Name: Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 500g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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So You’re Craving Something Tasty But Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same

Welcome to the land of quick, flavorful meals that don’t require a culinary degree or a time machine. I’m about to introduce you to a dish that’s so delightful, you might just find yourself making it repeatedly. Yes, folks, I’m talking about Garlic Parmesan Shrimp from the Air Fryer. It’s the kind of dish that says, “Hey, I might be a lot of fun in the kitchen, but I also know how to chill.” Let’s dive into why this shrimp can steal the spotlight at any meal.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s face it, cooking sometimes feels like an Olympic event. We want something that tastes amazing without breaking a sweat. Enter this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe. It is idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. Seriously, if I can whip this up without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone, you can too. And let’s not forget how quick it is—just a few minutes in the air fryer, and you have a sensational meal or snack ready to dazzle your taste buds.

Oh and did I mention the flavors? Garlic and parmesan could be a power couple on the culinary A-list, and they’re here to rock your world. Crisp, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, this dish is perfect for impressing guests, or just treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, before we turn on the air fryer, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you need to make these shrimp shine:

500g shrimp, peeled and deveined (ideally large or medium shrimp)
3 tablespoons olive oil (because everything is better with olive oil)
4 garlic cloves, minced (hello flavor town)
1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (because pre-grated is just sad)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that extra crunch, baby)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a zesty kick)
1 teaspoon paprika (because we like a little spice in our lives)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste if you’re feeling wild)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (gotta love that subtle kick)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) (look how fancy we are)

The Lowdown on Ingredients:

Shrimp: A lean protein that packs a punch without the guilt.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps make those shrimp nice and crispy without going overboard.
Parmesan: The salty goodness that hugs the shrimp in cheesy perfection.
Panko breadcrumbs: Because why settle for regular breadcrumbs when you’re trying to impress?

Step-by-Step Instructions

Time for the fun part—let’s cook those shrimp to perfection! Follow these super simple steps:

Prepare the Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely first. Remove the shells and the vein if that hasn’t been done for you. Give them a good dry with a paper towel. We want them crispy, not soggy.
Sauté Garlic and Spices: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t burn it though. Trust me, your kitchen doesn’t need that smell. Once it’s smelling divine, remove from heat and let it cool.
Make the Coating Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the grated parmesan, panko, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it up and add in the sautéed garlic along with the lemon juice. Give it a good stir. Engage those muscles.
Marinate the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp into a larger bowl and drizzle the remaining olive oil over them. Mix well until all the shrimp are coated.
Coat the Shrimp: Take each shrimp and dip it into the parmesan-panko mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. You want those little guys to be dressed to impress.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius. Don’t skip this step unless you want sad, undercooked shrimp.
Air Fry the Shrimp: Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded because that will lead to mushy shrimp. Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Garnish: Once they’re done, remove them from the air fryer and feel like a kitchen wizard. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance those flavors.
Serve It Up: Serve those glorious garlic parmesan shrimp immediately, while they are still warm and crispy. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad, rice, or just chow down on them straight up as a snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s keep it real. We’ve all made some blunders in the kitchen. Here’s a list of mistakes to dodge while making your shrimp:

Not Drying the Shrimp: Trust me, no one wants soggy shrimp. They need to be nice and dry for that perfect crunch.
Overloading the Air Fryer: Think of your air fryer like your favorite dance floor. Too many people and nobody gets to enjoy themselves. Keep things moving freely for that golden crispiness.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic can turn from heavenly to hellish faster than you can say “oops.” Keep an eye on it and don’t let it turn brown.
Skipping the Preheating: Thinking you don’t need to preheat the air fryer? Rookie mistake. Those shrimp deserve hot air from the get-go.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Don’t have an ingredient? No problem. Here are some swaps that work great:

Shrimp: If you aren’t a shrimp lover, you can use chicken tenders or fish instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Out of panko? Regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won’t have quite the same texture.
Olive Oil: Any cooking oil can do the trick, but olive oil adds a nice Mediterranean flair.
Lemon Juice: If you’re out of lemons, vinegar can also work, but it will give a different vibe—use sparingly.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Let’s tackle a few questions so you can dive right into cooking without any hiccups:

Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely. Just make sure you thaw them completely first. I’m all about that easy life.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake them in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius. Just keep an eye on them and increase the cooking time a bit.

Is it okay to use pre-grated parmesan? Technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Fresh is always better, trust me on this one.

Can I use margarine instead of olive oil? Sure, if you want to take a slight detour on the flavor train. Olive oil is definitely the tastier route.

How many servings does this recipe make? Depending on how greedy you are, this can serve two to four people. Just saying.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the shrimp and the coating, but it’s best to cook them just before you plan to eat. Crispy shrimp are happy shrimp!

Can I skip the garlic? Well, you could, but then you’d miss out on that deliciousness. Garlic is the star of the show.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, my friend. A simple, fun recipe for Garlic Parmesan Shrimp that takes no time to whip up but delivers on flavor like you wouldn’t believe. Now, go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Happy cooking, and may your shrimp always be crispy and your flavor game strong!

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp from the Air Fryer