Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe combines delicious flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with tender, juicy shrimp. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal appetizer for gatherings or a delightful main course served over pasta. The standout qualities of this recipe are its simplicity, flavor-packed ingredients, and versatility.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a tasty dish in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer or over pasta for a satisfying main course; the choice is yours!
• Healthy Option: This dish is low in calories while being high in protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Air Fryer Magic: Cooking in the air fryer ensures perfectly cooked shrimp with a crisp texture without deep frying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking, gather all the necessary tools for making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Having everything prepared will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Provides even cooking and crispiness without excess oil.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (Make sure to use raw shrimp for this recipe; pre-cooked shrimp will not work well.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish.)
• Lemon wedges (For serving.)

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your shrimp cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 3: Add Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them thoroughly.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 6: Monitor Cooking Time

Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The shrimp should be cooked through and golden in color.

Step 7: Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter.

Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added zing!

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a starter or as part of a hearty meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp with toothpicks for easy eating during gatherings.
• Pair with a zesty dipping sauce like marinara or garlic aioli for extra flavor.

Over Pasta

• Toss the cooked shrimp with your favorite pasta and a light olive oil sauce.
• Add fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes to enhance the dish’s freshness.

In Tacos

• Place the shrimp in corn or flour tortillas for tasty tacos.
• Top with avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of lime crema.

On a Salad

• Serve the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens.
• Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing salad option.

With Rice

• Pair the shrimp with jasmine or basmati rice for a satisfying meal.
• Add steamed vegetables on the side for balance.

SAVE THIS!

How to Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Perfecting your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp takes just a bit of practice. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

• Choose fresh shrimp: Fresh, raw shrimp yield the best texture and flavor compared to frozen or pre-cooked options.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to allow even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to modify garlic and salt levels based on personal taste preferences.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-packaged options.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some top choices to complement your meal.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the shrimp.
2. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
3. Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons in Caesar salad nicely contrast the shrimp’s flavors.
4. Quinoa Pilaf – This nutritious grain provides a nutty base that works well with garlic and Parmesan flavors.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the shrimp dish.
6. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort and make for a filling side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Always use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp will not achieve the desired texture or flavor.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Cooking too many shrimp at once can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches for best results.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Skipping this step can affect cooking times and results. Preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Everyone’s taste is different. Don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic and seasonings to suit your preferences.
• Neglecting to Toss the Shrimp: Failing to toss the shrimp halfway through cooking may result in unevenly cooked shrimp. Shake or toss them during cooking for even results.

SAVE THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days for best flavor and safety.

Freezing Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, being careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for a few minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before preparing the recipe. This will help them cook evenly.

How do I know when my shrimp are done?

Shrimp are properly cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl slightly but not be tightly curled.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer with cocktail sauce.

Can I customize the seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other spices or herbs like chili flakes or Italian seasoning based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with simple preparation. It’s perfect as an appetizer or served over pasta for a complete meal. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or ingredients!