When the clock is ticking and hunger is loud, this air fryer shrimp and green beans dish steps up like a champ. It’s that kind of meal that sneaks in freshness and flavor without demanding too much attention. The garlic and lemon lift the shrimp and green beans to something vibrant, while the quick cooking means you’re not stuck in the kitchen for ages.
I remember the first time I tried making this. I was distracted by a phone call halfway through tossing the shrimp and green beans with the spices — so the coating wasn’t quite even. But honestly, that little imperfection didn’t matter. The smoky paprika and garlic still sang through, and the green beans came out perfectly crisp. I didn’t expect it to taste this good with so little fuss, especially on a night when I barely had the patience to cook.
- Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want something fresh but fast.
- Light and healthy—shrimp and green beans keep it low-carb and packed with protein and nutrients.
- The lemon and garlic combo brightens the dish, but it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Cooking in the air fryer means less mess and no standing over a hot stove.
If you’re new to air frying shrimp, don’t worry — it’s forgiving enough even if your timing isn’t perfect. The shrimp turn pink and juicy quickly, and the green beans get that nice snap without turning mushy.
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Air Fryer Shrimp and Green Beans
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
A quick and healthy air fryer recipe featuring succulent shrimp and crisp green beans, seasoned with garlic and lemon for a flavorful meal ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
12 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, green beans, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Place the shrimp and green beans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the green beans tender-crisp.
Transfer the shrimp and green beans to a serving dish. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Using the air fryer here is straightforward, so no fancy gadgets needed beyond that. I usually serve this with a wedge of crusty bread or a simple side of rice to soak up the lemony juices. Sometimes I toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes before cooking for a bit of extra sweetness, though I haven’t tested that with every batch. You could swap the green beans for asparagus or snap peas if that’s what you have on hand, but green beans seem to hold up best to the high heat and still keep their crunch.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: I usually prefer fresh or thawed shrimp for even cooking, but frozen works if fully thawed and patted dry.
Q: What if my air fryer basket is small?
A: It’s better to cook in batches than overcrowd — shrimp need space to crisp up.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can prep the shrimp and green beans ahead of time, but cooking right before eating keeps everything crisp and juicy.
Give this a try next time you want a quick, healthy meal that feels a little special without the fuss. Once you get the hang of it, it’s one of those dishes you find yourself coming back to again and again.