Honey Walnut Shrimp {Air Fryer}

Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimps made in the air fryer are crunchy, sweet and so flavorful. Dipped in a creamy honey mayo sauce, with caramelized walnuts in every bite, this recipe is definitely better than any Chinese takeout.

This is a new staple meal in our house! I love how flavorful and easy this dish is to prepare. Plus, you likely will have all of the needed ingredients in your pantry.

Better yet- I love that it is easy to make and home, and honestly WAY better than takeout.

My whole family enjoys it, including the 2 toddlers.

If you love shrimp and want to include it to your diet, check my delicious Shrimp Cakes with Lemon Aioli or these delicious and Crab Cakes.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp Authentic?

I have to be honest here, I have never actually had walnut shrimp growing up in China.

It is more of an American Chinese Food. But that doesn’t mean it is any less delicious.

Since my parents have been here, we have tried to recreate this dish and put our own authentic twist on it as well.

What Makes Air Fryer Version Different?

The traditional version of Honey Walnut Shrimp consists of shrimp battered in mochiko (which is a glutinous rice flour easily found at Asian markets) or cornstarch, candied walnuts that have been toasted in sugar, a mayo-based sauce with a touch of condensed milk in it. 

At least that is how Panda Express makes it (correct me if I am wrong here)

My SKS version of Honey Walnut Shrimp is made in the air fryer. It uses way less oil, and you still get that crispy perfection. 

Moreover, it’s gluten free, refined sugar free and made with cleaner ingredients. You can also make your own mayo or use a mayo like I did here.

Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp

For the shrimp

• Raw shrimps – fresh or frozen, peeled. You can use many kinds of shrimps or prawns for this recipe
• Egg
• Arrowroot Starch. You can also use tapioca flour, or cornstarch.
• Avocado Oil (I prefer for a higher smoking point)

For the candied walnut

• Walnut, halved
• Coconut Sugar
• Coconut Oil

For the sauce:

• Mayo of preference
• Coconut cream (for a dairy free option), or regular cream
• Rice vinegar
• Honey

Step By Step How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Start by cooking the shrimps: First, Rinse and pat dry the shrimps.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on and prepare the rest of the ingredients. Add arrowroot starch in a bowl, & egg beaten with 1 tbsp oil in another bowl.

Next, make the honey walnut:

The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sour flavors!

Lastly, transfer the cooked shrimp into a bowl and combine with honey walnuts and sauce!

If the shrimp is cold, transfer the cooked shrimp into the skillet with the walnuts and toss everything together until the shrimp is hot and coated. Then add the sauce.

Serve with a sprinkle of chopped chives (optional)

Ways to Serve This Walnut Honey Shrimp

Whatever you choose to serve this dish with, you will not be disappointed! The flavors make this dish enjoyable with just about ANY side! I

If you want to try it with one of my favorites, then try one of these options:

• Rice (Brown rice or white rice)
• Lettuce cup
• Eat it on its own
• With this zucchini stir fry, cucumber salad.

This Recipe is Best Enjoyed The Day of

I actually didn’t store this because Tom and my parents devoured it all!

But based on similar recipes, you can try the following to revive these air fryer shrimps!

1. Store in an airtight container in the fridge
2. To reheat, pan sear or microwave (but the likely shrimps will get soggy in the microwave)
3. OR toss the shrimp in the air fryer, which will allow it to get crispy again!

Have you Tried it? Share your thoughts in the comment below!

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS