Sesame Garlic Air Fryer Shrimp with Crisp Broccoli

This quick and easy air fryer shrimp dinner is tailor-made for blood sugar balance and bold flavor. Tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli get a fast sesame garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. If you love the convenience of air fryer meals keto eaters swear by, this recipe gives you a fresh seafood option that cooks in minutes and stays under 10 grams net carbs per serving. For more simple seafood inspiration, see all [seafood dishes](/categories/seafood). Shrimp is naturally lean and virtually carb free, which makes it ideal for steady blood sugar. Pairing it with low glycemic broccoli and a light sauce means you get protein, fiber, and healthy fats without a glucose spike. Compared with heavier cuts you might use in keto air fryer ribeye or keto air fryer beef short ribs, this shrimp plate is lighter yet filling, with about 40 grams of protein to support satiety and muscle health. The sesame oil provides satisfying fat while the vegetables contribute fiber and potassium. Balanced seasoning is key for diabetics who want big flavor without added sugar. This recipe uses low sodium soy sauce, fresh garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat. The result is an umami-rich glaze that rivals the appeal of keto air fryer salmon or even a smoky bite like keto air fryer bacon, yet it stays gentle on carbs and sodium when portioned as directed. If you are new to the appliance, our [beginner's air fryer guide](/blog/beginners-air-fryer-guide) can help you master basket spacing and timing. Technique matters. Preheat your air fryer for consistent browning, mist the basket with a [quality olive oil sprayer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon), and cook the shrimp just until it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, verified with a [digital meat thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon). This ensures safe doneness for shellfish and keeps the texture juicy. A reliable [air fryer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) with strong airflow helps the broccoli turn crisp around the edges in only a few minutes. Serve the shrimp and broccoli right away with fresh scallions and sesame seeds. For crunch and contrast, pair it with our creamy, low carb [keto coleslaw](/recipes/keto-coleslaw). If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end to avoid burning in the basket. Leftovers keep well for meal prep. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes. For planning a full week of air fryer meals keto cooks can rely on, read our [keto meal prep tips](/blog/keto-meal-prep-guide). ## Tools Used Air fryer nonstick liners keep the sesame garlic glaze from caramelizing onto the basket. The sticky sauce on these shrimp would normally require soaking the basket afterward, but a liner makes cleanup almost instant. Find our recommended liners in the [essential air fryer accessories guide](/learn/air-fryer-accessories-essential-kit).

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 10 min. Servings: 2.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry
• 1 cup small broccoli florets (about 90 grams)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper (about 35 grams)
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil, or use an olive oil sprayer for the basket
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon sliced scallions, for garnish
• Lemon or lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sriracha, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let stand 5 minutes while the fryer heats.
3. Toss the broccoli and bell pepper with the avocado oil. Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Spread the vegetables in a single layer.
4. Air fry the vegetables at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes, shaking the basket once at the 2 minute mark.
5. Add the marinated shrimp on top in a single layer. Air fry 4 to 6 minutes more, shaking once, until the shrimp are opaque and firm. Verify the shrimp reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest shrimp.
6. Transfer to plates. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately with citrus wedges. No resting time is needed for shrimp.

View full recipe on Low Carb Air Fryer