Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both simple and delicious? Honey Garlic Air Fryer Shrimp is here to impress your taste buds! In this easy recipe, I’ll show you how to marinate shrimp perfectly and cook them to juicy, tender perfection using an air fryer. Let’s dive in and explore the flavors that will make your meal unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet honey pairs perfectly with savory soy sauce and garlic, creating a mouthwatering glaze for the shrimp.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed, making this a healthier option compared to traditional frying.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding or omitting the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
- Raw shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
- Honey (1/4 cup)
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons or tamari for gluten-free)
Additional Flavors
- Minced garlic (2 cloves)
- Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon)
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional for heat)
Garnishing Elements
- Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons)
- Green onions (2, finely sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making great honey garlic air fryer shrimp. Start with one pound of raw shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best taste and texture.
Next, you need a quarter cup of honey. This adds sweetness and helps create a delicious glaze. For saltiness, use three tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari if you prefer gluten-free.
Adding flavor is easy with minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. You’ll need two cloves of garlic and one teaspoon of ginger. A tablespoon of sesame oil adds richness.
For a touch of acidity, include rice vinegar. If you like a little kick, toss in half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Finally, you will want to garnish your dish. Use two tablespoons of sesame seeds and two finely sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients will elevate the dish and make it look appealing on the plate.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Marinade
To start, gather your sauce ingredients. You will need honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all these ingredients.
2. Use a whisk to blend them well. This creates your marinade.
3. Next, add the shrimp to the bowl. Toss gently to coat each shrimp.
4. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinate up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
Marinating is key. It allows the shrimp to soak up all the tasty flavors.
Air Fryer Setup
Now it’s time to prepare your air fryer.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes.
2. While it preheats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. You can also brush it with a bit of oil. This step helps prevent sticking.
Proper air fryer setup is important. It ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
Cooking the Shrimp
Once your shrimp have marinated and the air fryer is ready, you can cook them.
1. Place the marinated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
2. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket. This helps them cook evenly.
Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook well. You’ll know they are done when they are pink and firm.
Cooking shrimp in an air fryer is quick and easy. Plus, it keeps them juicy and full of flavor. Enjoy your honey garlic shrimp!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Flavor
For the best flavor, marination is key. Marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. For a stronger taste, go for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This lets the shrimp soak up all the flavors.
If you love heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a little, about 1/4 teaspoon. You can increase it to 1/2 teaspoon if you like it spicier. Adjusting the spice level lets you control the heat to match your taste.
Cooking Tips
To ensure even cooking, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the shrimp cook all around. You want them to turn pink and be firm but not rubbery.
Your shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque. They should curl slightly but not be tight. This means they are perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your honey garlic shrimp with rice or steamed veggies. Both options balance the flavors well.
If you have leftovers, try using them in a salad or wrap. They also taste great in tacos. The shrimp can add a nice twist to many dishes.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors of the honey garlic sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a nice crispy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Shrimp cook quickly; they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
- Experiment with Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, or add a dash of sriracha for an extra kick!

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change up the sweetness in this dish. Try using maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Both options add a nice touch. If you want to switch proteins, chicken or tofu work great. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces. This keeps cooking time similar to shrimp.
Flavoring Options
Want to add more color and crunch? Toss in some vegetables. Bell peppers or snap peas cook well with shrimp. They add flavor and nutrients. You can also experiment with spices. Try paprika, cumin, or even a dash of curry powder for a new taste. Each spice gives the dish a different kick.
Sauce Alterations
If you like heat, make a spicy version with sriracha. Just mix it into the sauce before marinating. For a zesty twist, try adding citrus. Lemon or lime juice will brighten the flavor. You can also add zest to the marinade for a fresh taste that pops. These changes keep the meal fun and exciting!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To keep your honey garlic shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help to lock in the flavors and maintain texture. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the quality may start to fade.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze honey garlic shrimp for longer storage. First, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This shrimp can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
For thawing, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can put them in a bowl of cold water. Make sure to cook them right after thawing for the best texture.
Reheating Tips
The air fryer is the best way to reheat honey garlic shrimp. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 4-5 minutes until they are warm.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a microwave. Place the shrimp on a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. You can also reheat them on the stovetop in a pan over low heat. Just add a little oil to keep them juicy.
FAQs
What is the best way to ensure shrimp do not become rubbery?
To keep shrimp tender, watch the cooking time closely. Shrimp cook fast and can turn rubbery if overcooked. Aim for a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the heat as soon as they reach this point. For extra tenderness, you can marinate the shrimp for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. This step adds flavor and helps keep them moist.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just keep in mind that they need to thaw first. Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the sauce stick better. If you cook them straight from frozen, they may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer.
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?
Honey garlic shrimp pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
- Steamed rice or jasmine rice
- Quinoa for a healthier choice
- Stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli
- A fresh green salad with a light dressing
- Noodles tossed with sesame oil and veggies
These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp, making for a complete meal.
This post covered how to make honey garlic shrimp in an air fryer. We talked about the key ingredients, like fresh shrimp and honey. I shared steps for marinating and cooking to get great flavor. You learned tips for storage and creative variations, too.
Try these techniques for tasty results. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sides. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cookin

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.25 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions finely sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until the sauce is well blended.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly in the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor) in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious honey garlic shrimp!

