Easy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Shrimp is one of the quickest and most satisfying meals I’ve made in a long time. Ready from fridge to plate in about 30 minutes, these tender shrimp are excellent as a main course, piled over pasta or rice, or served atop a fresh salad for a lighter lunch.
Air Fryer Shrimp with Garlic
I don’t often share many air fryer recipes here, but I’ve become a big fan. The air fryer shines for quick lunches, snacks, or for when you want oven-style results without heating the whole oven. It’s simple for kids to use for frozen snacks and yields crisp, evenly cooked results that beat the microwave every time.
After trying a roasted shrimp method and adapting it for the air fryer, I discovered this super-fast preparation that transforms ordinary shrimp into a garlicky, cheesy delight. This version features olive oil, garlic powder, freshly grated Parmesan, and a bright finishing of minced parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Dinner in about 15 minutes — prep and cooking together are extremely fast.
- Minimal cleanup — the air fryer basket keeps cooking contained and tidy.
- Customizable — swap herbs or spices to create a new flavor profile.
- Great for meal prep — cool and store for salads, bowls, or wraps the next day.
- Versatile — serves well with pasta, rice, grilled vegetables, or on a salad.
Recipe Shopping List
You probably have many of these in your pantry already. For precise amounts, see the recipe card below.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined — medium or large shrimp work best for tenderness and quick cooking.
- Olive oil — helps seasoning adhere and encourages light browning.
- Garlic powder — provides even garlic flavor without burning.
- Salt — enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and balances the cheese.
- Black pepper — adds mild heat and depth.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated — melts and browns better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Fresh parsley, minced — brightens the finished dish.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a clear overview so you know what to expect. Follow the full recipe measurements and timing in the recipe card that follows.
- Prep the shrimp — pat peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl.
- Season — drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan and parsley and toss again until evenly coated.
- Load the basket — arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket; a little overlap is okay, but avoid packing too tightly.
- Air fry — cook at 390–400°F (200–204°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning shrimp halfway through so they cook evenly and the Parmesan doesn’t clump.
- Serve — shrimp are done when opaque and just firm. Serve hot, over pasta, rice, or a salad.
Recipe FAQ
Size matters more than variety here. Larger shrimp deliver a meatier bite and stand up well to quick high-heat cooking. Use whatever is available, but if you can, opt for medium-large or large shrimp for the best results.
I recommend peeling and deveining shrimp for this preparation so the seasoning reaches the meat and the shrimp are ready to eat without fuss. If serving as finger food or an appetizer where people grab shrimp by the tail, you could leave tails on for presentation and easy picking.
Shrimp are best eaten the day they’re cooked, but you can refrigerate leftovers in a tightly covered container for 2–3 days. Avoid refreezing cooked shrimp.
Avoid the microwave when possible. Reheat briefly in the air fryer for the best texture—this helps refresh the crispness without overcooking.
Serve This With
These garlic Parmesan shrimp pair beautifully with a crisp Greek salad, grilled asparagus, or a creamy mushroom risotto. They also make a quick protein addition to bowls, pasta, or rice dishes for a satisfying weeknight meal.
More Shrimp Recipes
- Ginger Scallion Shrimp
- Shrimp Japchae
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Spicy Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
- Blackstone Sweet Chili Shrimp
- Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter
- Traeger Sweet Chili Shrimp
- Griddle Shrimp Kabobs
Air Fryer Shrimp
Simple garlic Parmesan shrimp cooked in the air fryer—fast, flavorful, and versatile. Use this as a main, a topping, or part of a larger spread.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and place in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan and parsley and toss until coated.
- Arrange shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the air fryer to 390–400°F (200–204°C).
- Cook for about 12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through for even browning.
- Remove when shrimp are opaque and just firm. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or salad.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 208 | Total Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Unsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 242mg | Sodium: 1390mg | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Protein: 27g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate.