Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp (Air Fryer Style)
Introduction:
Craving something garlicky, cheesy, and irresistibly crisp—but quick enough for a weeknight dinner? This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce, tossed with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and air-fried to golden perfection. It’s perfect as an appetizer, served over pasta, or tucked into a salad or wrap.
The best part? This whole dish comes together in under 20 minutes with your trusty air fryer. It’s high-protein, low-carb, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Ingredients:
Serves 2–3
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular; use gluten-free if needed)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional garnish: extra Parmesan, parsley
Instructions:
Prep the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Toss the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic-butter mixture.
Coat with Parmesan and Breadcrumbs:
In a separate bowl, combine the Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Add the shrimp and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (use parchment paper or lightly spray with oil to prevent sticking).
Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until shrimp are pink and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Tips & Variations:
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture.
Crispier Finish: Spray the coated shrimp lightly with oil before air frying.
Make it a meal: Serve over linguine, zoodles, garlic rice, or a fresh garden salad.