Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Shrimp with Zucchini and Peppers

Name: Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Shrimp with Zucchini and Peppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional); 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch half moons (about 3 cups or 300 grams); 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced (about 1.5 cups or 150 grams); 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams); 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

This Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Shrimp is a bright, low carb main dish tailored for diabetics who want bold flavor without blood sugar spikes. Juicy shrimp roast quickly with tender zucchini and sweet red peppers, all kissed with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan. It is fast, satisfying, and designed to fit your glucose goals while delivering restaurant-quality taste at home. Shrimp is a lean, high protein choice that helps support steady blood sugar. Each serving offers about 38 grams of protein with only 5 grams net carbs, largely from nonstarchy vegetables. The olive oil provides heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, and the Parmesan adds calcium and savory richness without adding many carbs. Compared with heavier cuts you might see in keto air fryer bacon or keto air fryer ribeye, this seafood option keeps calories and carbs in check for balanced energy. For glycemic control, the pairing of shrimp with zucchini and peppers ensures a low glycemic load and plenty of micronutrients. This dish fits easily into air fryer meals keto plans and can anchor a plate with greens or cauliflower rice. Shellfish should be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safety, and shrimp are done when opaque and firm. Always confirm doneness with a [digital meat thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) inserted into the thickest shrimp. To get perfect texture, preheat the air fryer and avoid overcrowding so the shrimp and vegetables roast rather than steam. A light coating of olive oil helps browning, while garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning add depth without sugar. If you cook for a family, a [dual basket air fryer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) lets you split batches to keep everything crisp. Shrimp do not require a rest time after cooking, but for other proteins, follow USDA minimums and rest whole cuts appropriately. Serve this shrimp with a simple arugula salad, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. If your meal routine already includes keto air fryer salmon, this shrimp offers variety with similar macro benefits. Fans of air fryer beef liver low carb recipe ideas will appreciate how clean the ingredient list is, and the flavors fit well alongside other air fryer meals keto staples. Explore more smart swaps and techniques in [Keto Recipes](/blog/keto-basics). Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes. For variations, swap zucchini for broccoli or green beans, add crushed red pepper for heat, or change the citrus to lime. If you enjoy seafood variety, try our companion dish [Garlic Lemon Salmon](/recipes/garlic-lemon-salmon).

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 8 min. Servings: 4.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch half moons (about 3 cups or 300 grams)
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced (about 1.5 cups or 150 grams)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, zucchini, and bell pepper.
Whisk olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the shrimp and vegetables, then toss until evenly coated.
Arrange the shrimp and vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed for best browning.
Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Use a [digital meat thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) to confirm the shrimp reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit and are opaque and firm. Shrimp do not require a rest time.
Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges. Follow USDA guidance for other proteins: poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, fish and shellfish to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, beef/pork/lamb steaks and chops to 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a 3 minute rest, and ground meats to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

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