Introduction

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and completely delicious, this Parmesan Baked Shrimp is about to become your go-to recipe. It’s buttery, garlicky, golden on top, and packed with flavor—basically everything you want from a seafood dish, minus the hassle.

Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner for the family or want something impressive without the stress for guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple enough for beginners but tasty enough that even seasoned home cooks will want to keep it in their back pocket.

The best part? It all comes together in just minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Let’s dive in—you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

Key Benefits

There’s so much to love about this dish, but let’s start with the obvious—it’s incredibly easy to make. You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, and you won’t need a sink full of dishes to do it.

The shrimp cook up tender and juicy under a crispy, cheesy topping that’s full of garlicky goodness. And because it’s baked, there’s no standing over a stove or dealing with messy oil.

It also scales beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this recipe adapts without stress.

Suitable For

This recipe is perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners when you’re short on time

• Date nights at home when you want something special but simple

• Entertaining guests without breaking a sweat

• Anyone eating low-carb (just skip the breadcrumbs)

• Families—yes, even picky eaters tend to love this one

Ingredients for Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Core Ingredients

Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Shrimp – Use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating.

• Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps everything crisp up in the oven.

• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is key here; it brings bold flavor to the party.

• Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty crunch that gets beautifully golden in the oven.

• Breadcrumbs – Optional, but they add a wonderful texture to the topping.

• Paprika – For a little warmth and color.

• Salt and Pepper – Because every good recipe starts with seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley – For a pop of freshness and color right before serving.

• Lemon Wedges – Squeeze over the shrimp just before serving for a bright, tangy finish.

Substitutions and Tips

• No breadcrumbs? No problem. You can skip them entirely for a gluten-free or low-carb version, or try crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a crunchy alternative.

• No fresh garlic? Garlic powder works in a pinch—use about ½ teaspoon.

• Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.

• Don’t have Parmesan? Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago, but keep in mind they’re saltier, so adjust your seasoning.

• Butter fan? Swap half the olive oil for melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor.

Feel free to tweak the ingredient amounts to suit your taste—this recipe is wonderfully forgiving and encourages a bit of creativity.

Best Shrimp for Parmesan Baked Shrimp

The shrimp are the star of this show, so it’s worth knowing what works best.

• Size Matters: Go for large or extra-large shrimp (about 21–30 per pound). They stay juicy and don’t overcook too quickly.

• Fresh vs. Frozen: Either works! If using frozen, just thaw completely and pat them dry before baking.

• Tails On or Off: Tails on look beautiful if you’re serving this at a dinner party. Tails off make it easier to eat with a fork—perfect for casual dinners.

Also, always look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time. You want to spend your time enjoying dinner, not fiddling with shells.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

This recipe is refreshingly low-effort when it comes to equipment. Here’s what you need:

• Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Dish – Either works. Lining with parchment paper makes cleanup even easier.

• Mixing Bowl – For seasoning the shrimp.

• Measuring Spoons – For accurate seasoning (especially helpful the first time you make it).

• Knife and Cutting Board – For mincing the garlic and parsley.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Microplane or Fine Grater – Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns beautifully.

• Silicone Brush – To evenly distribute oil or melted butter, if you choose to use it.

• Air Fryer – Great for a crispier, faster version. We’ll cover that option later in the recipe.

How to Make Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Making this Parmesan Baked Shrimp is as easy as tossing a few ingredients together and popping them into the oven. Seriously—this is the kind of recipe that turns even a hectic weeknight into a cozy, delicious dinner moment. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have golden, garlicky shrimp ready in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives the shrimp a nice, hot environment to cook quickly and develop that golden, cheesy topping.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease a baking dish if that’s what you have on hand. Either option works—just make sure the shrimp can lay flat in a single layer.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good toss so that each shrimp is well coated.

Here’s a tip: if your shrimp are still a little wet after thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps the oil and spices stick better and keeps the shrimp from steaming in the oven.

Step 3: Add the Cheesy Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs (if using). You can add a little extra seasoning here if you like—maybe a pinch of garlic powder or some Italian herbs.

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp. Don’t worry if some of it lands between the shrimp. It’ll all crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your seasoned and topped shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet or dish. Try not to overlap them—you want every piece to get that golden crunch.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the topping is lightly golden.

Want a little extra crispiness? Turn on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes and keep a close eye on it. That final blast of heat gives the topping a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve them with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze a bit of bright citrus over their plate.

That’s it—dinner’s ready!

Tips for Success

This recipe is hard to mess up, but here are a few extra tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need about 10 minutes in the oven. Once they’re pink and firm, they’re done.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts and browns better than the pre-shredded kind, which often contains anti-caking agents.

• Dry the shrimp. Excess water can make the topping soggy instead of crisp.

• Customize the seasoning. Add a little Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or red pepper flakes if you want to change things up.

• Let it rest for a minute. Just a short rest before serving helps everything settle and makes the flavors even better.

How to Store Parmesan Baked Shrimp

If you somehow have leftovers (it happens), don’t worry—this dish reheats beautifully.

At Room Temperature

Don’t leave the shrimp out for more than two hours. Seafood is delicate and best stored promptly after eating.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes for a crispier finish.

Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make shrimp rubbery.

Freezing Tips

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the shrimp raw with the seasoning and topping already added. When you’re ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cooked shrimp can be frozen too, but they may lose a bit of texture when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps them roast instead of steam.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for dinner parties or meal prep.

Is there a low-carb version?

Yes—just skip the breadcrumbs or replace them with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. The cheesy garlic flavor still shines through.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

You sure can. Scroll down to the next section for the full air fryer method—it’s even faster and extra crispy.

Air Fryer Version of Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Short on time or love that air-fried crunch? This method is for you.

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

• Season and top your shrimp just like in the original method.

• Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, cook in batches.

• Air fry for 8–10 minutes, checking at the 7-minute mark.

• No need to flip them—just make sure they’re cooked through and golden on top.

The air fryer method is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and fast.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Parmesan Baked Shrimp, you might enjoy these flavorful dishes from RecipeSeasys:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.

• Savory Steak Bites and Shrimp in Butter Soy Glaze – A surf-and-turf dinner dream.

• Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo – Rich, creamy, and perfect for pasta lovers.

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – A luxurious dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A great alternative if you’re out of shrimp.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t demand a lot from you. It’s cozy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—just the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether you stick to the classic oven version or try it in the air fryer, the results are golden, garlicky, and sure to be a hit.

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