Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe Easy and Quick

Golden shrimp coated in melted butter, sharp Parmesan, and roasted garlicall done in less time than it takes to set the table. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp delivers that crispy-edged, restaurant-quality texture without turning on your oven or standing over a skillet.

I started testing this back in spring 2019 when a reader asked if shrimp could really crisp up in an air fryer without drying out. The secret turned out to be a light coating of melted butter mixed with grated cheeseit forms this incredible golden crust while keeping everything tender inside. After tweaking the temperature three times, I landed on 400°F for exactly 8 minutes, and now it’s one of my most-made weeknight dinners.

Olivia Farnsworth

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe Easy and Quick

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe. Bursting with garlicky flavor and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this dish makes a perfect appetizer or light meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an effortless way to savor gourmet taste at home.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Large Shrimp raw, peeled, and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil high-quality
• 3 cloves Garlic fresh minced
• 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

 

1. If using frozen shrimp, defrost them thoroughly either overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold water, then pat dry.
2. In a big bowl, mix shrimp with minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Add the grated parmesan cheese and toss again to make sure it spreads well among the shrimp.
4. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for around 5 minutes.
5. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the shrimp look opaque and lightly browned.
6. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cooked shrimp and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an added zing.

Notes

• Make sure shrimp are fully thawed and dried to ensure crispiness. Avoid stacking shrimp in the air fryer to get the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is shrimp the way it should be: golden on the edges, tender in the center, and packed with garlicky, cheesy flavor. The air fryer does all the work while you toss together a salad or set the tableno hot oil, no splatters, just perfect results in under 20 minutes.

• Crispy without frying: The parmesan forms a light crust that clings to every bite, and the olive oil keeps things moist without feeling greasy.
• Weeknight-friendly: From thawing to plating, you’re looking at 20 minutes totalincluding preheat time.
• Protein-packed and balanced: Each serving delivers 25 grams of protein with just 2 grams of carbs, so it fits beautifully into any balanced eating plan.
• Fancy enough for company: Serve these with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, and your family will think you spent an hour on dinner.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything here is straightforward and easy to find at your regular grocery store. I keep most of these staples on hand, so this recipe comes together anytime a shrimp craving hits.

• Large shrimp: Look for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimpfrozen works beautifully as long as you thaw and pat them completely dry first.
• Olive oil: A high-quality bottle makes a difference here since it coats the shrimp and carries all that garlic and paprika flavor.
• Fresh garlic: Minced cloves bring that roasted, mellow sweetness the air fryer amplifies so well.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts and crisps better than pre-shredded; it’s worth the extra two minutes with a grater.
• Paprika, salt, and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let the shrimp and cheese shine without overwhelming anything.
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: Brightness and color that make the whole dish feel restaurant-special.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic

The secret to Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is the high heat circulating around every piece, crisping the cheese coating while keeping the shrimp juicy inside. When you toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan before cooking, the cheese melts into a golden crust instead of clumping or falling off.

Shaking the basket halfway through ensures even browning on all sidessomething that’s tricky to achieve in a skillet without flipping each shrimp individually. I preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F, which gives you that immediate sear the moment the shrimp hit the basket.

Simple Swaps and Tweaks

This recipe is forgiving and easy to adjust based on what you have in the fridge or your family’s preferences.

Pro Tip: If your shrimp are on the smaller side, reduce the cook time to 6–7 minutes and check for opaqueness to avoid overcooking.

Serving and Storage Tips

These shrimp are perfect warm from the air fryer, but they’re also delicious at room temperature tucked into a salad or grain bowl the next day.

Troubleshooting Common Questions

Why are my shrimp rubbery? Overcooking is usually the culprit. Check at 8 minutesthey should be opaque and pink, not curled up tight. Every air fryer runs a little differently, so adjust your time by a minute or two if needed.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Technically yes, but you’ll just be warming them through for 3–4 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, and the flavors won’t penetrate as deeply.

What if my parmesan isn’t sticking? Make sure your shrimp are completely dry before tossing with olive oil. Moisture prevents the cheese from clinging properly, so a quick pat with paper towels makes all the difference.

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FAQs (Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp)

You’ll love how quickly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp comes togetherjust 10 minutes from basket to plate, with crispy golden edges and tender, buttery centers that taste like you fussed for an hour. The parmesan forms this incredible savory crust while the garlic mellows into something sweet and fragrant. It’s become my go-to when I want something special without the stress.

Try tossing leftovers into a Caesar salad or serving them over angel hair with a squeeze of lemonit feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before air frying. A trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen: always pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning, and that cheese will cling beautifully every single time.

I’d love to hear how this turns out in your kitchentag me if you snap a photo, or tell me what you served alongside. Did you grow up eating buttery garlic shrimp at family gatherings, or is this a new favorite? Save this recipe for the next time you need dinner to feel a little more special, and share it with someone who deserves an easy, delicious win tonight.