honey garlic shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp combines succulent seafood with a sweet-savory glaze that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal. The magic happens when plump shrimp meet a sticky, garlicky sauce that caramelizes to perfection in the air fryer. This dish strikes that perfect balance of being incredibly flavorful yet surprisingly simple to prepare, even on your busiest weeknights.

My love for this recipe began years ago when I was experimenting with Asian-inspired flavors in my small apartment kitchen. After several attempts (and a few sticky countertops later!), I finally perfected this honey garlic sauce that even my seafood-hesitant friends couldn’t resist. There’s something so satisfying about watching everyone’s eyes light up at that first bite.

This honey garlic shrimp is ready in just 23 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I love using the air fryer for this recipe because it gives the shrimp a wonderful texture – perfectly cooked and tender inside with a slightly crisp exterior. Plus, the cleanup is minimal, giving you more time to enjoy your creation!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For this honey garlic shrimp, we’re combining simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create something truly special. The star of this dish is obviously the plump, juicy shrimp, while fresh garlic provides that aromatic foundation. I always recommend using real honey rather than substitutes for the authentic sweet-sticky quality. The complete ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make honey garlic shrimp

Creating this honey garlic shrimp is wonderfully straightforward and yields impressive results every time. First, you’ll season and air fry the shrimp until perfectly cooked. While that’s happening, you’ll whip up the irresistible honey garlic sauce that transforms this dish into something truly crave-worthy. The magic happens when you toss your perfectly cooked shrimp in that glossy sauce just before serving over steamed rice.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp

Succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, air fried to perfection in just minutes. This quick and delicious dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• ⅓ cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat

For Serving

• 2 stalks green onions sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
• 2 cups steamed rice for serving

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prepare the Shrimp

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Air Fry the Shrimp

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size).
3. Cook for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. While the shrimp are cooking, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry.
3. When the honey mixture begins to simmer, add the cornstarch slurry and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat once the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Combine and Serve

1. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl and pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them. Gently toss until all shrimp are evenly coated.
2. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in a tablespoon of the sauce ingredients (minus the cornstarch) for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can sauté the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Pro Tips for Making This honey garlic shrimp

After making this honey garlic shrimp countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that elevate it from good to spectacular:

My Secret Trick: I always pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning. This prevents steaming and helps them develop that perfect exterior texture in the air fryer.

When making the sauce, let it simmer until it really starts to thicken. This creates that restaurant-quality glaze that clings beautifully to each shrimp.

Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket! Work in batches if needed – giving the shrimp enough space ensures they cook evenly rather than steam.

For maximum flavor, marinate the raw shrimp in a tablespoon of the sauce ingredients for 15-30 minutes before cooking if you have extra time.

Fun Variations for honey garlic shrimp

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp

For heat-lovers, double the red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce. I started doing this after my brother-in-law (who puts hot sauce on everything) said it needed more kick!

Citrus Honey Garlic Shrimp

Add the zest and juice of half an orange or lime to the sauce for a bright, tangy twist. This version always reminds me of summer dinners on the patio.

Tropical Honey Garlic Shrimp

Stir in 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks and a splash of pineapple juice to the sauce for a tropical variation. My friend Lisa requests this version for every potluck!

Coconut Honey Garlic Shrimp

Replace half the soy sauce with coconut aminos and add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a slightly creamier, tropical flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the honey and garlic.

What to Serve With honey garlic shrimp

The perfect sides can turn this honey garlic shrimp into an unforgettable meal. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to choice, as it soaks up all that delicious sauce. For something lighter, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

A simple side of steamed broccoli or a broccoli stir fry complements the honey garlic flavors beautifully. The slight bitterness of the vegetable balances the sweet elements of the sauce.

For a complete feast, I love adding some vegetable spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. The crisp, fresh elements provide textural contrast to the succulent shrimp.

When hosting friends, I often serve this with a simple miso soup starter and green tea ice cream for dessert to create a cohesive Asian-inspired meal that always impresses.

How to Store honey garlic shrimp

Refrigerator Storage

This honey garlic shrimp will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I find glass containers work best for preventing any seafood odors from lingering.

Reheating Tips

For the best texture when reheating, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but use 50% power in 30-second intervals to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

Freezing Note

While you can freeze the cooked honey garlic shrimp for up to 1 month, I honestly find the texture suffers a bit. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

I like to refresh leftover honey garlic shrimp with a little extra drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sliced green onions just before serving the second time around – it makes leftovers feel special again!

Nutritional Benefits

This honey garlic shrimp offers impressive nutritional value alongside its delicious flavor. Shrimp provides high-quality protein while being naturally low in calories and carbohydrates. It’s also an excellent source of selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. The honey adds natural sweetness without refined sugar, while garlic contributes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds for a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this honey garlic shrimp recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. I often use frozen shrimp myself – just make sure to remove the tails if they’re still attached according to your preference.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn pink, opaque, and form a “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re likely overcooked. With the air fryer, 6-8 minutes at 380°F usually gives perfect results.

Can I make this honey garlic shrimp without an air fryer?

Definitely! Sauté the seasoned shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then proceed with the sauce as directed.

What’s the best substitute for soy sauce in this recipe?

Coconut aminos make an excellent substitute for a soy-free honey garlic shrimp. They’re slightly sweeter than soy sauce, so you might want to reduce the honey by a teaspoon.

Conclusion

This honey garlic shrimp recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. What makes it truly special is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any flavor – proving that delicious, impressive meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. The sticky-sweet sauce with its perfect balance of garlic and honey creates a dish that’s comforting yet feels just a little indulgent. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love my French dip sliders for another quick but impressive meal option. Remember, cooking is about creating joy around the table, and this honey garlic shrimp recipe delivers that with every single bite!