Air Fryer Shrimp and Broccoli

Broccoli florets (1–1.5 inch) take 10–12 minutes to properly char and become tender-crisp. Large shrimp take 6–8 minutes to cook through at 390°F. If you start both together, the shrimp will be overcooked (rubbery) by the time the broccoli is done. The 4–5 minute stagger matches their cook times so both finish simultaneously. This is a quick adjustment that produces a properly cooked, well-timed one-basket meal.

Preheat to 390°F for 2 minutes. Toss broccoli in ½ tsp oil, salt, garlic powder. Place broccoli in the basket. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the florets are beginning to char on the edges. Pause and push broccoli to the sides of the basket. Add peeled and deveined shrimp (patted dry, tossed in ½ tsp oil and seasoning) in the center. Continue at 390°F for 6–8 more minutes, shaking once at 3 minutes. Shrimp are done when they curl into a C-shape and turn fully opaque. Both should be done at 10–13 minutes total.

The easiest approach: season both components with the same base — garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then add an accent after cooking: squeeze of lemon for a light finish; soy sauce and sesame oil for Asian-inspired; red pepper flakes and olive oil for a spicy Mediterranean version. For a Chinese-style dish, cook both components plain and toss after cooking in a sauce of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of cornstarch thinned with water — heat the sauce briefly and pour over the cooked shrimp and broccoli.

Serve over steamed white rice for a complete one-bowl meal. For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or with rice noodles. For a quick weeknight dinner, the rice can cook on the stovetop while the air fryer handles both protein and vegetable simultaneously — total dinner time under 20 minutes. For meal prep: double the recipe and pack into 2-portion containers with pre-cooked rice — keeps for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Can you cook shrimp and broccoli together in an air fryer?

Yes. Broccoli takes longer than shrimp: start the broccoli first at 390°F for 6–8 minutes, then add the shrimp and cook for another 6–8 minutes. Together: broccoli gets 12–16 minutes total, shrimp gets 6–8 minutes — both finish at the same time. Toss both in a light coat of oil and seasoning before cooking. The broccoli edges will be slightly charred, which pairs well with garlic-seasoned shrimp. This combination works especially well with an Asian-inspired seasoning (garlic, soy, sesame oil added after cooking).