Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Introduction

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli with Toasted Sesame Seeds is a perfect choice. This recipe combines succulent shrimp and tender broccoli with a sweet and savory honey-garlic glaze. Toasted sesame seeds add a delicate nutty flavor, and a final drizzle of light soy-sesame sauce elevates the dish. The air fryer makes cooking both fast and easy, giving the shrimp and broccoli a light, crisp finish with minimal oil. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe is both nutritious and low-calorie.


Ingredients:

For the Shrimp and Broccoli:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light or low sodium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

For the Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
  • Fresh lime wedges, for serving

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp and broccoli.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  3. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. This preheating step ensures even cooking and helps the shrimp and broccoli crisp up better.

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp and Broccoli in the Air Fryer

  1. Place the shrimp and broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  2. Ensure they’re spread out, allowing for airflow and even cooking.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

  1. Cook the shrimp and broccoli in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  2. Halfway through cooking (around 4-5 minutes), open the air fryer and gently shake the basket to toss the ingredients, promoting even cooking.
  3. Once cooked, the shrimp should be opaque and slightly golden, and the broccoli should be tender with crispy edges.

Step 5: Toast the Sesame Seeds

  1. In a small skillet over low heat, add sesame seeds.
  2. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

  1. Mix the light soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  2. Arrange the shrimp and broccoli on a serving platter, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  3. Drizzle the soy-sesame dressing over the dish and serve with fresh lime wedges.

Cooking Notes:

  • Shrimp Size: Use large or extra-large shrimp for a juicy texture. Smaller shrimp can work, but adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
  • Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw thoroughly before cooking and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  • Honey Substitution: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey if preferred.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this dish over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a light cucumber salad or Asian slaw for a refreshing side.
  • Try adding other vegetables to the air fryer mix, like bell peppers or snap peas, to make it more colorful and nutritious.

Tips:

  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey by half.
  • Extra Crispiness: For crispier broccoli, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Watch the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Check them around the 8-minute mark.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes


Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg

Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli with Toasted Sesame Seeds is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, balanced meal without the hassle of extensive prep. The air fryer brings out the best textures, and the combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce gives this dish a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is versatile, quick, and ideal for busy nights or anyone looking for a delicious, guilt-free dinner option. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it a staple in your weekly meal rotation!

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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli with Toasted Sesame Seeds


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp and Broccoli:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light or low sodium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

For the Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
  • Fresh lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp and broccoli.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  3. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. This preheating step ensures even cooking and helps the shrimp and broccoli crisp up better.

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp and Broccoli in the Air Fryer

  1. Place the shrimp and broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  2. Ensure they’re spread out, allowing for airflow and even cooking.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

  1. Cook the shrimp and broccoli in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  2. Halfway through cooking (around 4-5 minutes), open the air fryer and gently shake the basket to toss the ingredients, promoting even cooking.
  3. Once cooked, the shrimp should be opaque and slightly golden, and the broccoli should be tender with crispy edges.

Step 5: Toast the Sesame Seeds

  1. In a small skillet over low heat, add sesame seeds.
  2. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

  1. Mix the light soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  2. Arrange the shrimp and broccoli on a serving platter, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  3. Drizzle the soy-sesame dressing over the dish and serve with fresh lime wedges.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Protein: 18g

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