Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Crispy, Juicy, and Ready in Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Air fryers are a kitchen game-changer—especially when it comes to seafood! This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time, with just a handful of pantry ingredients. It’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with garlicky, cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re looking for a low-carb snack, party appetizer, or fast protein to top salads and pastas, this shrimp recipe is your answer.

Want more quick & easy dinner ideas? Check out our Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole or Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry. Excess moisture can prevent crispiness.

Step 2: Season

In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil (or butter), garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Add Parmesan

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and gently toss. The cheese will help form a golden crust when air fried.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until shrimp are pink and the coating is crisp.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges or a garlic aioli dip.

Ready in Under 15 Minutes!

This recipe is incredibly fast, making it perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Meal prep
Protein for salads and grain bowls
Keto and low-carb lifestyles

Want to try another air fryer recipe? Don’t miss our upcoming Air Fryer Lemon Butter Salmon—coming soon to rangermt.com!

Flavor Boosting Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Try garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer profile.
Finish with lemon zest for bright citrus contrast.

Variations to Try

Mix up your garlic shrimp game with these tasty twists:

Coconut Parmesan Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut to the Parmesan mix.
Herb Parmesan Shrimp: Mix in chopped basil, thyme, or oregano.
Panko-Crusted Version: Toss shrimp in a mix of 1/4 cup panko and 1/4 cup Parmesan for extra crunch.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame seeds.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to regain crispiness.

❌ Avoid microwaving—this can make shrimp rubbery and soggy.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – about 4 oz)

Calories: 220
Protein: 25g
Fat: 11g
Carbs: 2g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free!

FAQ About Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry first.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but reduce cooking time to 4–5 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Q: What dipping sauce pairs well?
Try garlic aioli, lemon butter sauce, or a zesty cocktail sauce.

Q: Do I need to flip shrimp halfway?
Yes, flipping ensures even cooking and crisping.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

These shrimp are super versatile! Serve them:

Over a Caesar or garden salad
With cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes
Inside tacos with avocado slaw
On a garlic butter pasta
With roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini

For more side inspiration, try our Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta or Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

External Inspiration

This recipe was inspired by countless garlic shrimp dishes, including variations found on Allrecipes and in top-rated air fryer cookbooks. The simplicity of air frying seafood with minimal oil creates crisp results with fewer calories—a win-win for both health and flavor.

Hosting Tip: Shrimp Party Platter

Hosting a dinner party or game day gathering? Serve these shrimp with:

Mini skewers or toothpicks
A trio of dipping sauces
Citrus slices and herbed rice
A chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade

Your guests will rave—and no one will believe it came from an air fryer!

Explore more recipes that blend comfort, creativity, and convenience—just like this shrimp dish.

Let’s Recap

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is everything you want in a go-to recipe:

✅ Fast
✅ Flavor-packed
✅ Crispy and juicy
✅ Low-carb & high-protein
✅ Minimal cleanup

It’s a dish that works equally well for a weekday dinner or weekend celebration—and it’s ready in minutes.