Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet effortless, making it perfect for busy nights or elegant entertaining. Thanks to the air fryer, the shrimp cook quickly while staying juicy inside and irresistibly crisp outside. Meanwhile, garlic, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan melt together into a savory coating that clings to every bite.

Moreover, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep, which makes it ideal for both weeknight dinners and last-minute guests. Because shrimp cook so fast, this recipe has roots in coastal kitchens where simplicity mattered just as much as freshness. In fact, Parmesan-crusted seafood became popular as home cooks looked for easy ways to elevate everyday proteins without heavy sauces.

As a result, this modern version keeps things light, flavorful, and approachable. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or tucked into a salad or pasta, this shrimp always impresses. Most importantly, it proves that big flavor doesn’t require complicated steps—just good ingredients and smart technique.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep the shrimp:
First, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Then, place them in a large bowl and set aside.

2. Build the coating:
Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, panko, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.

3. Coat evenly:
Next, add the shrimp to the bowl. Gently toss until each piece is well coated and glossy.

4. Air fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp and the shrimp reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

5. Finish and serve:
Finally, transfer shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE

• Crisp Without Drying: Because shrimp cook quickly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. As a result, the coating crisps evenly without steaming.
• Parmesan Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-shredded cheese, creating deeper flavor and texture.
• Flavor Boost Option: For extra richness, finish with a light drizzle of melted garlic butter just before serving.