There’s something about a meal that comes together fast but still feels fresh and satisfying. That’s exactly what this air fryer shrimp and vegetables dish delivers. It’s that kind of recipe you reach for when you’ve just walked in the door, maybe juggling a bag or two, and all you want is something wholesome without fuss.
I remember the first time I made this. The kitchen smelled like garlic and lemon before I realized I’d been standing there, distracted by a text, stirring the shrimp and veggies a little too enthusiastically. The sizzle from the air fryer was a welcome soundtrack, and by the time I plated everything, the colors were vibrant—red peppers, green broccoli, golden shrimp—each bite bright and fresh but with a hint of smoky paprika that kept me curious. It wasn’t perfect, though. I might have overcooked one or two shrimp, but honestly, that just made me appreciate the texture contrast even more.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s fast — under 20 minutes from prep to plate, which is a lifesaver on busy days.
- The combination of garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika adds layers of flavor without complicated steps.
- Everything cooks together in one basket, so cleanup is minimal; though sometimes the veggies stick a bit, which isn’t the end of the world.
- The air fryer gives a nice crispness that’s hard to get in a pan, especially with shrimp.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need for fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen.
If you’re worried about the timing or juggling the veggies and shrimp, don’t be. I usually just toss everything together and trust the air fryer to do its thing. Sometimes I peek early, sometimes I forget until it beeps. Either way, it’s always tasty enough to make me want to hit repeat.
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Air Fryer Shrimp and Vegetables
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and healthy air fryer recipe featuring succulent shrimp and crisp vegetables, seasoned with garlic and lemon for a flavorful meal ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, red bell pepper pieces, zucchini slices, and broccoli florets.
Add olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Place the shrimp and vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the shrimp and vegetables from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and vegetables and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Kitchen Notes: Your air fryer is pretty forgiving here—no fancy gadgets needed, just the usual basket style. I like serving this alongside a simple grain like quinoa or brown rice to soak up those garlicky lemon juices. Sometimes, I swap out the broccoli for asparagus or add a sprinkle of chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous, though I haven’t tried it with every veggie under the sun. If you want to switch up the protein, maybe chicken bites would work too, but I haven’t tested that fully.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen shrimp? You can, but it’s best to thaw them first so they cook evenly.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne can add a bit of warmth, though it’ll change the flavor slightly.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp? Keep an eye on the cooking time and give the basket a shake halfway through for even crispness.
Feeling inspired? Give this air fryer shrimp and vegetables a try next time you want something quick, flavorful, and just a little bit different. It’s one of those meals that feels like a small treat without the effort.