Sometimes the best meals are the ones that feel like a little victory after a busy day. This air fryer shrimp and green beans recipe is exactly that—fast, fresh, and full of flavor without demanding too much of your time or attention. It’s one of those dinners where you toss everything in the basket, set the timer, and catch your breath while it does its thing.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe, I was juggling emails and a call, glancing at the air fryer every few minutes, half wondering if I’d left the shrimp in too long or if the green beans would stay crisp. The kitchen smelled like garlic and paprika, with a bright hint of lemon that pulled everything together just right. I ended up sitting down with a plate that was warm, vibrant, and satisfying—no stress, no mess, and I might have even eaten a little faster than usual because I was hungry and that lemony tang made everything pop.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ready in under 20 minutes, which is perfect for when you don’t want to spend hours cooking.
- Light and fresh with a smoky kick, thanks to smoked paprika and lemon zest.
- The air fryer crisps the shrimp and green beans beautifully, but it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Minimal cleanup since everything cooks together in one basket.
If you’re worried about the shrimp drying out, just keep a close eye the first time you make it. It’s easy to overcook, but with this timing, it usually comes out tender and juicy. Plus, the lemon juice added at the end brightens up the whole dish and keeps it feeling fresh.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp and Green Beans
A quick and delicious air fryer recipe featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp and crisp green beans. This easy meal is ready in under 20 minutes and makes a healthy, flavorful dinner or lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2
Ingredients
12 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and green beans.
Add olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together until the shrimp and green beans are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Place the seasoned shrimp and green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
Cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
Sprinkle lemon zest and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and green beans. Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.
Kitchen Notes: Using an air fryer makes this recipe stress-free, but if yours has a smaller basket, you might need to cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. I like to serve it with a simple side of quinoa or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the juices. Sometimes, I toss in some cherry tomatoes with the green beans for a pop of color and sweetness, although I haven’t tested it with frozen shrimp yet — fresh seems to work best here. If you want it spicier, a pinch of cayenne can be a nice addition, but be cautious; it can overpower the delicate shrimp.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? I recommend thawing them first for even cooking, but you could try it frozen if you adjust the time slightly.
How do I keep the green beans crisp? Don’t overcrowd the basket and shake it halfway through cooking to keep things moving.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? You can use regular paprika or a bit of chili powder for a different flavor profile.
This air fryer shrimp and green beans dish is a quick, satisfying way to get dinner on the table without fuss. Give it a try and see how it changes your weeknight routine.