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Are you ready to impress your taste buds with a delightful dish? My Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe will transform your dinner into a savory experience. With just a few simple ingredients like large shrimp and garlic, this dish offers big flavor without long prep time. Perfect for busy nights or cozy meals, let’s dive into this easy recipe that will soon become a family favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a deliciously bold flavor that elevates the shrimp.
- Healthy Cooking: Using the air fryer allows you to enjoy crispy shrimp with less oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying.
- Versatile Dish: This garlic Parmesan shrimp can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed into pasta for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
Large shrimp are the star of this dish. They soak up flavors well and cook fast. Use fresh or frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy eating. Olive oil adds richness and helps the garlic flavor shine. Minced garlic gives a strong taste and aroma.
Optional Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Lemon wedges, for serving
Red pepper flakes add heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds color. Lemon wedges provide a zesty touch that complements the shrimp.
Seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper are essential for flavor. They enhance the shrimp and cheese. Grated Parmesan adds a nutty taste and a creamy texture when melted. Use a good quality cheese for the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Mixing garlic oil marinade
Start by taking a mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. If you like heat, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until it all blends well.
Coating the shrimp
Now, add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss the shrimp in the garlic oil mixture. Ensure every shrimp is fully coated. This step adds great flavor.
Air Frying Steps
Preheating the air fryer
Next, turn on your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly.
Cooking duration and technique
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 6-8 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done.
Finishing Touches
Adding Parmesan cheese
Once the shrimp is cooked, take them out of the air fryer. Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. The heat will make the cheese melt slightly.
Garnishing before serving
Finally, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a nice zest to the dish. Enjoy your savory delight!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To cook shrimp well, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This step helps each shrimp cook evenly. If they touch, they may steam instead of fry. A single layer works best.
To check doneness, look for color changes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. You can also cut one in half to check if it is white throughout. Aim for 6-8 minutes at 400°F.
Flavor Enhancements
For extra flavor, try different seasonings. You can add smoked paprika or lemon zest for a twist. If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Start small and adjust to your taste.
You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil. This addition gives a fresh and vibrant taste to the shrimp dish.
Presentation Tips
Serve the shrimp on a large platter. Arrange lemon wedges around the dish for color and flavor. It makes a beautiful and inviting meal.
For plating, sprinkle extra parsley on top of the shrimp. This adds a nice pop of green. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the tasty juices.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry before marinating.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese: For an even melt, you can place the shrimp back in the air fryer for an additional minute after adding the Parmesan cheese.
- Garnishing Ideas: Enhance presentation by adding lemon zest or a sprinkle of lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.

Variations
Different Proteins
You can switch shrimp with chicken for a tasty twist. To do this, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same marinade steps. Cook them in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
If you want a seafood medley, try scallops or fish fillets. Both can add a unique flavor. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the seafood. Fish generally cooks faster than shrimp.
Flavor Variations
You can change the cheese for a new taste. Try feta or mozzarella instead of Parmesan. Each cheese brings a different flavor to the dish.
Adding vegetables can make this meal more colorful and nutritious. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus work well. Just chop them into small pieces and toss them with the shrimp and marinade. They can cook alongside the shrimp in the air fryer.
Dietary Considerations
For a gluten-free meal, make sure your cheese is gluten-free. Most Parmesan cheese is safe, but always check the label.
If you follow a low-carb diet, skip the breadcrumbs and focus on the shrimp and cheese. You can also add more veggies to keep it filling while staying low in carbs.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp fresh, store it properly. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the shrimp to room temperature before sealing. This helps avoid moisture build-up that can lead to sogginess.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 3-5 minutes. This helps keep the shrimp crispy. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
Shelf Life
You can store the shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or a slimy texture. If you see these, it’s best to toss them out. Enjoy your shrimp while they’re fresh for the best flavor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw shrimp, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Change the water if it gets too warm. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight for a slower thaw. This helps keep the shrimp tender and tasty.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Look for key signs when checking shrimp. They should turn pink and opaque. The flesh will also feel firm. If you see a “C” shape, the shrimp may be overcooked. Aim for a “U” shape instead. You can also cut one open to check if it is fully cooked.
What other dips can I serve with this dish?
You have many options for dips. Consider serving with cocktail sauce for a classic taste. A creamy garlic dip pairs well too. You can also try spicy aioli for a kick. Fresh lemon juice adds a nice zing. Choose what you like best!
This post covered how to make tasty air-fried shrimp. We talked about the key ingredients like shrimp, olive oil, and garlic. You learned how to prepare and cook the shrimp, plus tips for serving and storage. Don’t forget, you can change flavors with spices or serve other proteins.
With these steps, you can make a delicious meal. Enjoy the cooking process and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Happy cookin
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
A quick and delicious shrimp dish made in the air fryer, featuring garlic and Parmesan.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for serving Lemon wedges
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated in the garlic oil mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp while they are still hot, allowing it to melt slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve the shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges arranged around it, and sprinkle additional parsley for a pop of color.
Keyword air fryer, garlic, Parmesan, shrimp
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