Sometimes, you just want dinner to be fast, flavorful, and a little bit fuss-free. This air fryer shrimp and broccoli recipe fits that craving perfectly. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a busy weeknight and still feel like you’ve treated yourself to something fresh and satisfying.
The other night, I was juggling a few things at once—a half-finished email, a phone call I wasn’t really following, and the unmistakable rumble of hunger creeping in. I tossed the shrimp and broccoli with garlic and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, then popped it all into the air fryer. The kitchen filled with this warm, inviting scent, like a tiny promise of comfort. I admit, I got distracted and almost let it cook a bit longer than ideal, but the shrimp still turned out juicy and the broccoli had that perfect snap. It wasn’t flawless, but it was real and delicious, exactly what I needed.
Why you’ll love it:
- It’s fast—ready in about 20 minutes, including prep.
- The air fryer creates a nice crispness without drowning everything in oil.
- The garlic and smoked paprika add a subtle depth without overpowering the fresh shrimp and broccoli.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or weird ingredients.
- Portion-wise, it’s just right for two, but adapting it for more takes a little juggling with your air fryer space.
If you’ve been hesitant about air frying seafood or veggies, this recipe might just ease you in. It’s a great way to get that lightly charred texture without standing over a stove or heating up the whole kitchen.
PrintAir Fryer Shrimp and Broccoli
A quick and healthy air fryer recipe featuring succulent shrimp and crisp broccoli, seasoned with garlic and lemon for a flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.
- 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
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, broccoli florets, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Place the shrimp and broccoli mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Transfer the cooked shrimp and broccoli to a serving dish and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Serve immediately.
Kitchen Notes: I usually just use my regular air fryer basket—the kind you probably already have—and it works great here. Serving this with a squeeze of extra lemon or alongside some crusty bread really rounds it out. Sometimes I swap the broccoli for asparagus or snap peas, though I haven’t tested those swaps enough to be sure they crisp quite the same. Also, if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes thrown in with the garlic can be a nice touch.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? You can, but I’d recommend thawing them first for even cooking.
Does the broccoli get soggy? Not if you shake the basket halfway through; it should stay crisp-tender.
What if my air fryer is small? You might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Can I make this ahead? It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat nicely in the air fryer at a lower temperature.
Ready to make weeknight dinner easier and tastier? Give this shrimp and broccoli combo a try—you’ll be surprised how a few simple ingredients and your air fryer can come together for an easy, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.