Easy Shrimp Parmesan (Parmigiana): A Quick & Crispy Seafood Delight

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Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Easy Shrimp Parmesan recipe! Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly coated in a crispy, garlicky Parmesan breading, then baked or air-fried to golden perfection, and finally blanketed in rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This dish takes everything you adore about classic Chicken Parmesan and infuses it with a delightful seafood twist, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Parmigiana Recipe

If you’re a fan of the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan and the fresh taste of seafood, this dish is a must-try. It offers a lighter, quicker alternative to its poultry counterpart, delivering an equally robust flavor profile. Unlike many seafood recipes that can be intimidating, this Shrimp Parmesan (also known as Shrimp Parmigiana) is straightforward to prepare, whether you prefer the convenience of an air fryer or the traditional method of baking in the oven. It’s versatile, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing taste.

Essential Shrimp Parmesan Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Shrimp Parmesan requires a few simple yet crucial ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined is ideal. We’ll discuss types below.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the first layer of your breading, helping the egg adhere.
• Egg: Beaten, acts as the binder for the breadcrumbs.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko or standard, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, adding a sharp, salty flavor to the breading.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of aromatic herbs to infuse classic Italian taste.
• Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for that irresistible melty, cheesy topping.
• Marinara Sauce: Your favorite store-bought brand or a vibrant homemade version.
• Cooking Oil: Such as olive oil or an oil spray for achieving golden crispiness.

Choosing the Right Shrimp for Your Parmigiana

The success of your Shrimp Parmesan largely depends on the quality and type of shrimp you use. Grocery stores offer various options: raw, pre-cooked, fresh, frozen, with tails on or off, and deveined or not. For this recipe, I highly recommend using raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp tends to become rubbery and overcooked when reheated, losing its tender texture and delicate flavor. Raw shrimp, on the other hand, cooks quickly and remains succulent.

Regarding preparation, opt for shrimp that is already deveined if possible. The dark vein running along the back of the shrimp is the digestive tract, and while not harmful, removing it improves both the appearance and taste of your dish. If your shrimp isn’t deveined, a simple slit along the back with a sharp paring knife allows you to easily lift out the vein. Many prefer shrimp that is also peeled, leaving just the tail on or removing it entirely for easier eating. Fresh or frozen? Both work perfectly. If using frozen, ensure you thaw it correctly before proceeding.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp Properly

Thawing frozen shrimp is a quick and straightforward process. The fastest and safest method involves placing the frozen shrimp in a large bowl and covering it with cold water. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are flexible and no longer rock-solid. Avoid using hot water, as this can start to cook the shrimp unevenly. Once thawed, drain the water, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (crucial for crispy breading!), and it’s ready for peeling and preparation.

Shrimp Tails On or Off? Your Preference Matters

Whether to leave the tails on your shrimp is entirely a matter of personal preference. From a presentation standpoint, leaving the tails on can make the dish look more elegant and can also help the shrimp maintain a nice, curved shape during cooking. However, for ease of eating, especially when serving with pasta or for children, removing the tails before breading can be more practical. Either way, it won’t affect the flavor of your Shrimp Parmesan.

The Best Breadcrumbs for Crispy Shrimp Parmesan

The choice of breadcrumbs significantly impacts the crispiness of your Shrimp Parmesan. You have a couple of excellent options:

• Standard Breadcrumbs: These are finely ground and create a classic, even coating. They absorb flavors well and provide a good texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: My personal favorite for an extra crispy crust. Panko, a type of Japanese breadcrumb, is coarser and flakier than standard breadcrumbs, leading to a much lighter and airier crunch.

To infuse your shrimp with an authentic Italian flavor, you can either use pre-seasoned Italian breadcrumbs or simply add a teaspoon of Italian Seasoning (or more to taste) directly to your plain breadcrumbs. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to round out the seasoning.

Achieving the Perfect Cheese Blend for Shrimp Parmigiana

For truly exceptional Shrimp Parmesan, a blend of two cheeses is key: Parmesan and Mozzarella. Each plays a distinct role in creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is incorporated directly into the breadcrumb mixture, adding a salty, umami depth to the crispy coating. Its sharp flavor complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is the star of the topping. Once the breaded shrimp is cooked, a generous layer of mozzarella is added and melted until gooey and bubbly. Fresh mozzarella can offer a creamier texture, while pre-shredded varieties are convenient and melt perfectly.

Together, these cheeses contribute to the signature taste and texture that makes Shrimp Parmesan so beloved.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Shrimp Parmesan is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for perfectly crispy and cheesy results. Detailed measurements and full instructions are available in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare Your Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, add your all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk your egg (or eggs, depending on shrimp quantity) until well beaten. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly.
2. Bread the Shrimp: Take each shrimp, one by one, and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly covered on all sides. Repeat for all shrimp.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method: You can either bake the shrimp in the oven for a classic crispy finish or use an air fryer for an extra-crispy, quicker result. Instructions for both methods are provided below and in the recipe card.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Once the shrimp is cooked and crispy, top each piece generously with marinara sauce, followed by a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven or air fryer briefly until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.

Air Frying for Extra Crispiness

The air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving incredibly crispy breaded shrimp with minimal oil. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary). Lightly spray the top of the shrimp with cooking oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, then flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Once cooked, top with marinara and mozzarella, then air fry for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. This method is incredibly fast and produces a superior crunch.

Baking for Golden Perfection in the Oven

If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven is a reliable method for delicious Shrimp Parmesan. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread your marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the breaded shrimp over the sauce in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking oil to encourage browning. Bake for about 7-8 minutes. Then, remove from the oven, flip the shrimp, and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the shrimp is cooked through, usually another 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Parmesan

Shrimp Parmesan is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. While it’s fantastic on its own, here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Pasta: The classic pairing! Serve your Shrimp Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti, linguine, or penne, allowing the rich marinara sauce to coat the pasta beautifully.
• Garlic Bread or Crostini: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Parmesan.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans tossed with garlic and olive oil make a healthy and flavorful side.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) or Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the shrimp over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Parmesan

• Pat Shrimp Dry: This is crucial! Excess moisture will prevent the breading from sticking and becoming crispy. Always pat your thawed shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before breading.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Whether air frying or baking, give your shrimp space. Overcrowding the basket or baking dish will steam the shrimp instead of crisping it, leading to a soggy breading. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures. This builds layers of flavor.
• Cooking Oil Spray: For air frying or baking, a light spray of cooking oil (like olive oil or avocado oil) on the breaded shrimp helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown and crispy texture.
• Watch Cook Times Closely: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque. The cheese melting phase is usually quick enough not to overcook the shrimp further.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce for a hint of heat.
• Homemade Marinara: While store-bought works wonderfully, a homemade marinara sauce can elevate this dish even further.

Shrimp Parmesan Recipe Card

Shrimp Parmesan Recipe

By Brandi Crawford

Golden, crispy shrimp coated in garlicky parmesan breadcrumbs, baked or air fried to perfection, and smothered in rich marinara sauce with melty mozzarella—this Shrimp Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food! It’s everything you love about classic Chicken Parmesan, but lighter, crisper, and packed with seafood flavor. Serve it over a bed of pasta, alongside garlic bread, or on its own for a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes!

5 from 10 votes

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 333 kcal

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Equipment

• Cosori Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Parchment Paper
• Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
• 9×13 Baking Dish

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw shrimp (Peeled and deveined.)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (Beaten. You may need an additional egg depending on the size of your shrimp.)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• cooking oil (I use olive oil.)

Instructions

1. Set up a cooking station with 3 separate bowls large enough to dip the shrimp. Add flour to one bowl and the beaten egg to another.

2. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste in a bowl large enough to dip the shrimp. Stir to combine.

3. Dip the shrimp in the flour, then the egg, and then the breadcrumbs mixture.

Air Fryer Instructions

1. Place the shrimp in the air fryer. Spray the top of the shrimp with cooking oil.

2. Cook for 5 minutes on 400 degrees.

3. Open the air fryer and flip the shrimp. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until crisp.

4. Top each of the shrimp with marinara sauce and then the shredded mozzarella. Air fry for an additional 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted. (Alternatively, you can air fry the breaded shrimp to get them crispy and when finished, add marinara sauce to the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Top the sauce with the shrimp and mozzarella. Broil for 2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.)

Oven Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Spread the marinara sauce throughout the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

3. Top the sauce with the breaded shrimp. Spray the top of the shrimp with cooking oil.

4. Bake for 7 minutes. Open the oven and flip the shrimp and top it with mozzarella. Bake until the cheese has melted and the shrimp is cooked through.

Video

Notes

• Most Italian Seasoning has garlic flavor. Feel free to add garlic powder (adjust to taste) if you wish for an extra garlic kick.
• You can use standard breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. For the crispiest results, panko is highly recommended. To enhance Italian flavor, use pre-seasoned Italian breadcrumbs or add extra Italian seasoning to plain ones.
• Always use your judgment for cook time. Shrimp cooks quickly, and the goal is crispy breading with tender, not rubbery, shrimp. Keep a close watch and adjust cooking time as needed until desired crispness is achieved.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving
Calories: 333kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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How to Store & Reheat Leftover Shrimp Parmesan

Proper storage ensures your delicious Shrimp Parmesan remains enjoyable for longer. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that delightful crispiness; microwaving will inevitably make the breading soggy. The best methods for reheating are the air fryer or the oven. Simply preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the shrimp until it’s warmed through and the breading has regained some of its crisp texture, typically 5-10 minutes. If the cheese looks dry, you can add a tiny sprinkle of fresh mozzarella before the last minute of reheating.

Freezer-Friendly Tips for Shrimp Parmesan

Shrimp Parmesan is also a great candidate for freezing, allowing you to prepare meals in advance. You can freeze cooked leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen shrimp to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above using an air fryer or oven to bring it back to crispy perfection. For best results, consider freezing the breaded (but uncooked) shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake or air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, then add sauce and cheese.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed this Shrimp Parmesan, you’re in for a treat! Shrimp is an incredibly versatile ingredient, perfect for quick and flavorful meals. Here are some other fantastic shrimp recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:

• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
• Spicy Jerk Shrimp
• Zesty Lemon Pepper Shrimp
• Quick Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Flavorful Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Cedar Plank Grilled Shrimp
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Decadent Shrimp and Crab Quiche
• Crispy Shrimp Egg Rolls
• Healthy Pad Thai with Chicken and Shrimp

And if you’re looking for other comforting Italian-inspired dishes, you might also enjoy our Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup.

Don’t forget to check out my Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe if you prefer crafting your own vibrant sauce over using store-bought options.