If you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and impressively delicious, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is the answer. This recipe delivers juicy shrimp coated in garlicky butter, finished with savory Parmesan cheese, and crisped to perfection in the air fryer—all in under 15 minutes.
Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, taco filling, or salad topper, this air fryer shrimp recipe is low-carb, protein-packed, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight in the United States, a cozy dinner in the UK, or a quick family meal in Canada, this dish fits right in.
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
This recipe is:
✅ Ready in 10–15 minutes
✅ Crispy outside, tender inside
✅ Low-carb & keto-friendly
✅ Made with simple pantry ingredients
✅ Perfect for meal prep
The air fryer cooks shrimp quickly and evenly while giving them a lightly crisp exterior without heavy oil.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp better in the air fryer.
Place them in a bowl.
2️⃣ Season
Add olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss until shrimp are evenly coated.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix gently so it sticks to the shrimp.
3️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
4️⃣ Air Fry
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Shrimp are done when:
They turn pink and opaque
The edges are slightly golden
Internal temperature reaches 120–125°F (shrimp cook quickly!)
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp
🧄 Use Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic gives stronger flavor than garlic powder.
🧀 Grate Your Own Parmesan
Fresh Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-packaged varieties.
🍤 Don’t Overcook
Shrimp cook fast—overcooking makes them rubbery. Keep a close eye after 5 minutes.
🔥 Cook in a Single Layer
Proper air circulation ensures even crisping.
Flavor Variations
🌶 Spicy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
🧈 Lemon Butter Version
Use melted butter instead of olive oil and add extra lemon zest.
🌮 Garlic Shrimp Tacos
Serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and creamy sauce.
🥗 Shrimp Caesar Bowl
Top a Caesar salad with this garlic Parmesan shrimp for extra protein.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
This versatile shrimp pairs beautifully with:
Garlic butter rice
Pasta (especially fettuccine or angel hair)
Zucchini noodles
Roasted vegetables
Crusty bread
Fresh garden salad
It also makes an excellent appetizer served with cocktail sauce or creamy aioli.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make shrimp tough.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp are:
High in lean protein
Low in calories
Rich in selenium and vitamin B12
A good source of omega-3 fatty acids
This makes Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp a satisfying yet lighter option compared to deep-fried seafood dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp may become overcooked in the air fryer.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 count per pound) are ideal for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Crispy edges, juicy centers, garlicky richness, and salty Parmesan make every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests something impressive, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ready in minutes and packed with flavor—your air fryer just found its new favorite recipe. 🍤✨