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Asian Air Fryer Shrimp - Fast, Flavorful, and Crisp

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
  • Soy sauce: Low-sodium preferred
  • Honey or brown sugar
  • Rice vinegar (or lime juice)
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced
  • Ginger: Fresh, grated
  • Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (optional for heat)
  • Cornstarch (for light crisping, optional)
  • Neutral oil spray: Avocado or canola
  • Green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Pat dry the shrimp. Moisture is the enemy of browning. Use paper towels to get them as dry as possible.
  • Mix the marinade. In a bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional).
  • Toss the shrimp. Add shrimp to the bowl and coat evenly. Marinate 10–15 minutes at room temperature. Don’t go longer or the acid can toughen them.
  • Optional crisp step. If you like a light crust, sprinkle 1 teaspoon cornstarch over the marinated shrimp and toss to coat just before cooking.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps prevent sticking and boosts browning.
  • Arrange the shrimp. Lightly spray the basket, then place shrimp in a single layer. Avoid crowding; cook in batches if needed.
  • Air fry. Cook 5–7 minutes total, flipping halfway. Shrimp are done when opaque and just curled into a loose “C.”
  • Reduce remaining marinade. While shrimp cook, pour leftover marinade into a small pan. Bring to a boil for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly and make it food-safe.
  • Toss and finish. Transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl, drizzle with the reduced sauce, and toss. Top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges.