Discover a meal that checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Air fryer shrimp and broccoli brings together tender shrimp and vibrant green broccoli tossed in flavorful seasonings, all cooked in just minutes with minimal oil. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you want something nutritious and satisfying without the fuss. This recipe shines because it keeps things light and fresh, yet packs in bold flavor and satisfying protein. You’ll love how easy it is—just toss, air fry, and enjoy a wholesome dinner that tastes like takeout but is so much better for you. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious—this air fryer shrimp and broccoli recipe is your perfect go-to for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp and crisp broccoli are tossed with bold seasonings and air fried to perfection in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, fresh or frozen)
- 1 head broccoli (cut into florets, or 12 oz fresh/frozen florets)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1–2 tablespoons garlic butter
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Peel and devein shrimp if needed, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Wash broccoli and cut into bite-size florets.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp and broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, seasoning (Italian or Cajun), and parmesan if using. Coat evenly.
- Place broccoli in air fryer basket first, then layer shrimp on top.
- Spread in a single layer; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes. Shake or stir halfway through.
- If using frozen shrimp/broccoli: pre-cook broccoli at 400°F for 5 minutes, then add shrimp and cook another 5–6 minutes.
- Shrimp should be pink and curled; broccoli crisp-tender. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
You can customize this recipe with other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. Cooking time may vary by air fryer model.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Shrimp and Broccoli
Uniform Cooking
Thanks to its powerful fan and circulating hot air, the air fryer cooks both shrimp and broccoli evenly every single time. Shrimp stay juicy without overcooking, and broccoli emerges perfectly crisp-tender, not mushy or burnt. The constant air movement means everything in the basket gets exposed to the same heat—so you get reliable, delicious results in every bite.
Maximum Speed
The air fryer is unbeatable for speed. This meal goes from fridge to table in under 15 minutes—much faster than baking or pan-frying on the stove. With hardly any preheating, you just toss your seasoned shrimp and broccoli in the basket, set the timer, and let the machine do all the work. It’s the ultimate time-saver for busy nights.
Less Oil
Air frying uses a fraction of the oil you’d need for traditional methods, letting you enjoy crispy, flavorful food that’s lighter and healthier. Just a quick drizzle of oil is enough to achieve a satisfying golden finish. Shrimp and broccoli emerge with great flavor and texture—without excessive calories or greasy residue. Healthy eating never tasted (or cooked) so good!
Essential Ingredients and Seasoning
Here’s everything you need for delicious air fryer shrimp and broccoli. These simple, fresh ingredients keep the recipe easy to follow and bursting with flavor:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, fresh or frozen)
- 1 head broccoli (cut into florets, or 12 oz fresh or frozen florets)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced, or 1 tbsp garlic paste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (OR cajun seasoning, for a spicier kick)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for savory flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Optional add-ins for extra flavor:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1–2 tablespoons garlic butter (for richness)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
Just measure, prep, and you’re ready to toss everything together for a quick, healthy air fryer meal!
For more delicious main course ideas, check out our detailed Birria Tacos Guide for juicy, cheesy tacos that everyone loves.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp and Broccoli
Preparation
- Prep the shrimp: Peel and devein your shrimp if needed. Pat them dry with paper towels for maximum browning and flavor.
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-size florets.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss shrimp and broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, your choice of seasoning (Italian blend, Cajun, or just salt and pepper), and a sprinkle of parmesan if using. Make sure everything is well coated for even flavor.
Arrangement
- Layer in the basket: Place the seasoned broccoli florets in the air fryer basket first. Add the shrimp on top; this keeps the shrimp juicy and lets the broccoli get deliciously roasted edges.
- Avoid overcrowding: Spread everything in a single, even layer for the best crisp results. For smaller air fryers, cook in batches if necessary.
Cooking
- Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes for fresh shrimp and broccoli.
- Shake or stir the basket halfway through to help everything cook evenly.
- For frozen shrimp/broccoli, pre-cook the broccoli at 400°F for 5 minutes before adding the shrimp, then cook together for another 5–6 minutes at 400°F until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Finish & serve: The shrimp should be pink and curled, and the broccoli tender with crisp edges. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness!
This hands-off cooking technique ensures you get dinner on the table fast, with minimal mess and maximum flavor.
FAQ: Your Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this air fryer shrimp and broccoli recipe?
Yes! You can cook frozen shrimp directly in the air fryer without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Q: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp should be pink and opaque when fully cooked. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep an eye on the time and texture. Typically, cooking for 8–10 minutes at 390°F works perfectly.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas all work well alongside broccoli. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
Definitely! Shrimp is a lean protein low in calories, and broccoli offers fiber and vitamins. Air frying uses little oil, making this dish nutritious and flavorful without the added fat.
Q: Can I make other dishes in the air fryer?
Yes! Try making crispy hash browns in the air fryer for a perfect breakfast side. Learn more in our guide: Can You Make Hash Browns in an Air Fryer. Feel free to reach out if you want more cooking tips or alternative versions of this recipe!
Conclusion: Your Easy and Healthy Dinner is Ready!
This air fryer shrimp and broccoli recipe is your go-to solution for a meal that’s fast, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s simple to make, uses minimal oil, and delivers tender shrimp and perfectly crisp broccoli in just minutes. Whether you’re looking for weeknight dinner inspiration or a nutritious meal prepped in a flash, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends who want quick and wholesome meal ideas. For even more delicious shrimp dishes, check out our detailed guide on What is Shrimp Ceviche and discover fresh ways to enjoy shrimp.
Ready for your next easy dinner? Explore our full collection for more quick recipes that make eating well a breeze: adorarecipes.com.
Happy cooking and happy eating!
Air fryer shrimp and broccoli is the kind of meal that instantly brightens up dinner, thanks to its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and satisfying texture.