Christmas dinner should be magical, not stressful—that’s why I adore this creamy Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup. It’s my go-to when I want something festive but effortless (because who has time to babysit a stove during the holidays?). The air fryer delivers perfectly tender shrimp in minutes, while the velvety cream base with nutmeg and garlic feels like a cozy holiday hug in a bowl. Trust me, this soup steals the spotlight every time, and nobody will guess it took barely 25 minutes start to finish!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup
Oh, where do I even start? This soup is basically Christmas magic in a bowl, and here’s why:
- Lightning-fast festive flavors: From fridge to table in under 25 minutes – perfect for when holiday chaos hits
- That luscious creaminess: Silky heavy cream infused with garlic and nutmeg feels indulgent but stays balanced
- Minimal cleanup: Just the air fryer basket and one pot – more time for presents and eggnog!
- Christmas colors: Vibrant pink shrimp and emerald spinach make it look as festive as it tastes
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise they come together like holiday magic! I always set everything out first (my grandma called it “mise en place for dummies”) because this soup comes together FAST once you start cooking.
- For the shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I leave tails on for pretty presentation)
- Fresh greens: 4 cups fresh spinach (not packed – just loosely measured)
- Creamy base: 2 cups heavy cream + 1 cup chicken broth
- Aromatics: 1 small onion diced + 2 cloves garlic minced
- Flavor boosters: 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp nutmeg
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup
Okay, let’s dive in! This soup comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to sip your eggnog. The key is prepping everything before you start – trust me, you’ll thank me later when you’re not scrambling mid-recipe!
Prep the Shrimp
First, preheat that air fryer to 350°F – this little step makes all the difference for perfectly cooked shrimp. While it heats up, toss your peeled shrimp with the salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl. I like to get my hands in there to really coat them evenly (just wash up after!). Lightly spray your air fryer basket – nobody wants stuck-on shrimp!
Cook the Spinach Base
While the shrimp air fries (just 5 minutes – set a timer!), melt your butter in a pot over medium heat. Add those diced onions and sauté until they turn translucent – about 3 minutes should do it. Toss in the spinach and watch it magically wilt down in seconds! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently as it comes to a gentle simmer.
Combine and Serve
By now your shrimp should be perfectly pink – fold them gently into the creamy soup along with that pinch of nutmeg (smell that holiday magic?). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping – maybe sprinkle some extra black pepper on top for a festive touch!
Tips for the Best Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup
After making this soup dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – it’s that good!), here are my can’t-skip tips:
- Fresh spinach only: Frozen turns mushy – those bright green leaves should barely wilt when stirred in
- Set a timer for shrimp: 5 minutes max in the air fryer or they’ll get rubbery (ask me how I know!)
- Nutmeg is your secret weapon: Start with 1/4 tsp, then add a pinch more if you want extra holiday warmth
- Cream temperature matters: Keep the heat medium-low when adding – boiling makes it separate
Variations for Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup
This recipe is seriously flexible – here’s how I like to mix it up when I’m feeling adventurous (or just cleaning out the fridge!):
- Cream swap: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free tropical twist
- Greens galore: Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard – just chop them finer and cook a bit longer
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for those who like holiday heat
Storing and Reheating
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days – just store it in an airtight container. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop (never the microwave!) to keep that creamy texture perfect. Stir gently as it warms to prevent separation – your taste buds will thank you!
Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup Nutrition
Now, let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, this creamy delight won’t wreck your holiday spirit! Each warm, comforting bowl comes in at around 320 calories, with the perfect balance of protein and richness. Here’s the scoop per serving:
- 22g fat (14g saturated from that luscious cream)
- 24g protein (thank those plump shrimp!)
- 8g carbs (mostly from the veggies)
- 2g fiber (spinach for the win!)
Remember, nutrition varies slightly depending on your specific brands of cream and broth. I always say – during the holidays, it’s about balance. Pair this with a crisp salad or veggie side if you’re watching portions, but honestly? Sometimes you just need to embrace the creamy comfort!
FAQs About Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear most about this holiday favorite:
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just thaw completely first and pat dry – excess water makes them steam instead of getting that nice texture in the air fryer.
- How to make it dairy-free? Easy swap – use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream. Adds a subtle tropical note that’s actually delicious with the shrimp!
- Can I double the recipe? You bet! Use two air fryer baskets for shrimp (or cook in batches) and double everything in the pot. Perfect for holiday parties!
Go ahead – give this Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp & Spinach Soup a whirl! I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Maybe you added a splash of sherry? Topped it with crispy pancetta? However you jazz it up, drop your festive twist in the comments below. Nothing makes me happier than seeing how fellow food lovers put their spin on my recipes!
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25-Minute Christmas Air Fryer Shrimp Soup – Creamy Bliss
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy and festive soup made with shrimp and spinach, perfect for Christmas dinner. Prepared quickly in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Air fry the shrimp for 5 minutes until pink.
- In a pot, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stir well.
- Add nutmeg and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in cooked shrimp and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American