shrimp.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality seafood without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.

Dive into this simple yet impressive dish that guarantees smiles around the table.

Why Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Is So Delicious

• Speedy Cooking: Prepare a delicious seafood dish in just minutes with minimal effort and maximum flavor using the air fryer.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these garlic Parmesan shrimp as a standalone appetizer, over pasta, in salads, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce for ultimate meal flexibility.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Skip the messy stovetop cooking and complicated preparations – this recipe requires just one bowl for seasoning and an air fryer basket, making cleanup a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine the rich, savory notes of Parmesan cheese, zesty garlic, and perfectly cooked shrimp to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress family and friends at any gathering.

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the primary protein in this quick and flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat the shrimp and promote even cooking and browning.
• Lemon Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder: Provides a balanced and zesty seasoning profile for the shrimp.
• Minced Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a rich, savory umami taste and helps create a crispy coating.

• Cocktail Sauce, Pasta, Salad: Versatile options that complement the garlic Parmesan shrimp and allow for different meal presentations.

How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Clean And Prepare Shrimp

Remove shells and devein the shrimp carefully. Use paper towels to pat the shrimp completely dry, ensuring no excess moisture remains.

Transfer the cleaned shrimp into a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Flavor Coating

• Olive oil
• Lemon pepper
• Sea salt
• Garlic powder
• Fresh minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Gently toss and massage the ingredients until every shrimp is beautifully coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Arrange In Air Fryer

Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded and have space between them for even cooking.

If you have a large batch, cook in multiple rounds to maintain crispy texture.

Step 4: Cook To Perfection

Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F.

Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, pausing halfway to flip each piece. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and develop a slight golden color with crispy edges.

Step 5: Plate And Serve

Transfer the hot, sizzling shrimp onto a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or as a protein in salads, pasta, or rice dishes.

Tips to Achieve Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Shrimp

• Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming instead of air frying.
• Use fresh garlic for more intense flavor compared to powdered garlic, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Check shrimp doneness by looking for opaque, light pink color and slight curl – overcooking leads to rubbery texture.
• Experiment with different seasonings like cajun spice, herbs de Provence, or red pepper flakes for variety.
• Line air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup and prevent sticking without compromising crispy results.

Variations to Add Interest to Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Variation: Replace lemon pepper and garlic powder with Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor profile that adds kick to the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Style Shrimp: Swap Parmesan cheese with crumbled feta, add dried oregano and use extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-inspired seafood dish.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use almond flour instead of Parmesan cheese to reduce carbs, keeping the protein-rich shrimp as the main ingredient for low-carb dieters.
• Herb-Infused Shrimp: Incorporate fresh chopped parsley, dill, and chives into the seasoning mix for an aromatic and garden-fresh taste experience.

Foods That Pair Wonderfully with Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic and lemon pepper notes in the shrimp, cutting through the richness of Parmesan cheese.
• Create Refreshing Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to balance the savory shrimp and provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the dish.
• Match Mediterranean Pasta: Serve the shrimp over angel hair pasta with a light olive oil and herb dressing, enhancing the garlic and seafood flavors while creating a complete, satisfying meal.

Best Storage Techniques for Air Fryer Shrimp Leftovers

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the shrimp completely to prevent them from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm the shrimp at 320F for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the crispy texture and prevents overcooking.
• Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 15-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure crispy results.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s a mild, garlicky dish. You can add red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

• Do I need to devein the shrimp before cooking?

If the shrimp are already deveined, you can skip this step. If not, remove the dark vein running along the back for better taste and texture.

• Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese with another cheese?

While Parmesan adds a unique flavor, you can use grated romano or asiago cheese as alternatives.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling air fryer garlic parmesan shrimp bring Mediterranean coastal flavors right to your kitchen with incredible speed and simplicity. Crispy, golden shrimp coated in savory parmesan and zesty garlic promise a delightful meal you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

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

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Finishing and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Remove thawed shrimp from packaging and thoroughly blot excess moisture using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
2. Transfer shrimp to a mixing container and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring each piece gets coated evenly.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder, minced garlic, lemon pepper, and salt over the shrimp, then generously dust with Parmesan cheese.
4. Gently toss ingredients until shrimp are uniformly seasoned and glistening.
5. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes.
6. Arrange shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crisp edges.
7. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each shrimp to promote even browning.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and develop a golden exterior.
9. Once cooking completes, immediately transfer shrimp to a serving plate.
10. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
11. Serve hot alongside preferred accompaniments like cocktail sauce, pasta, or fresh salad.

Notes

• Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure crispy exterior and prevent steaming in the air fryer.
• Use fresh garlic instead of powder for more intense, authentic flavor profile and better depth of taste.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper hot air circulation and achieve even golden-brown cooking.
• Swap regular Parmesan for nutritional yeast to create a dairy-free version that maintains a similar umami and cheesy flavor for vegan or lactose-intolerant diners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg