This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines succulent shrimp with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Whether served over pasta, in a salad, or as a standalone appetizer, this recipe is sure to please.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

12 oz. frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled, and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup fresh shredded Parmigiano Parmesan cheese

Directions

Pat dry the thawed shrimp with a paper towel and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and shredded Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Mix well to ensure all the shrimp are evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Set the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, turn the shrimp over to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, the shrimp should be golden and crispy. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce, over pasta, or tossed in a salad.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 167 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 18mg
Sodium: 983mg
Potassium: 51mg
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 0.4g
Vitamin A: 199 IU
Vitamin C: 3mg
Calcium: 301mg
Iron: 0.4mg

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Cooking Shrimp?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook by offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying. It uses hot air circulation to cook food quickly, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes with significantly less oil. When it comes to shrimp, the air fryer is particularly effective. The shrimp cook evenly in a short amount of time, maintaining their tender texture while getting perfectly crispy on the outside. The garlic and Parmesan mixture coats the shrimp beautifully, allowing the flavors to infuse with every bite.

One of the key benefits of using an air fryer is that it’s a faster cooking method than traditional pan-frying or oven-baking. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up something tasty in a short amount of time. In just about 10 minutes, you can have a plate of golden, crispy shrimp ready to enjoy. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, the air fryer makes cooking convenient and easy.

The Health Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp isn’t just delicious; it’s also a relatively healthy dish when prepared in an air fryer. Shrimp itself is a low-calorie, high-protein food that’s packed with nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine. It’s a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet, as it’s low in fat and high in protein. Additionally, shrimp is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

The addition of garlic in the recipe not only enhances the flavor but also provides a variety of health benefits. Garlic has long been known for its medicinal properties. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help boost the immune system. Garlic is also linked to improving cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, making this dish not only tasty but also beneficial for overall well-being.

Parmesan cheese, while a more indulgent ingredient, also provides some nutritional value. It’s a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health, as well as protein and fat. The key to keeping this dish on the healthier side is to use just the right amount of Parmesan, ensuring that the shrimp are coated in the flavorful cheese without overwhelming the dish with excess fat and calories.

Versatility of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

One of the most appealing aspects of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is its versatility. This dish can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for different occasions. Whether you’re in the mood for a light meal, a snack, or an appetizer, this shrimp recipe can adapt to fit your needs.

As a Main Dish: Serve the shrimp over a bed of pasta, rice, or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal. The combination of the tender shrimp and the rich garlic Parmesan sauce makes it a great pairing with starchy side dishes. Add a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables to round out the meal.
As an Appetizer: These shrimp are perfect for serving as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings. They can be served with a side of cocktail sauce or a tangy dipping sauce. Their small size and bold flavor make them an ideal finger food for guests to enjoy while mingling.
On a Salad: Add the shrimp on top of a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal. The crispy shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of salad greens, and the garlic Parmesan flavor complements the freshness of vegetables. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice balance to the dish.
Tacos or Wraps: For a unique twist, use the garlic Parmesan shrimp as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add some crunchy slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a flavorful and filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Time-Saving and Convenient

In today’s fast-paced world, time is of the essence when it comes to preparing meals. The Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. With an air fryer, you can have the shrimp cooked and ready to serve in under 15 minutes. This is an excellent solution for busy individuals who want a homemade meal but don’t have the time to spend on complex recipes or long cooking times.

Additionally, the air fryer is easy to clean, which makes it even more convenient for people who want to minimize cleanup after cooking. Unlike traditional frying methods, which can leave behind greasy splatters and require a lot of effort to clean, the air fryer’s non-stick basket and quick cooking time mean that there’s less mess to deal with.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is also a great option for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a family celebration, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The crispy shrimp are not only flavorful but also visually appealing, making them a great choice for serving at elegant events. Pair them with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail, and you’ve got a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated.

The ability to make shrimp in the air fryer means you can easily serve a large batch of shrimp at once, allowing you to entertain guests without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. If you’re planning to host a gathering, the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is an excellent addition to your menu.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the reasons this recipe is so popular is the perfect balance of flavors. The garlic provides a savory and aromatic base, while the Parmesan cheese adds richness and a slightly nutty taste. The combination of these two ingredients creates a bold flavor profile that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that helps to cut through the richness of the garlic and cheese, creating a well-rounded dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together the best of both worlds: fast cooking and bold flavors. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a main dish, appetizer, or salad topping. The combination of shrimp, garlic, and Parmesan cheese is a classic flavor profile that never goes out of style. With the added benefits of using an air fryer, this dish is not only healthier than traditional fried shrimp but also easier to prepare and clean up after.

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