Sometimes the day runs away from you, and dinner feels like a last-minute puzzle. That’s when this Cajun shrimp and veggies air fryer recipe swoops in — fast, flavorful, and just a little bit spicy. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull off a meal that tastes like it’s got a secret ingredient of care and zest.
I remember one evening, rushing home with a stack of errands still buzzing in my mind. The kitchen was warm, the air fryer humming softly, and the scent of Cajun spices mingled with roasted bell peppers. I half-listened to a podcast, occasionally flipping the basket, wondering if I’d overdone it or under-seasoned. But that first bite? Juicy shrimp with a smoky kick, tender-crisp veggies, all wrapped in a hint of garlic and paprika. It wasn’t fancy, and I didn’t bother with a fancy plating — just a quick, satisfying dinner that felt like a little win after a chaotic day.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s fast: from prep to plate in under 25 minutes, perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
- The air fryer crisps everything just right, avoiding soggy veggies or rubbery shrimp — that texture balance makes all the difference.
- The seasoning is bold but not overwhelming; it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Healthy and colorful, making it easy to feel good about what you’re eating without sacrificing flavor.
- You might find yourself wanting to double the veggies or sneak a lemon wedge before serving — no judgment here.
If you’re worried about juggling cooking times or seasoning, don’t sweat it too much. The air fryer does most of the work, and a quick toss halfway through keeps things even. You might want to experiment with how spicy you like it — I usually add a pinch more smoked paprika, but that’s just me getting carried away.
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Cajun Shrimp and Veggies Air Fryer
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Cajun shrimp and vegetable dish cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with crisp bell peppers and zucchini, all seasoned with a spicy Cajun blend for a healthy and delicious meal.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini.
Add olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
Place the shrimp and vegetable 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 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy here — just an air fryer that can fit the shrimp and veggies in a single layer without crowding. If your basket is small, cooking in batches works just fine and actually helps keep everything crisp. For serving, a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish beautifully, and it pairs nicely with a simple grain like rice or quinoa if you want something extra. As for variations, I’ve tried swapping zucchini for asparagus or adding a dash of cayenne when I’m feeling bold, but the classic combo always wins. Oh, and sometimes I forget the parsley garnish, and honestly, it’s still delicious.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to avoid extra moisture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You could roast this in the oven at a similar temperature, but the texture might differ slightly — less crisp, more roasted.
Can I make this ahead? It’s best fresh, but leftovers keep well for a day or two in the fridge and reheat nicely in the air fryer.
Ready to turn your busy night into a flavorful, fuss-free dinner? Give this Cajun shrimp and veggies air fryer recipe a try and savor how simple can taste so good.