Crispy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe transforms humble seafood into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes. The crispy exterior gives way to perfectly tender shrimp, while the garlic and Parmesan create an irresistible flavor combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I discovered this recipe when my oven broke during a dinner party. My trusty air fryer saved the evening, and these garlicky shrimp have become my most requested dish when friends come over.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Select raw shrimp with the tails on for better handling and presentation. Avoid precooked shrimp as they will become tough.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile.
• 4 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic provides significantly better flavor than jarred alternatives. Adjust quantity based on your garlic preference.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Regular paprika works well, but smoked paprika adds an extra dimension of flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Kosher or sea salt is preferable to table salt for more controlled seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground provides the most aromatic experience.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Opt for freshly grated rather than prepackaged for better melting and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped. This brightens the dish both visually and flavor wise.
• Lemon wedges for serving: The acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the seafood flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to heat for a full 5 minutes. A properly preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden exterior without overcooking the shrimp.

Season The Shrimp:

In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Add the minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then toss thoroughly. Take your time with this step to guarantee the seasonings are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

Add The Parmesan Coating:

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned shrimp and gently toss. The cheese should adhere to the oil-coated shrimp, creating a light coating that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Be careful not to break or damage the shrimp during this process.

Prepare The Air Fryer Basket:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as the melting cheese can otherwise create a difficult cleanup situation. A light coating is sufficient.

Arrange And Cook The Shrimp:

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Cooking in batches if necessary ensures proper air circulation around each piece. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point to promote even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink, slightly curled, and the cheese coating becomes golden brown.

Serve And Garnish:

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter immediately after removing from the air fryer. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Arrange lemon wedges around the plate to squeeze over the shrimp just before eating.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the garlic hits the hot air fryer and the aroma fills my kitchen. It brings back memories of summers in coastal Italy where I first fell in love with the simplicity of seafood prepared with quality ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile shrimp dish pairs beautifully with numerous accompaniments. For a complete meal, serve over angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and a touch of the same seasonings. The delicate pasta complements without overwhelming the shrimp flavor. Alternatively, a crisp Caesar salad provides textural contrast and complements the Parmesan notes in the dish.

Storage And Reheating

While best enjoyed immediately, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, the air fryer again proves superior to a microwave. A quick 2 minute reheat at 350°F restores much of the original texture without overcooking the shrimp. Avoid freezing this dish as both the texture of the shrimp and the quality of the coating will deteriorate significantly.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes several adaptations to suit dietary needs or pantry limitations. For a dairy free version, nutritional yeast provides a similar umami quality in place of Parmesan. Those watching sodium can reduce salt and use part skim mozzarella which has less natural salt than Parmesan. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the initial seasoning mix or substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika to add depth without heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It's best to use raw shrimp as pre-cooked ones may overcook and become rubbery.

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the air fryer?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil before placing the shrimp.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with pasta, a fresh green salad, or serve it as an appetizer with lemon wedges.

→ Can I adjust the amount of garlic?

Yes, you can modify the garlic quantity to suit your taste preference.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer.