Crispy on the edges, juicy in the middle, and coated in that golden garlic-butter crust Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp hits different. It’s restaurant-level flavor in ten minutes, no skillet splatter, no oven preheating.
I shot this recipe back in March after testing it four times in one week my kitchen smelled like an Italian coastal bistro. The key is tossing the shrimp right after they come out, while they’re still glistening, so the parmesan sticks instead of sliding off. That little move makes all the difference in the final shot and the flavor.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe Easy and Quick
Enjoy a flavorful, quick, and easy appetizer with this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe. Perfectly cooked shrimp coated in garlic, paprika, and parmesan cheese deliver a deliciously crispy and savory bite every time.
1 teaspoon Paprika adjust based on spice preference
1 teaspoon Salt to taste
1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley for garnish
1 lemon Lemon Wedges for squeezing over shrimp
Method
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or rinse under cold water, then pat dry.
Combine shrimp, garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and toss gently to coat.
Add the grated parmesan cheese on top and mix carefully to distribute evenly.
Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Once done, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for extra zest.
Notes
Make sure shrimp are completely thawed and dried to ensure the best texture. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to achieve crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the kind of dish that looks impressive but takes less time than scrolling through your dinner inspiration saves. The shrimp cook up golden and juicy, with crispy parmesan edges that practically crackle when you bite in.
Fast enough for weeknights: From fridge to table in 20 minutes, including prep.
No skillet mess: Everything happens in the air fryer basket no oil splatter on your stovetop.
Healthy without compromise: High protein, minimal oil, and all that garlicky flavor without heavy cream or butter.
Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, toss over pasta, or pile onto a salad for lunch.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here is straightforward the kind of stuff you can grab on a regular grocery run. Freshly grated parmesan makes a noticeable difference, but the pre-grated kind works in a pinch.
Large shrimp: Look for raw, peeled, and deveined. Frozen works great if you thaw and dry them well.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and keeps the shrimp tender inside.
Fresh garlic: Minced fine so it coats every piece evenly.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts into the shrimp and creates those crispy bits.
Paprika, salt, black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the garlic and cheese shine.
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: Brightness at the end don’t skip the lemon squeeze.
How the Air Fryer Makes It Work
The circulating hot air crisps the parmesan without drying out the shrimp. After years of testing different methods, I’ve found that 400°F and a quick shake halfway through gives you that perfect balance juicy centers with golden, slightly crunchy edges.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. If your shrimp are touching too much, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in two batches if needed it only adds five minutes.
Step
What to Do
Time
Prep
Thaw and dry shrimp, toss with garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, and parmesan
10 min
Preheat
Set air fryer to 400°F
5 min
Cook
Arrange in single layer, shake halfway through
8–10 min
Finish
Garnish with parsley, serve with lemon wedges
1 min
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Getting the shrimp completely dry before tossing them is the secret to crispy parmesan edges. Any moisture left on the surface will steam in the air fryer and make the coating soggy.
Shake halfway: This ensures even browning and prevents sticking.
Watch the clock: Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery fast. Pull them as soon as they’re opaque and pink.
Toss immediately: Right when they come out, give them a gentle toss so the melted parmesan redistributes and clings to every piece.
How to Serve and Store
Serve these hot, straight from the basket, with plenty of lemon wedges for squeezing. They’re fantastic over angel hair pasta, alongside roasted vegetables, or just piled on a plate with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage
Instructions
Duration
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container
Up to 2 days
Reheating
Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness
Freezing
Not recommended shrimp texture suffers
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
If you’re out of parmesan, pecorino romano works beautifully just use a little less since it’s saltier. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
You can also swap the parsley for fresh basil or cilantro depending on what you’re pairing it with. The garlic and lemon are flexible too use garlic powder in a pinch, or swap lemon for lime if you’re going for a more tropical vibe.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp )
What temperature should I cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Cook shrimp at 400°F in your air fryer for the best results. This temperature creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Most shrimp cook in 5-7 minutes depending on size.
How do I prevent the Parmesan from burning?
Use finely grated Parmesan and add it halfway through cooking rather than at the start. If it starts browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 375°F or cover with foil for the remaining time.
Should I thaw frozen shrimp before cooking?
Yes, always thaw shrimp completely before cooking this recipe. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming.
Can I make this recipe with jumbo shrimp?
Absolutely! Jumbo shrimp work wonderfully but need 8-10 minutes cooking time instead of 5-7. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and turn opaque pink throughout.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This meal pairs beautifully with garlic rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caesar salad. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter flavors.
You’ll love how this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp turns out golden, juicy, and packed with flavor in just ten minutes. The parmesan gets crispy without any skillet mess, and that garlicky aroma fills your kitchen like a coastal bistro. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together faster than takeout.
Try serving these over angel hair pasta or alongside roasted asparagus for a complete meal. If you want extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully with the garlic and parmesan. Leftovers reheat perfectly in the air fryer at 350°F for three minutes they’ll crisp right back up. A trick I picked up from years of food styling: that final lemon squeeze right before plating makes everything pop in both flavor and color.
I’d love to see how yours turn out tag me if you snap a photo! Did you serve these as an appetizer or make them the main event? This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends who need a quick, impressive weeknight win. Save it, pin it, and come back whenever you need dinner done right.
