Sometimes dinner needs to come together faster than you expect, but still feel like you took your time. This Air Fryer Shrimp Teriyaki hits that spot—bright, saucy, and ready before you know it.

I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen was a bit chaotic because I was juggling a few things, and honestly, I almost overcooked the shrimp while distracted by a phone call. But the air fryer handled it like a charm, cooking the shrimp just right and letting the homemade teriyaki sauce shine without any fuss. The aroma of ginger and garlic mingled with honey and soy sauce filled the air, making me forget I was in a rush. Tossing the shrimp with the glossy sauce and sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and green onions felt like a small victory on a hectic day.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s quick — under 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cook time.
The air fryer cooks shrimp evenly, so you don’t have to hover or guess if it’s done.
The homemade teriyaki sauce is rich and flavorful but not overly complicated, which is kind of the point.
It’s light enough to feel healthy but satisfying enough to feel like a treat.
The only minor tradeoff? You might want to double the sauce if you’re a saucy kind of person — I usually do.

If you’re worried about getting the timing just right, don’t be. The shrimp cook quickly, and the sauce thickens in just a few minutes. You can prep the sauce while the air fryer preheats, making the process almost automatic once you start.

Air Fryer Shrimp Teriyaki

Print Recipe

A quick and delicious Air Fryer Shrimp Teriyaki recipe featuring succulent shrimp coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the teriyaki sauce.
In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
Combine the teriyaki sauce and cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the shrimp in a medium bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Toss to coat evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl. Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the shrimp before serving.

Kitchen Notes:

Using an air fryer might feel new if you haven’t tried it with shrimp before, but it’s pretty straightforward. Just make sure to spread the shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly. For serving, this shrimp teriyaki pairs wonderfully over steamed rice or alongside lightly sautéed veggies — I often throw together whatever greens I have on hand. Variations? You could try swapping honey for maple syrup, or adding a pinch of chili flakes if you want a little kick—though I haven’t tested these extensively. Sometimes, I even add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a subtle citrus twist.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid sogginess.

How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, and reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender.

Is this sauce gluten-free? It depends on your soy sauce choice—tamari works well as a gluten-free substitute.

Ready to give this a try? Click save, print, or just jump into cooking — you’ll be glad you did.