Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever experienced that moment when a dish transports you to another place? The Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp does just that. With its succulent shrimp coated in a tantalizing blend of garlic and parmesan, this dish offers a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful seafood treat, making it impossible to resist.
Growing up, my family often gathered around the table for seafood nights, where stories were shared and laughter filled the air. This shrimp recipe was always a highlight, bringing everyone together with its irresistible taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, the Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp promises not only a quick preparation but also an amazing flavor experience that you and your loved ones will cherish.
Key Ingredients For Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor; fresh or frozen both work well.
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Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the seasoning adhere to the shrimp.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a robust flavor; avoid using pre-minced garlic for better taste.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a savory depth; opt for freshly grated over pre-packaged for optimal flavor.
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Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens up the flavors of the dish.
For the Seasoning:
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Paprika: Smoked paprika gives a subtle smokiness; regular paprika works too but lacks depth.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your shrimp cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Second Step: Prepare the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated with all the ingredients.
Third Step: Add Cheese
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the seasoned shrimp. Gently mix again to ensure even coverage of cheese on each piece.
Fourth Step: Arrange in Air Fryer
Place the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
Fifth Step: Cook
Set your air fryer to cook for about 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness.
Sixth Step: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Select Quality Shrimp: Ensure you buy high-quality shrimp as they greatly influence overall flavor and texture.
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Don’t Overcrowd The Basket: Cooking in batches is recommended if you’re preparing large quantities; this prevents steaming instead of frying.
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Add More Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil for unique twists on this classic recipe.
Enjoy every bite of this delectable dish!
Cooking Instructions
To make Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, follow these simple steps. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer heats up, prepare the shrimp. Rinse and pat dry one pound of large shrimp. In a bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until they are well coated.
Next, place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when cooked through, indicating they’re done.
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Serving Suggestions
Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:
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Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of linguine or spaghetti tossed in olive oil for a delightful meal.
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With Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shrimp.
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As Appetizers: Skewer them on toothpicks for easy appetizers at your next gathering or party.
Nutritional Information
This recipe for Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the shrimp while delivering healthy fats from olive oil and butter. The addition of garlic adds flavor along with health benefits like improved immune function.
Overall, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free knowing it’s lower in calories compared to traditional frying methods thanks to using an air fryer.
Storage Tips
To store any leftover Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently in the air fryer at a low temperature (around 300°F) for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
If you prefer longer storage, consider freezing the shrimp before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe! However, ensure that you thaw them completely before cooking for even results. To thaw quickly, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leave them overnight in your refrigerator.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, consider using Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as substitutes. These cheeses provide similar flavors that will complement the garlic nicely.
How do I know when my shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and form a ‘C’ shape. If they curl tightly into an ‘O’, they may be overcooked. This typically takes around 6-8 minutes in an air fryer at 400°F.
Can I add vegetables to my Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can toss some asparagus or bell peppers in with your shrimp during cooking for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure they are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the shrimp!
Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Heavenly Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood treat that will elevate any meal. Succulent shrimp are coated in a delightful mixture of garlic, parmesan, and spices, then air-fried to crispy perfection. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s effortlessly prepared and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until well-coated.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan over the shrimp and mix gently for even coverage.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg