Shrimp night just got a major upgrade. If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and impressively easy way to whip up something crowd-pleasing, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is the one to beat. Picture juicy shrimp coated in garlicky, cheesy goodness with a subtle kick from paprika and red pepper flakes, all crisped to perfection in your air fryer. No splattering oil, no complicated prep—just real, delicious food that’s ready in minutes.

This recipe isn’t just weeknight-friendly; it’s also perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you need something fancy-ish but don’t want to break a sweat. From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with none of the fuss. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

There’s a lot to love about this recipe, but here are the highlights:

• Quick & Easy: It’s ready in under 15 minutes. Really.

• Healthier Than Fried: Air frying cuts the oil without sacrificing crispiness.

• Big on Flavor: Garlic, Parmesan, and spices pack every bite.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday night.

• Versatile: Serve it over salad, pasta, rice, or just with a squeeze of lemon.

Suitable For

This recipe works for just about everyone. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or impressing seafood lovers, it’s a winner.

• Busy home cooks who want something quick but satisfying.

• Low-carb or keto followers looking for a protein-packed option.

• Entertainers needing a finger food or light appetizer.

• Seafood fans who appreciate the simple brilliance of shrimp done right.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this dish to life. The ingredient list is refreshingly short but packed with flavor.

Core Ingredients

• Large shrimp (about 1 lb, peeled and deveined): Raw shrimp is best here for texture and flavor.

• Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons): Your choice—olive oil for a lighter finish, butter for richness.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh is best for that punchy aroma.

• Salt & black pepper (½ teaspoon each): Classic seasonings that let the other flavors shine.

• Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm color and subtle smoky depth.

• Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick.

• Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a salty, cheesy crust.

• Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): For a burst of freshness at the end.

• Lemon wedges: Essential for brightness—don’t skip the squeeze.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to tweak the recipe? No problem. Here are some flexible swaps and tips to make it your own:

• No fresh garlic? Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead, but fresh will give you the best flavor.

• Butter vs. oil: Butter adds more richness; olive oil keeps it light. Both are great—choose based on your mood.

• Add crunch: Mix in a tablespoon or two of panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan if you want extra crisp.

• Frozen shrimp? Totally fine. Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to avoid a soggy finish.

Best Shrimp for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Not all shrimp are created equal. For this recipe, large raw shrimp are your best bet. Here’s why:

• Raw over pre-cooked: Pre-cooked shrimp can turn rubbery when reheated. Raw shrimp cook up juicy and flavorful.

• Size matters: Look for “large” or “jumbo” shrimp—usually about 16–20 per pound. They hold up well to air frying.

• Tail-on or off? Your call. Tail-on looks prettier and adds a little extra flavor, but if convenience is king, tail-off works fine too.

A quick note: If you’re peeling and deveining yourself, it’s worth the extra few minutes. You’ll get cleaner-tasting, better-textured shrimp.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish, but a few basics will set you up for success.

Must-Have Tools

• Air fryer: Any basket-style or oven-style model will work. Just adjust cook times slightly based on size.

• Mixing bowls: For tossing the shrimp with seasoning and cheese.

• Tongs or spatula: To flip or shake the shrimp halfway through.

• Measuring spoons: Precision helps keep the flavor balance right.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Garlic press: Speeds up prep if you’re working with fresh garlic.

• Silicone air fryer liner: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

• Citrus zester: Want to add a little lemon zest over the finished shrimp? This is your tool.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Making this recipe is as easy as tossing a few ingredients together and letting your air fryer work its magic. It’s perfect for busy nights, impromptu dinners, or whenever you’re craving something a little indulgent without the effort. Let’s break it down step by step—you’ve got this.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating helps the shrimp cook evenly and gives them that slightly crispy, golden edge. Just set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for about 3 minutes. If your model preheats automatically, great. If not, this step makes a real difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil (or melted butter if you want extra richness), minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until the shrimp are well-coated. The spices should cling to every little curve of the shrimp—this is where the flavor magic starts.

Pro tip: Make sure your shrimp are patted dry before seasoning. Too much moisture can prevent that beautiful crust from forming.

Step 3: Add the Parmesan

Now comes the cheesy part. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the shrimp and toss again. The cheese won’t just melt—it will crisp up into a golden coating in the air fryer, giving the shrimp their signature texture and savory depth.

Optional but awesome: For an extra-crunchy bite, stir in a tablespoon or two of panko breadcrumbs with the cheese.

Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in two batches. It’s important not to overcrowd them—they need space to cook evenly and get a little crispy around the edges.

Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the shrimp halfway through. They’re done when they turn opaque and slightly pink, with a lightly golden crust.

Reminder: Every air fryer is a little different. If it’s your first time, check around the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top right before eating. That hit of citrus brings everything together in the best way.

Serving Ideas:
These shrimp are incredibly versatile. Try them over pasta with a drizzle of olive oil, tuck them into a taco with slaw, or pile them onto a green salad. They’re also perfect with crusty bread to soak up all the garlicky bits left behind.

Tips for Success

Every cook has their tricks—here are a few that make this recipe a guaranteed win:

• Use raw shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp tend to get rubbery when reheated. Start with raw for the best texture.

• Dry the shrimp first: Excess moisture makes it harder to get that golden crust.

• Don’t skip the shake: Shaking or flipping the shrimp halfway through air frying ensures even cooking.

• Add crunch when you want it: Panko breadcrumbs give you that extra crispy finish, almost like a fried shrimp vibe—without the oil.

• Work in batches if needed: Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping. Give them room to breathe in the basket.

How to Store Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Let’s be honest: these shrimp rarely last long enough to make it to leftovers. But if you’re lucky enough to have extras, here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty.

At Room Temperature

Because this is a seafood dish, it’s best not to let the shrimp sit out for more than 2 hours. If they’ve been out longer, it’s safest to discard them.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F to bring back that crispy edge. Avoid microwaving—they’ll steam and lose their bite.

Freezing Tips

Want to meal prep? You can freeze raw, seasoned shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.

Cooked shrimp can also be frozen, but texture might change slightly. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. This helps everything stick better and prevents excess moisture in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries—you can still make this in a convection or regular oven. Use a wire rack over a baking sheet, bake at 425°F, and flip halfway through until the shrimp are cooked and golden.

Can I make it spicier?

Definitely. Add more red pepper flakes or even a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to the spice mix. You can also toss in hot sauce or sriracha before air frying for extra heat.

What can I serve this with?

The options are endless. Try serving it over:

• Garlic butter noodles

• A bed of lemony arugula

• Roasted veggies or zoodles

• A toasted baguette or garlic bread

It’s also a fantastic addition to tacos or grain bowls.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe, you might enjoy these flavorful dishes from RecipeSeasys:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Rich, comforting pasta with a garlicky kick.

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Shrimp and pasta in a luscious garlic cream sauce.

• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – A fun twist with the same flavor profile.

• Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake – Baked pasta with shrimp, garlic, and herbs.

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – Easy wraps packed with cheesy-garlic flavor.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly simple. The garlic, the cheese, the crispy edges—it all comes together in a dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

So the next time you’re wondering what to make with that bag of shrimp in the freezer, give this recipe a try. It’s quick, reliable, and guaranteed to make you look like a kitchen rockstar.

And don’t forget—share your results! Snap a photo, leave a comment, or pass the recipe along to someone who needs a new go-to favorite.

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