Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp Treat

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Enjoy a quick and delicious dish with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp! This recipe uses thawed shrimp, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon pepper, and Parmesan cheese, then air-fried to juicy perfection. The preparation is simple: pat the shrimp dry, toss with the seasoning, and cook in a single layer at 360°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve these tender and flavorful shrimp as an appetizer, over pasta, tossed in a salad, or paired with your favorite cocktail sauce. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!

Aisha
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:02:15 GMT
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp | cookingflavor.com

This savory air fryer garlic Parmesan shrimp transforms a simple seafood dinner into a flavor-packed meal in just minutes. The combination of zesty lemon pepper, aromatic garlic, and nutty Parmesan creates an irresistible coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer while keeping the shrimp perfectly tender inside.

I discovered this recipe last summer when I needed a quick dinner option during a heatwave. Since then it has become my go-to method for cooking shrimp. The air fryer creates that perfect texture without heating up the entire kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Frozen shrimp: Preferably large or jumbo size for the best texture and flavor experience
  • Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes beautiful browning
  • Lemon pepper: Adds brightness and a hint of citrus that complements seafood perfectly
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the dish
  • Garlic powder: Provides an even base of garlic flavor throughout
  • Minced garlic: Gives bursts of fresh garlic intensity in every bite
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese: Creates a crispy savory crust that makes this dish special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Shrimp:
Thoroughly pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels until no moisture remains. This crucial step ensures your shrimp will get crispy rather than steamed. Transfer them to a medium bowl with plenty of room for tossing.
Season:
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the shrimp first to create a base for the seasonings to stick. Sprinkle the lemon pepper evenly making sure to rotate the bowl as you go. Add the salt and garlic powder by sprinkling from a height to distribute evenly. Add the minced garlic and fresh Parmesan last gently tossing between each addition until every shrimp is gloriously coated.
Arrange in Air Fryer:
Carefully place each shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket leaving small spaces between each piece. Overcrowding will result in steaming rather than the crispy exterior we want. Work in batches if needed for your air fryer size.
Cook to Perfection:
Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for exactly 5 minutes. Open the basket and gently flip each shrimp using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the exterior is golden and crispy while the interior remains juicy.
Serve Immediately:
Transfer to a serving platter while still hot. The aroma will fill your kitchen with garlic and Parmesan goodness that brings everyone to the table.
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp | cookingflavor.com

The fresh Parmesan is what makes this dish truly special. I once tried substituting pre-grated Parmesan and while still good it lacks that melty texture and robust flavor that fresh provides. My daughter now requests this every Friday night. We make it together as she loves tossing the shrimp in the seasonings.

Batch Cooking Success

For larger gatherings you can cook multiple batches and keep the first batches warm in an oven set to 200°F. Arrange the cooked shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispness. Avoid covering them as the steam will soften that perfect exterior. Even when making several pounds for a party the shrimp maintain their wonderful texture for up to 30 minutes.

Easy Variations

Experiment with different flavor profiles while keeping the same cooking method. Try buffalo style by tossing with buffalo sauce after cooking and serving with blue cheese dressing. For a Mediterranean twist add dried oregano and a squeeze of fresh lemon after cooking. Cajun seasoning instead of lemon pepper creates a spicy Southern version that pairs beautifully with rice or in tacos.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile shrimp can transform into countless meals. Toss with pasta and a splash of cream for an instant garlic shrimp Alfredo. Serve alongside a simple Caesar salad for a light lunch. Add them to a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a nutritious dinner. They even make excellent appetizers served with toothpicks and a side of marinara or cocktail sauce for dipping.

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp | cookingflavor.com

Make It A Meal

Turn this simple protein into a complete dinner by serving with complementary sides. A light lemon risotto makes an elegant base that echoes the citrus notes in the shrimp. Roasted asparagus or broccoli can cook in the air fryer right after the shrimp finish. For a casual meal serve inside warm tortillas with avocado and lime crema for instant shrimp tacos that will disappear in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh shrimp. Just ensure they are shelled, deveined, and properly cleaned before proceeding with the recipe.

→ How can I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

To avoid overcooking, ensure you flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process and monitor closely during the last few minutes.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan with a different cheese?

Yes, you can try using Pecorino Romano or a similar grated cheese. However, Parmesan provides a unique flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

→ What can I serve with air-fried shrimp?

You can serve the shrimp with cocktail sauce, over pasta, in salads, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I add extra spices to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors.

Air Fryer Garlic Shrimp

Juicy garlic-Parmesan shrimp in minutes, cooked in the air fryer for a quick, flavorful dish.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 12 oz frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled, and deveined
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tsp lemon pepper
04 1/2 tsp salt
05 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 1 tsp minced garlic
07 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and transfer to a medium bowl.

Step 02

Add olive oil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.

Step 03

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.

Step 04

Cook at 360°F for 10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through.

Step 05

Serve and enjoy with cocktail sauce, over pasta, or tossed in a salad!

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Paper towel

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish
  • Dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g