Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: The Perfect Crispy Delight for Seafood Lovers

 

Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Shrimp delivers an incredible crunch on the outside while staying perfectly tender and juicy on the inside. It's an irresistible, flavorful dish that will become a instant favorite for any seafood lover.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Crispy Coating:

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Dipping Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

🍤 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, ensuring the coating sticks perfectly and becomes crispy instead of soggy. Place the dried shrimp in a large bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and the optional smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasonings.

Step 2: Create the Coating
In a separate shallow dish (a pie plate works well), combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, flour, dried parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly with a fork. The panko will provide a light, airy crunch, while the Parmesan adds a deep, savory flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Working one at a time, press each seasoned shrimp firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated. Transfer the coated shrimp to a clean plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pro Tip: For an even thicker and more robust crust, lightly dip each seasoned shrimp in a beaten egg before dredging it in the coating mixture.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating is key for achieving an evenly cooked, crispy exterior from the moment the shrimp hit the basket.

Step 5: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. You will likely need to cook in batches to avoid crowding.

Air fry for 5–6 minutes, then flip the shrimp. Continue cooking for another 5–6 minutes, or until the coating is a deep golden brown and the shrimp are firm and opaque.

Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the shrimp are cooking, whip up the simple sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve. This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect complement to the hot, crispy shrimp.

Serve your shrimp immediately with the dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy the crunch!