Description
This Air Fryer Shrimp recipe offers a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy crispy, seasoned shrimp with minimal oil. Perfectly cooked in just 20 minutes, this dish features a flavorful blend of spices, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a zesty touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Breading and Garnish
- â…“ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko
- Dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
- Oil-free: Use a light spray of cooking spray instead of olive oil
- Frozen shrimp: Completely thaw and pat dry before using
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy exterior. Place the dried shrimp in a medium bowl.
- Season Generously: Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp, then add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss well to coat each shrimp evenly. Add the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then toss gently to combine and coat the shrimp.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes to ensure consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Place the seasoned shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and to promote crispiness.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through at 4-5 minutes. Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque, with golden edges. Adjust time according to shrimp size – smaller shrimp may take 6-7 minutes, jumbo shrimp up to 12 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges to enhance flavor.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, substitute panko with almond flour or certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- To keep it dairy-free, omit Parmesan cheese or replace with nutritional yeast.
- Use a light spray of cooking spray instead of olive oil to make this oil-free.
- Always thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly and dry them well before cooking to ensure crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming the shrimp.
