Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp is the kind of recipe that checks every box: fast, flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and dangerously addictive. Each shrimp is coated in a light, crispy crust, then tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce that balances sweetness, savory depth, and just a hint of heat. It’s the perfect marriage of texture and flavor—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a sticky glaze that clings to every curve.

This dish works equally well as a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a protein-packed addition to rice bowls and salads. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. No deep fryer required, no complicated steps, just bold flavor and satisfying crunch.

Honey garlic sauces are beloved across many cuisines for good reason. Honey provides natural sweetness and caramelization, garlic adds punch and aroma, and soy sauce grounds everything with umami. When paired with shrimp—a protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully—the result is pure magic.

Whether you pan-fry, air-fry, or lightly shallow-fry the shrimp, this recipe gives you restaurant-quality results at home, with full control over sweetness, spice, and crispiness. If you’re looking for an easy shrimp dinner that tastes indulgent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this crispy honey garlic shrimp recipe is about to become a staple.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp

Ready in under 30 minutes
Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors
Ultra-crispy coating without heavy batter
Versatile: serve as an appetizer, main dish, or bowl topping
Uses simple, accessible ingredients

Ingredients

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Eggs
Honey
Soy sauce
Fresh garlic, minced
Rice vinegar or lemon juice
Chili flakes (optional)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp are key to a crispy coating.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
Dip each shrimp into the egg, then dredge in the dry mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes.
Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Toss crispy shrimp gently in the warm honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Extra-Crispy Shrimp

Always dry shrimp thoroughly before coating
Don’t overcrowd the pan—this drops oil temperature
Toss shrimp in sauce just before serving to preserve crunch
Use cornstarch for a lighter, crispier texture

Flavor Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add sriracha or gochujang
Lemon Honey Shrimp: Finish with lemon zest
Asian-Inspired: Add ginger and sesame oil
Air Fryer Version: Spray coated shrimp lightly with oil and air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
In lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies
As a taco filling with slaw
On top of noodles or ramen
As a party appetizer with toothpicks

Storage & Reheating

Crispy honey garlic shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or skillet to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.

Fun Food Fact

Shrimp cook faster than almost any protein, making them ideal for quick, high-impact meals. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with honey-based sauces, especially when balanced with garlic and salt.