Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp

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These crispy Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. With a crispy shrimp coating, a creamy honey-mayo sauce, and candied walnuts, this dish is a lighter alternative to traditional fried shrimp. It’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients.

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try these Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon or Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon, or Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders next.

A bowl of Honey Walnut Shrimp topped with green onions, featuring perfectly sautéed shrimp and crunchy walnuts for a delightful twist.

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I love this recipe for honey walnut shrimp—it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels special but doesn’t take much effort. The air fryer ensures the shrimp are crispy without all the oil, and the honey walnut topping is sweet and crunchy, giving the dish the perfect finish.

Pssst! Try these Spicy Salmon Bowls next.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Crispy & Tender Shrimp: The air fryer gives these shrimp the perfect crispy texture without deep frying.
Sweet & Savory Flavor: The honey-mayo sauce is creamy, while the caramelized walnuts add sweetness and crunch.
Easy & Quick: Ready in just under 45 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Healthy Alternative: A lighter take on a takeout favorite, with less oil and fewer calories.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these overnight oats with peanut butter powder:

The ingredients for a delectable Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe are spread out: brown sugar, green onion, mayonnaise, egg, shrimp, and more. With the help of your trusty air fryer, olive oil and cornstarch combine effortlessly with honey and vinegar to create a delightful dish.

Ingredient Notes

Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best results. Be sure to peel and devein them before cooking.

Cornstarch: This helps create a crispy coating on the shrimp. You can substitute with flour, but cornstarch will give the best crunch.

Walnuts: Make sure to chop the walnuts finely for even caramelization and better texture.

Mayonnaise: I used light mayonnaise works for you a light version but you can use regular as well.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the mayo sauce for a spicy kick.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Swap the walnuts for your favorite nuts for a different twist.

How to Honey Walnut Shrimp in the Air Fryer: Step by Step

Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

Bowls containing raw shrimp, beaten egg, and flour sit on a white surface, ready to create delicious honey walnut shrimp in your air fryer.

Step 1: In a small bowl, beat the egg. Place cornstarch in a separate shallow bowl.

A piece of shrimp is held by tongs over a bowl of white flour, poised for its transformation into a crispy delight. In the background, two bowls await with shrimp and eggs—preparing for an air fryer twist on honey walnut shrimp.

Step 2: Dip each shrimp into the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg before coating it in cornstarch again. Set aside and repeat with the remaining shrimp.

An air fryer basket holds ten perfectly cooked breaded onion rings.

Step 3: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary. Lightly brush the shrimp with oil and cook for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until crispy and fully cooked.

A bowl featuring a dollop of mayonnaise and brown sauce sits on a pristine white backdrop, reminiscent of the creamy textures found in Honey Walnut Shrimp dishes prepared in an Air Fryer.

Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Set aside.

Walnuts being toasted in a stainless steel pan on a white surface, ready to add to your delectable Honey Walnut Shrimp dish.

Step 5: In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the water and brown sugar. Once simmering, add the walnuts. Reduce the heat and stir continuously until the syrup thickens and coats the walnuts. Transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined plate to cool and prevent sticking.