Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need something impressive but have zero time to spare. Ready in just 15 minutes, these succulent shrimp deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.

I first created this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something quick yet special for an impromptu dinner with friends. The combination of crispy exterior and juicy shrimp interior impressed everyone so much that it's now requested at nearly every gathering.

• Frozen shrimp 12 oz bag: thawed, shelled and deveined for convenience and faster cooking
• Olive oil 1 tablespoon: creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the shrimp moist
• Lemon juice 1 tablespoon: brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness
• Salt 1/2 teaspoon: enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp
• Ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon: adds a pleasant bite that complements the garlic
• Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon: provides even garlic distribution throughout
• Minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon: gives bursts of fresh garlic flavor and aroma
• Fresh shredded Parmigiano Parmesan 1/2 cup: creates that irresistible umami crust

How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Prepare the shrimp:

Pat dry your thawed shrimp thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This crucial step ensures your shrimp gets crispy rather than steaming in the air fryer. Place the dried shrimp in a medium mixing bowl large enough to toss ingredients without overcrowding.

Create the coating:

Add olive oil and lemon juice to the bowl first, then sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced garlic. Finally, add the freshly shredded Parmesan. Gently toss everything together until each shrimp is evenly coated with the garlic Parmesan mixture. The oil helps the seasonings and cheese adhere to the shrimp.

Air fry to perfection:

Arrange the coated shrimp in your air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overlap them. If your air fryer is small, work in batches rather than crowding. Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 5 minutes. Then use tongs to carefully flip each shrimp over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they turn pink and slightly crispy on the edges.

Serve immediately:

Transfer the hot shrimp to a serving plate and enjoy right away for maximum flavor and texture. These versatile shrimp pair beautifully with cocktail sauce as an appetizer, tossed with pasta for a main dish, or scattered over a crisp salad for a lighter option.

My absolute favorite way to enjoy these shrimp is tossed with a simple angel hair pasta with olive oil and fresh herbs. The combination reminds me of a dish my grandmother used to make when we visited her coastal home in summer, though her version required far more time and effort than this quick air fryer method.

Storage and Reheating

While these shrimp are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this will make the shrimp rubbery and cause the Parmesan coating to lose its crispy texture.

Perfect Pairings

These versatile shrimp work beautifully in multiple meal contexts. For a light lunch, scatter them over a Caesar salad. For dinner, serve alongside roasted asparagus and garlic bread. They also make excellent appetizers for entertaining when served with toothpicks and a lemony aioli dipping sauce.

Customizing Your Flavor Profile

The basic recipe provides a wonderful foundation that you can easily customize to your taste preferences. For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. For an herbal note, incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley. You can also substitute the Parmesan with Romano cheese for a stronger flavor profile.

Shrimp Selection Guide

The quality of your shrimp significantly impacts the final dish. Look for shrimp that smell fresh with no ammonia odor. Frozen shrimp are often fresher than "fresh" shrimp at the seafood counter as most shrimp are frozen shortly after catching. Size matters less than quality, though medium to large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) offer the best texture for this recipe.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp without thawing?

It's best to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking. Thawed shrimp cook more evenly and absorb flavors better. You can quickly thaw shrimp by placing them in a colander under cold running water for 5-7 minutes, or transfer to the refrigerator overnight.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Properly cooked shrimp turn pink, opaque, and form a 'C' shape. If they curl into a tight 'O' shape, they may be overcooked. For medium shrimp, 10 minutes at 360°F is typically sufficient, but you may need to adjust timing for different sizes.

→ Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other hard, aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will work well with the garlic and lemon in this dish.

→ What sides pair well with garlic Parmesan shrimp?

This shrimp pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta, risotto, or crusty bread. For lighter options, serve with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or cauliflower rice. The garlic and Parmesan flavors complement many side dishes.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes or microwave on 50% power until just warm. Be careful not to overcook when reheating as shrimp can become tough.

→ Can I make this dish without an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can sauté the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Alternatively, bake on a sheet pan at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.