This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is the kind of weeknight magic you’ll want on repeat—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with buttery garlic-Parmesan flavor. Using thawed shrimp, a quick olive oil and lemon marinade, and a generous coating of cheese, you’ll have dinner or an impressive appetizer on the table in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something fast but still crave real flavor. Serve these shrimp with cocktail sauce, over pasta, on top of a salad, or in grain bowls. If you love easy air fryer recipes, this one is a must-pin for your healthy seafood rotation.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: About 3–4 (from 12 oz shrimp)
Ingredients List
For the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- 1 (12 oz) bag frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled, and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan (or Parmigiano) cheese
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Air fryer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Small serving bowl (for sauce, if using)
Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner-Friendly)
- Prep the shrimp 🧼
- Thaw shrimp if frozen, then pat very dry with paper towels.
- Add to a medium bowl—dry shrimp = better browning and crisp edges.
- Season & coat 🥣
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Toss well until every shrimp is evenly coated and the cheese sticks to the surface.
- Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for a few minutes if your model needs it.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil if sticking is a concern.
- Arrange the shrimp
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Work in batches if needed—overcrowding will make them steam instead of crisp.
- Air fry until golden
- Cook on manual setting at 360°F for 10 minutes total.
- At the 5-minute mark, open the basket and flip the shrimp with tongs.
- Shrimp are done when they’re opaque, firm, and lightly golden with melted cheese.
- Serve & enjoy 😋
- Serve hot with cocktail sauce, over pasta, in a salad, or as a high-protein snack.
- Add an extra squeeze of lemon over the top for brightness if you like.
Pro Tips
- Pepper sensitivity: If you don’t like a strong pepper flavor, reduce to ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Shrimp size matters: Larger shrimp may need a tiny bit more time, smaller shrimp a bit less—check early.
- Use what you have: This works with medium, large, cooked, or raw shrimp. Just adjust time so they don’t overcook.
- Crispier edges: Make sure shrimp are very dry and not crowded in the basket for best browning.
Nutrition Table (Estimated)
Per serving (approx. ⅓ of the recipe):
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 167 | 9g | 2g | 14g | 0g | 0.4g |
Nutrition Disclaimer: Values are automatically estimated from generic data and may vary based on shrimp size, cheese brand, and exact measurements. For specific dietary needs, please calculate with your own ingredients or consult a nutrition professional.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until all shrimp are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C), if needed. Lightly spray the basket with oil if desired.
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
- Cook at 360°F for 10 minutes, flipping the shrimp after 5 minutes. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger or smaller shrimp.
- Serve immediately with cocktail sauce, over pasta, on a salad, or as a simple appetizer.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is proof that fast food can still feel special. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cook time, you get flavorful, juicy shrimp with a cheesy garlic coating that works as an appetizer, main dish, or high-protein snack. It’s versatile, beginner-friendly, and fits perfectly into busy schedules—definitely a recipe worth pinning and making again and again.