Air Fryer Steak and Shrimp Breakfast Recipe – Easy Surf & Turf Morning Delight

Introduction

If you want a breakfast that feels like a weekend celebration but comes together fast on a weekday, this Air Fryer Steak and Shrimp Breakfast recipe is your new secret weapon. I fell in love with surf-and-turf breakfasts years ago at a seaside café, and after a few experiments in my tiny kitchen I learned how to get the same restaurant-style results using an air fryer. The result: juicy steak with a seared crust and tender, perfectly cooked shrimp — all ready in about 20 minutes, with minimal fuss. If you’re short on time but crave something special, this recipe solves that craving — fast, reliably, and deliciously.

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Air Fryer Steak and Shrimp Breakfast recipe — Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🕒 Fast — breakfast on the table in ~20 minutes.
• 🥩🦐 Restaurant-quality surf & turf without a grill or stovetop drama.
• 🔥 Precise results — air fryer + instant-read thermometer = consistent doneness.
• 🍳 Flexible — pair with eggs, avocado, or a quick salad.
• 👩‍🍳 Beginner-friendly — clear temps/times so you can nail it every time.

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My Personal Experience

My very first attempt at air-frying both steak and shrimp was pure curiosity: could an air fryer really produce a steak with a satisfying sear? After the first bite — a crusty exterior and juicy center — I ditched the heavy pans and smoky grill for most weeknight steaks. I learned a few things the hard way (don’t skip patting the steak dry!), and now this surf-and-turf breakfast is my go-to when I want a special morning meal without spending hours cooking. It’s what I make when guests stay over and what I make when I want to feel a little fancy on a Tuesday morning.

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Required Equipment

Air Fryer

A basket-style or oven-style countertop air fryer that can reach 200–205°C (390–400°F). Larger baskets (≥5 L) let you cook steaks and shrimp in separate batches or on separate racks.

Instant-Read Thermometer

This is essential — it takes the guesswork out of doneness. You’ll aim for internal temps listed below.

Tongs

For safely flipping steak and moving shrimp without piercing the meat.

Mixing Bowls

One for shrimp marinade and one for seasoning the steak.

Small Basting Brush (Optional)

Nice for brushing melted herb butter on the steak after resting.

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Ingredients & Substitutions (Serves 2)

• 2 steaks (200 g / 7 oz each) — ribeye, sirloin, or strip; about 1–1¼ inches (25–30 mm) thick.
  Why it matters: a 1–1¼” steak cooks predictably in the air fryer; thinner steaks cook too fast, thicker ones need more time.
  Substitute: leaner cuts (sirloin) for less fat, ribeye for richer flavor.
• 16 large shrimp (peeled, deveined) — ~80 g / 2.8 oz per person (8 shrimp each).
  Why it matters: large shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy; smaller shrimp cook even faster.
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) — 1 tbsp for steak, 1 tbsp for shrimp. Helps heat transfer and browning.
  Substitute: avocado oil for higher smoke point.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika — for shrimp seasoning.
• 1 tsp garlic powder — balances both steak and shrimp.
• ½ tsp kosher salt + fresh cracked black pepper — season to taste; salt enhances juiciness and crust.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter — optional, for finishing the steak. (Swap with ghee if you prefer.)
• 1 lemon — cut into wedges for serving (brightens shrimp).
• Optional: 2 turkey bacon slices (cooked) for a smoky breakfast twist (replacing pork bacon).

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Air-Fryer Notes

• Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 390°F for 3–5 minutes for even cooking.
• Spacing: Don’t overcrowd — steaks should sit flat with space around them; shrimp should be in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
• Oil spray: Lightly coat proteins with oil — this promotes browning.
• Flip: Flip steak halfway through cooking; shake the basket or turn shrimp once.
• Finish high heat: For extra crust on the steak, finish with 205°C / 400°F for 1–2 minutes.

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How to Make Air Fryer Steak and Shrimp Breakfast (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Bring Steak to Room Temperature (10–15 min)

Remove steaks from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels — dry exterior = better sear. Season both sides with ½ tsp kosher salt and ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to your taste). Brush both sides lightly with 1 tsp olive oil.

Friendly note: Room-temp steaks cook more evenly. It’s worth the short wait.

Step 2 — Prep Shrimp (5 minutes)

In a bowl, toss 16 large shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep chilled until ready.

Step 3 — Preheat Air Fryer (3–5 minutes)

Preheat to 200°C / 390°F.

Step 4 — Cook the Steaks (8–12 minutes depending on thickness & doneness)

Place steaks in the basket in a single layer. Cook at 200°C / 390°F:

• For 1″ (25 mm) steaks: 8–10 minutes total — flip at 4–5 minutes.
  • Target internal temps:
    • Medium-rare: 57°C / 135°F (remove at this temp, rest 5 min)
    • Medium: 63°C / 145°F
• For 1¼” (30 mm) steaks: 10–12 minutes — flip halfway.

Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part to check doneness. After removing, tent steaks with foil and rest 5 minutes — carryover cooking will raise the temp slightly and juices will redistribute.

Step 5 — Cook the Shrimp (4–6 minutes)

While the steaks rest, place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 200°C / 390°F for 4–6 minutes, shaking or turning once halfway. Shrimp are done when opaque and firm, or when internal temp reaches 63°C / 145°F. Squeeze fresh lemon over them after cooking.

Step 6 — Finish & Serve

Slice the steak against the grain; arrange steak slices and shrimp on plates. Optional: melt 1 tbsp butter with minced garlic and parsley, spoon over steak. Serve with eggs (poached or fried), a handful of arugula, or roasted tomatoes for a full breakfast.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Skipping the rest: Cutting steak immediately leaks juices. Rest 5 minutes.
• ❌ Overcrowding the basket: Causes steaming, not searing — cook in batches.
• ❌ Not drying steak: Wet surfaces prevent good browning. Pat dry thoroughly.
• ❌ Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp go from tender to rubbery fast — watch the time and color change.

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Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use an instant-read thermometer — it’s the only reliable way to get your preferred doneness.
• If you want a stronger sear, pat dry, season, then sprinkle a little baking soda (very small pinch) on the steak surface 10 minutes before cooking — it raises pH and promotes browning (optional).
• Finish steak with herbed butter while it rests for juicy richness.
• Cook shrimp in a single layer; if your air fryer is small, cook shrimp in two quick batches to maintain crispness.
• Keep a kitchen timer next to the fryer — seconds matter with seafood.

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Air-Fryer Benefits of Steak & Shrimp

Air frying is ideal for surf & turf breakfasts because it uses circulating hot air to form a crust without deep frying. For steak, the air fryer reduces the need for heavy oil and eliminates stovetop splatter. For shrimp, the quick, high-heat environment cooks them evenly and prevents drying out — you get the texture of a quick pan-sear without constantly tending a skillet.

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Variations You Can Try

• Garlic-Herb Surf & Turf: Toss shrimp in garlic and parsley; rub steak with rosemary and thyme.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the shrimp rub.
• Mediterranean: Serve with sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, and feta crumbles.
• Make it a Breakfast Bowl: Add roasted sweet potato cubes and a fried egg on top.
• Oven Version: Roast steaks at 220°C / 425°F for 10–14 minutes (depending on thickness) and roast shrimp at the same temp for 4–6 minutes.

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Tips for This Recipe (Make-Ahead & Staging)

• Season steaks in advance and refrigerate overnight (pat dry before cooking).
• Peel and devein shrimp the night before for fast morning assembly.
• Preheat the air fryer while you get plates, garnishes, and sides ready — the preheat time is perfect for chopping herbs or frying a couple of eggs.

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Optional Additions (with carb notes)

• Avocado slices (+2–3 g net carbs for 50 g) — creamy and low-carb.
• Two fried eggs (+0.4 g carbs each) — add protein and richness.
• A slice of toast (+12–15 g carbs) — for a non-keto option.

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Serving Ideas

• Classic breakfast plate: steak, shrimp, two eggs, and roasted tomatoes.
• Brunch platter: sliced steak, shrimp, mixed greens, and lemon aioli.
• Quick dinner: serve with mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal.

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Cooked steak and shrimp stored separately in airtight containers — steak 3–4 days; shrimp 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended for best texture, but cooked steak may freeze up to 2 months (thaw overnight). Shrimp texture declines after freezing and reheating.
• Reheat in air fryer: Gently reheat steak at 140°C / 285°F for 4–6 minutes (depending on thickness), flipping once. Reheat shrimp at 140°C / 285°F for 2–3 minutes. Avoid high heat — it will overcook shrimp.

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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

1. Can I cook steak and shrimp at the same time in the air fryer?
Yes — only if your air fryer has enough room to keep them in separate zones/racks without touching. Shrimp cook faster, so either start the steak first or remove steak to rest while the shrimp finish.

2. What internal temp should I aim for?
For steak, medium-rare 57°C / 135°F, medium 63°C / 145°F. For shrimp, 63°C / 145°F or until opaque and firm.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Thaw fully and pat dry first. Frozen shrimp release moisture that can steam instead of sear.

4. Which steak cut is best for the air fryer?
Ribeye for rich flavor; sirloin or strip if you want leaner meat. Aim for 1–1¼” thick for predictable timing.

5. How do I prevent steak from being chewy?
Don’t overcook; use a thermometer and rest the steak after cooking.

6. Is surf & turf keto-friendly?
Yes — steak and shrimp are naturally low-carb; serve with low-carb sides like greens or cauliflower mash.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving — approximate)

(Per serving: 200 g raw sirloin, 80 g raw shrimp, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp olive oil, 30 g spinach)

• Calories: ~704 kcal
• Protein: ~85 g
• Fat: ~38.5 g
• Total Carbs: ~2.0 g
• Fiber: ~0.7 g
• Net Carbs: ~1.3 g

Note: These are approximate values based on typical ingredient nutrition. If you add toast, avocado, or extra butter, adjust accordingly.

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Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes (plus 20–30 min for steak to come to room temp if desired)
• Cook Time: 12–16 minutes total (steak 8–12 min; shrimp 4–6 min)
• Total Time: ~20–30 minutes
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch
• Cuisine: American / Surf & Turf
• Servings: 2
• Calories: ~704 kcal per serving