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Crispy Firecracker Shrimp Skewers Recipe with Easy Sweet Chili Glaze

crispy firecracker shrimp skewers - featured image

These crispy firecracker shrimp skewers feature a perfect balance of crispy, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a homemade sweet chili glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, they are perfect for quick dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 810 wooden or metal skewers (wooden soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
  2. Mix the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
  3. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the beaten egg.
  4. Coat shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
  5. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry shrimp in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Warm glaze gently over low heat, stirring until well combined and slightly thickened. Do not boil.
  9. Thread 4-5 crispy shrimp onto each skewer.
  10. Brush skewers generously with the warm sweet chili glaze.
  11. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt shrimp. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding. Warm glaze separately and brush on after frying to keep shrimp crispy. Wooden skewers should be soaked to prevent burning. For a healthier option, air-fry shrimp at 400°F for 7-8 minutes and brush glaze afterward. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp skewers, firecracker shrimp, sweet chili glaze, crispy shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, appetizer, seafood skewers