If you’re craving a quick and delectable seafood treat, look no further than this delightful Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. It’s a savory symphony of garlic and cheese coating succulent shrimp, all cooked to perfection in your trusty air fryer. This dish is not just quick—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe delivers gourmet flavor in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Delight: Cooking shrimp in the air fryer requires less oil, resulting in a lighter, yet equally delicious dish.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a rich, savory coat that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Versatility: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp can be enjoyed as a main dish, a topping for salads, or a tasty addition to pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful recipe requires only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
- Shrimp: Use thawed, shelled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Olive Oil: Essential for coating the shrimp, providing a luscious mouthfeel while helping to crisp them up.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty kick that complements the other flavors.
- Garlic (Powder and Minced): Combines for a bold, savory taste, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Parmigiano Parmesan Cheese: Offers a nutty, savory contrast that elevates this dish to gourmet status.
Variations
Feel free to put your spin on the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. It’s versatile enough to accommodate various ingredients and cater to dietary preferences, making it easy to customize to your liking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy version that delivers a delightful heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an aromatic and fresh touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Pat your thawed shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures they achieve that perfect crisp in the air fryer, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and cheese. Toss everything together so each shrimp is well-coated in this savory mixture.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them if you’re using different shrimp sizes, as cooking times may vary.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Perfect Shrimp Selection: Choose medium to large shrimp for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Cheese Consistency: Shred the parmesan finely to ensure even melting and a cohesive coating.
- Cooking Balance: Flip the shrimp at the halfway point to ensure both sides are perfectly cooked and crispy.
- Face the Flavor: Let the shrimp marinate for a few minutes in the seasonings to enhance the taste profile.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Garnishes
Enhance your dish by sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side not only adds visual appeal but also gives guests the option to add more zest.
Side Dishes
Pair this savory shrimp with a light pasta tossed in garlic and olive oil or serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread also makes a nice accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these shrimp skewered on mini skewers for a fun appetizer presentation. Alternatively, nestle them on a bed of rice in a sleek, shallow bowl for a stylish entrée that promises to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the cooked shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently for the best texture and flavor retention.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag, and they can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp back in the air fryer for a few minutes on a lower setting. This method restores their crispness without drying them out.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen shrimp directly in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw the shrimp before cooking to ensure even seasoning and cooking, resulting in the ideal texture and flavor.
-
Is it necessary to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking?
Yes, flipping ensures that both sides cook evenly, delivering an even crispness and thorough flavor absorption.
-
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer for consistent results.
-
What’s the best cheese substitute for Parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be excellent substitutes, each providing their unique savory twist to the dish.
Final Thoughts
Ready to dive into something delicious and quick? This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is your ticket to a taste sensation that’s as easy to make as it is to savor. Don’t wait another minute—give it a try and treat yourself to a burst of delightful flavors in your very own kitchen!
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood, Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and crispy seafood dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer. The shrimp are coated in garlic, Parmesan, and seasoned to perfection, then cooked to tender crispness in the air fryer, making it a hassle-free and tasty choice.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 12 oz frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled, and deveined
Dry ingredients and seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture and place them in a medium bowl for mixing.
- Mix the coating: Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix well to evenly coat all the shrimp.
- Cook in the air fryer: Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 10 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through after 5 minutes to ensure even crispness.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve immediately with your preferred side such as cocktail sauce, over pasta, or in a salad.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are thawed and thoroughly dried to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp; adjust accordingly.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
