If you love bold, flavorful seafood that cooks up quickly and leaves your taste buds dancing, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp coated in a luscious blend of garlic, melted butter, and olive oil, then finished with a golden sprinkle of Parmesan that adds just the right touch of savory richness. Cooking the shrimp in the air fryer ensures they turn out perfectly crisp on the outside while staying succulent inside, all in under 10 minutes. It’s an effortless dish that feels fancy but comes together in no time, ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for a shrimp dish bursting with garlic and cheesy goodness. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the aromatic garlic enhancing the flavor, the paprika adding a subtle warmth and color, or the Parmesan lending a savory punch that elevates the entire meal.
- Large shrimp (1 lb/450g): Peeled and deveined shrimp ensure quick cooking and easy eating.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a mild fruity flavor and helps carry the spices.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and a silky texture that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced for pungent, mouthwatering aroma and taste.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Brings a nutty, salty finish that turns this dish irresistible.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons): Used as a fresh, bright garnish for color and a touch of herbal freshness.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to cook the shrimp perfectly. This high temperature locks in moisture quickly, ensuring each shrimp is juicy inside with a slight crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large bowl, stir together olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This mixture is packed with flavor and creates the perfect coating to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss them gently but thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Every piece should be evenly coated to soak up all those delicious seasonings.
Step 4: Arrange Shrimp in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so that each shrimp crisps up evenly. If your air fryer is small, work in batches for best results.
Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp
Cook the shrimp at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. You’ll notice they turn a lovely golden color and curl slightly when they’re done.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Garnish
As soon as the shrimp come out of the air fryer, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them while they’re still hot. The heat melts the cheese slightly, creating a luscious coating. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley not only brighten the plate but also add a subtle herbal note that balances the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors perfectly. A wedge of lemon squeezed just before serving injects a fresh tartness that livens up every bite.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. For lighter options, try a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, which add crunch and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, consider serving the shrimp as a topping for garlic toasted bread for an irresistible shrimp bruschetta. You can also toss the cooked shrimp into a pasta dish with extra Parmesan and herbs or add them to a vibrant grain bowl for a nutritious lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, retaining much of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen shrimp can last up to one month without significant loss of quality.
Reheating
When reheating, use your air fryer again or a hot skillet to warm the shrimp quickly. This method helps maintain their crispy texture better than a microwave, which can make shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing in the garlic butter mixture for the best texture and even cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the shrimp in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, though they won’t have quite the same crispiness you get from an air fryer.
Can I adjust the garlic level in this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount, but remember that garlic is key to the flavor profile here.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish is mildly seasoned with paprika, which adds warmth but not heat. You can spice things up by adding a pinch of chili flakes if you want more kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is truly a game changer if you’re after a quick, delicious, and slightly indulgent seafood dish that doesn’t require a ton of fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights, special occasions, or whenever you crave something impressive but simple. Give it a whirl and watch your taste buds thank you with every single bite!
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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: Seafood
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare succulent shrimp coated in a garlicky butter sauce, perfectly cooked to a golden finish and topped with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Ideal for a fast, delicious meal that highlights bold flavors with minimal effort using the air fryer.
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
Topping and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the shrimp evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss them well in the garlic butter mixture, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated for maximum flavor penetration.
- Arrange the Shrimp: Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation.
- Cook the Shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp should be opaque, cooked through, and lightly golden brown when done.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them while they are hot so the cheese melts slightly and sticks to the shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a delicious and aromatic dish that’s ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook shrimp in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Adjust the garlic quantity if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, shrimp can be cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
