Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

If you’re craving shrimp that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, then look no further than this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Imagine perfectly seasoned shrimp with a golden, crispy crust, all while being healthier and easier to make thanks to the air fryer. Seriously, it doesn’t get better than this! With the savory combination of garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of parsley, every bite is a savory little piece of heaven. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, over pasta, or as part of a light meal, this shrimp is sure to wow you—and anyone lucky enough to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

There’s so much to love about this recipe. Here’s why it’s going to become one of your go-to dishes:

• Quick and Easy: In just 10-12 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp with minimal prep and no babysitting on the stove.
• Healthy and Delicious: Air frying means you get the crispy texture of fried shrimp without the added oil. It’s lighter but still bursting with flavor.
• Full of Flavor: Garlic and Parmesan are a match made in heaven, and when combined with shrimp, they make for an irresistible dish. The shrimp soak up all the savory goodness, making every bite a flavor explosion.
• Versatile: Serve this shrimp over a bed of rice, on top of pasta, or as a snack with a side of dipping sauce. It’s a great option for a light dinner or even a fancy appetizer at your next gathering.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it for meal prepping lunches or dinners. It’s just as tasty the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for these scrumptious shrimp:

• Shrimp: Large or medium shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen works great—just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
• Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil helps the shrimp crisp up in the air fryer.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced. You can never have too much garlic!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the shrimp its rich, savory flavor and golden crust.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to balance out the richness of the cheese.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the shrimp to perfection.
• Lemon Juice: A little squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish to the shrimp.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these crispy, flavorful shrimp:

1. Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them crisp up better in the air fryer. Once they’re dry, place them in a bowl.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating

In a separate small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the garlic-Parmesan mixture until they’re evenly coated. If you like extra cheesy shrimp, feel free to sprinkle on a little more Parmesan!

3. Air Fry the Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, so they cook evenly. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The shrimp should be golden and crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside.

4. Add Finishing Touches

Once the shrimp is cooked, squeeze a little lemon juice over the top and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the garlic Parmesan shrimp on its own, over a bed of rice, or with pasta. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce on the side, like marinara or a tangy aioli.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

This shrimp is so versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Over Pasta: Toss these shrimp with your favorite pasta for a simple but delicious meal.
• On Rice: Serve it over a bed of white or brown rice for a light, flavorful meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer with a side of marinara or garlic butter dipping sauce.
• In Tacos: Add the shrimp to soft tortillas with a squeeze of lime and some fresh veggies for a quick shrimp taco.

Additional Tips

• Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture before seasoning.
• Extra Crispy: If you want the shrimp even crispier, spray them with a light mist of cooking spray before air frying.
• Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap out the parsley for basil for a different flavor profile.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
A1: While you can use pre-cooked shrimp, the air fryer is best for cooking raw shrimp, as it helps them get crispy. Pre-cooked shrimp will just need to be warmed through.

Q2: Can I use other cheese instead of Parmesan?
A2: Absolutely! You can use other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago if you prefer, but Parmesan is the classic choice for its rich, nutty flavor.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Yes! If you’re making a larger batch, just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Q4: Can I freeze these shrimp?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the shrimp after they’re coated in the garlic-Parmesan mixture. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen for a few extra minutes.

Q5: Can I use this recipe with other seafood?
A5: Absolutely! This garlic Parmesan coating works wonderfully with other seafood, like scallops or white fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the seafood.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a game-changer when it comes to quick, flavorful meals. It’s light, crispy, and packed with irresistible garlic and Parmesan goodness. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, on top of pasta, or as a stand-alone dish, it’s bound to become one of your favorite air fryer recipes. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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