Let’s talk about the showstopper of your next dinner party – the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. This dish, bursting with flavor, is a cinch to whip up and promises a crispy perfection that’s bound to tether you to your air fryer for life. Whether it’s a cozy night in or an elegant affair, this shrimp dish is the taste everyone’s been craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just 15 minutes, this is the perfect weeknight dish.
- Healthy Indulgence: Cooked with an air fryer, it’s a low-fat alternative to traditional frying.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic and parmesan combination is a culinary classic that never fails to satisfy.
- Versatile Pairing: Perfect alone, over pasta, or tossed in a fresh salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients bring simple elegance to your table. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust, savory profile of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and fulfilling.
- Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp, just remember to thaw them completely for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: This keeps the shrimp moist and helps to crisp the edges to perfection.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy brightness that complements the rich parmesan flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Minced Garlic: Double the garlic for that extra punch of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Choose fresh shredded Parmigiano for a nutty, savory finish.
Variations
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment based on what’s in your pantry or to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Let’s get creative!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat.
- Herb Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Citrus Zing: Swap out lemon juice for lime juice for a slight tropical touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel, which helps achieve that irresistible crispiness. Place them in a medium bowl, ready to soak up that delicious marinade of flavors.
Step 2: Marinate and Mix
Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, both forms of garlic, and the star of the dish, Parmesan cheese, to the bowl. Stir well until each shrimp is generously coated with this aromatic blend.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway to ensure even cooking. This creates a golden crust and perfectly cooked shrimp.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Shrimp Size Matters: Adjust cooking times based on shrimp size to ensure they’re juicy and perfectly cooked.
- Optimal Coating: Marinate long enough for flavors to infuse but avoid over-soaking to keep the shrimp crispy.
- Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer to allow hot air to circulate evenly around each piece.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of earthiness that balances the bold flavors. For a zesty touch, add a drizzle of extra lemon juice just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this vibrant shrimp with a light angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil or a fresh leafy green salad. The contrast of textures enhances the shrimp’s crispy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the shrimp skewered on bamboo sticks. You can even place them over a bed of arugula or spinach for a restaurant-style plating that screams gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps retain their flavor and texture, ready for when you’re craving a quick meal boost.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze them, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps them crisp without drying out, letting you enjoy them just like fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this air fryer recipe, as pre-cooked shrimp can become overcooked and rubbery. The cooking process in the air fryer is quick and ensures the shrimp stays juicy and tender.
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What if I don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese?
No worries! Although fresh Parmesan offers the best flavor and texture, you can substitute pre-grated cheese in a pinch, keeping in mind it might not melt as seamlessly.
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How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp will be opaque and have a pink color once cooked through. Take care not to overcook as they can turn rubbery and lose their juicy texture.
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Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the shrimp?
Absolutely! Consider adding quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers alongside the shrimp. Just ensure everything is evenly spaced for optimal airflow and cooking.
Final Thoughts
Embark on a culinary adventure with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Quick, easy, and delectably satisfying, this dish is a delightful addition to any meal. Gather your favorite side dishes, experiment with garnishes, and most importantly, have fun with it! I hope you’ll enjoy creating and sharing this flavorful journey with friends and family.
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy seafood dish with crispy, tender shrimp coated in garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a speedy meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Protein
- 12 oz frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled and deveined
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 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
Cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmigiano Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat dry and prepare the shrimp: Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the thawed shrimp, then place them in a medium bowl to ensure they are ready for seasoning.
- Mix the coating: Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking; work in batches if necessary.
- Cook the shrimp: Set the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Halfway through, at the 5-minute mark, turn the shrimp over to promote even crisping and flavor absorption.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair with cocktail sauce, over pasta, or in a salad for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly thawed and patted dry for optimal crispiness.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the shrimp; larger shrimp may require an additional minute or two.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a side of steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
