Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

The Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves quick, flavorful seafood that feels fancy but comes together in minutes. This dish bursts with garlicky goodness, the sharp saltiness of Parmesan, and a hint of paprika’s smokiness, all perfectly crisped up thanks to the magic of the air fryer. It’s light yet indulgent, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself to something special without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and perfect texture, while keeping the process straightforward and accessible for all cooks.

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Using raw shrimp ensures they cook perfectly in the air fryer without turning rubbery.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the garlic and spices stick beautifully to the shrimp.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that signature pungent kick; feel free to adjust based on your boldness with garlic.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky depth and beautiful color that makes the shrimp visually irresistible.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the underlying flavors, balancing the richness of the Parmesan.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat to complement the dish without overpowering it.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that melts and crisps on top, giving that addictive cheesy crust.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Used as a fresh herb garnish, it brings brightness and color to the final plate.
• Lemon wedges: Serve on the side to add a zesty punch that cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This warm-up phase ensures that when the shrimp hit the basket, they start cooking immediately, creating a lovely crisp exterior while staying juicy inside.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coating each shrimp evenly will guarantee consistent flavor in every bite of your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp.

Step 3: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp, then gently toss again. This cheese layer will crisp up in the air fryer, creating that irresistible golden crust everyone loves.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked through and beautifully golden, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Transfer them to a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready to enjoy this delightful dish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the perfect simple garnish to add a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that contrasts with the cheesy, garlicky shrimp. Don’t skimp on lemon wedges either—squeezing a little fresh lemon juice right before eating elevates the whole dish and adds a refreshing zing.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a wholesome meal, serve it alongside garlic butter pasta or a simple green salad. Crusty bread is perfect to mop up any cheesy garlic goodness left on the plate. You can also go for roasted veggies or steamed rice to round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a bit fancy or entertaining guests, serve this shrimp dish over creamy polenta or atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, pile the shrimp onto crunchy crostini or toss into warm tortillas for a quick shrimp taco with a parmesan twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep wonderfully for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick seafood fix later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to store the shrimp longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly frozen, your shrimp can last about 2 months. Just be aware that texture may slightly change after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method helps maintain that crispy crust while warming the shrimp evenly without turning them rubbery like microwaving might.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

It’s best to start with fresh or fully thawed raw shrimp. Using frozen shrimp without properly thawing them will affect cooking time and texture, potentially resulting in unevenly cooked or rubbery shrimp.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can achieve similar results by roasting the shrimp on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Can I adjust the amount of garlic or cheese?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to add more garlic if you love a pungent kick or go lighter if you prefer subtle flavors. The Parmesan can also be adjusted based on your desired level of cheesiness.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, the paprika adds warmth and a subtle smokiness but not heat. If you want some spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn opaque and pink when cooked. In the air fryer, the cooking time is short, so they’ll be done in about 6 to 8 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe. It’s quick, simple, and packed with bold, delicious flavors that never fail to impress. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, this dish brings a touch of gourmet into your kitchen with minimal effort. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite seafood go-to!

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