If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with quick and easy cooking, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine succulent shrimp tossed in a rich blend of garlic, melted butter, and olive oil, crisped to perfection in your air fryer, and finished off with a generous sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese. It’s a recipe that’s not only simple to whip up but will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making every bite a celebration of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays an essential role in crafting that perfect balance of richness, zest, and a touch of spice that makes this dish so special. Gathering these few staples will have you ready to create magic in your air fryer.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show—fresh or thawed, these carry the bold garlic and Parmesan flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps coat the shrimp for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brings richness and a velvety texture that makes every bite indulgent.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and pungent, garlic infuses deep flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat that wakes up your palate without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty finish that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of green for visual appeal.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot, ready to give your shrimp that perfect crisp. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This golden garlic butter blend is your shrimp’s flavor hug, making every morsel incredibly tasty.
Step 2: Toss the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, then gently toss to coat each piece in the garlicky, buttery mixture. This step is crucial because it ensures every shrimp will be packed with flavor and cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 3: Arrange Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket
Lay the shrimp out in a single layer in your air fryer basket—crowding can lead to uneven cooking, so if your air fryer is on the smaller side, consider cooking in batches. This attention to even spacing helps each shrimp get that perfect golden sear.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Perfect
Cook the shrimp at 400°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely pink color with just a hint of golden edges. This quick cooking locks in juiciness while providing a little crunch.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp carefully to a serving dish and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, binding those gorgeous flavors together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For the final flourish, sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and freshness. Now your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley is perfect to add a vibrant color and a hint of earthiness that contrasts beautifully with the rich shrimp. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side which brighten the dish and add a tangy brightness that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, zesty arugula salad, or a simple bowl of steamed asparagus. For a more indulgent meal, creamy risotto or buttery pasta tossed with lemon and herbs complements the garlic Parmesan flavors like a dream.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe into a stunning appetizer by skewering the shrimp and serving them with a garlic aioli dip. Another fun idea is to lay the shrimp on toasted baguette slices to make buttery crostinis—perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to cool the shrimp to room temperature before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option. Lay the cooked shrimp out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer without losing quality.
Reheating
To bring your shrimp back to life, warm them gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method keeps them crispy without drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before tossing them in the garlic butter mixture for the best results.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking?
Yes, peeling and deveining ensures a clean, pleasant texture and makes the shrimp easier to eat, especially when serving as finger food or appetizers.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture to give the shrimp a nice kick without overpowering the garlic Parmesan flavors.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, though the air fryer is unbeatable for that crispy finish.
Can this recipe be doubled for larger gatherings?
Yes, just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure every piece cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe will definitely brighten up your weeknight dinners or impress guests when you’re short on time but want to serve something that looks and tastes incredible. With minimal ingredients and such a straightforward method, it’s a user-friendly dish full of flavor and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a go—you might just find yourself craving it time and time again!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe delivers perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a quick and easy seafood dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a weeknight dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the garlic butter marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well to create a flavorful mixture.
- Coat the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss thoroughly in the garlic butter mixture until each piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange shrimp in air fryer basket: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are evenly cooked and develop a slight golden browning.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot shrimp so it melts slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the Parmesan-coated shrimp with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious garlic Parmesan shrimp!
Notes
- For best results, make sure the shrimp are dry before marinating to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- If you prefer less salt, adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if necessary, though fresh is preferable for garnish.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and your specific air fryer model.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, salad, or over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
