Some nights, you just want something fast, light, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. This air fryer shrimp and broccoli hits that sweet spot — it’s ready in about 20 minutes, so it’s great for when you’re juggling dinner with everything else going on. The lemon and garlic aroma starts to fill the kitchen as soon as the shrimp and broccoli hit the air fryer, and honestly, that’s when I start feeling like the day’s chaos might just settle down a bit.
One evening, I was halfway through dinner prep when my phone buzzed with a message I needed to check. I left the shrimp marinating with the seasoning a bit longer than intended — probably a minute or two — but honestly, it didn’t hurt the flavor at all. The broccoli crisped up nicely, and the shrimp came out juicy with that subtle smoky paprika note lingering. I didn’t even need a side; this meal stands on its own, and it’s the kind of dish that makes you forget about the distractions for a while. I usually don’t measure the lemon zest too precisely either, just enough to brighten things up, and that little imperfection feels homey rather than exact.
- Speedy and simple — you won’t spend more time cleaning than cooking.
- The garlic lemon seasoning is bright but not overpowering, letting the shrimp and broccoli shine.
- Using the air fryer means less oil and mess — but it’s not going to taste like deep-fried, which is fine by me.
- It’s flexible if you want to adjust the spice or swap veggies, though I haven’t tested every combination yet.
If you’re hesitant about using an air fryer or don’t have one, this recipe might inspire you to try it out — it’s surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require special tools beyond the basics.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp and Broccoli
A quick and healthy air fryer recipe featuring perfectly cooked shrimp and tender broccoli with a flavorful garlic lemon seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2
Ingredients
12 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Place the broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, add the seasoned shrimp on top of the broccoli in the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Check that the shrimp are opaque and cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Don’t worry about your air fryer model; most will handle this recipe without fuss. I often serve this with a simple grain like quinoa or brown rice to soak up the garlic lemon juices. Sometimes I toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes to roast alongside the broccoli, but I can’t promise it always turns out perfectly — sometimes they burst too early or don’t get quite as tender as I’d like. Another time, I tried adding a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat, which worked well, but it’s not for everyone.
For a vegetarian twist, swapping shrimp with firm tofu could be interesting, though I haven’t fully experimented with that yet. Also, if you’re short on time, you could skip the separate broccoli step and cook everything together, but the broccoli might not get as crisp.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? You can, but it’s best to thaw them first to ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe spicy? Not really — the smoked paprika adds a mild warmth without heat.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat gently in the air fryer.
Once you try this, I bet it’ll become your go-to quick meal. Don’t forget to save and share if it sparks your next dinner plan!