Oh my gosh, have you ever had one of those days where you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and ready in minutes? That’s exactly how my love affair with air fryer bang bang shrimp began. I remember the first time I tried making it – I was skeptical that an air fryer could give me that perfect crunch without deep frying, but wow was I wrong! Now it’s my go-to when I want restaurant-quality shrimp without the hassle. The best part? That creamy, spicy-sweet sauce clinging to each crispy bite. Trust me, once you try this air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe, you’ll be hooked just like I was.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Let me tell you why this air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe has become my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver. First, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – from fridge to plate! The air fryer gives you that gorgeous golden crunch without any messy deep frying. And that sauce? Oh honey, the magic combo of sweet chili and Sriracha will have you licking the bowl. Here’s what makes it special:

• Crispy on the outside, juicy inside shrimp – just like restaurant quality
• The creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that clings perfectly to every bite
• No splattering oil or lingering fry smell in your kitchen
• Customizable heat level to suit your taste buds

Seriously, this recipe is so good, my family now requests it weekly. It’s that addictive!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for these crispy, saucy bites of heaven. I’ll be specific because trust me, the details matter with this air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on or off – your call!)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (I use Japanese-style for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (this is our secret crispy coating)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (room temp works best)
• 1/2 cup real mayonnaise (none of that low-fat stuff here)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (my favorite brand is Mae Ploy)
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust up or down for your heat preference)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (the good stuff, not the dusty old jar)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for that beautiful color and flavor)
• 1/2 tsp each salt and fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for that pretty finishing touch)

See? Nothing too fancy, just quality ingredients that’ll make your taste buds dance!

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Okay, let’s get cooking! This air fryer bang bang shrimp comes together so fast, you’ll want to prep everything before you start. I learned that the hard way when I burned my first batch because I wasn’t ready. Here’s my foolproof method:

Preparing the Shrimp

First, grab those paper towels and pat your shrimp dry like you mean it! Any moisture left will make your coating slide right off. Then set up your coating station – cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, panko in a third. I like to use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to avoid breadcrumb fingers. Dip each shrimp in cornstarch (shake off excess), then egg, then press firmly into panko. And please, don’t crowd them – give each shrimp some personal space on your plate while you work.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Preheat that air fryer to 400°F – this is crucial for crispy results! Arrange your shrimp in a single layer with some breathing room (I do batches if needed). Cook for 3 minutes, then flip each one carefully with tongs. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and firm – about 3-4 more minutes. That sizzling sound? Music to my ears!

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp cook, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and spices in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust the heat – I usually add an extra squeeze of Sriracha because I’m wild like that. The sauce should be creamy but pourable. If it’s too thick, a teaspoon of water or lime juice loosens it right up.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Let me share my hard-earned secrets for air fryer bang bang shrimp that’ll make everyone think you’re a pro! First, size matters – use jumbo (21/25 count) shrimp so they don’t overcook before getting crispy. Give them space in the basket (I can fit about 10-12 at a time) or they’ll steam instead of crisp. For sauce nirvana, mix it while the shrimp cook so flavors meld – it should coat the back of a spoon thickly but still drip slowly. And here’s my best tip: toss half the sauce with the hot shrimp, then drizzle the rest on top for maximum flavor in every bite!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Now, let’s talk about how to serve these crispy little beauties! My favorite way is piled high over a bed of jasmine rice – the sauce trickles down and makes the rice irresistible. But don’t stop there! Here are my go-to pairings:

• Toss with lo mein noodles for an easy Asian-inspired meal
• Serve atop crisp lettuce for a bang bang shrimp salad
• Stuff into bao buns with pickled veggies for fun handheld bites
• Skewer them as appetizers with extra sauce for dipping

Honestly? They’re so good, I’ve been known to eat them straight from the air fryer basket – no judgment here!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Variations

Listen, I know we all have different needs in the kitchen, so let me share some easy twists on this air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe! For my gluten-free friends, swap panko for crushed gluten-free crackers or rice cereal – still gets crazy crispy. No air fryer? No problem! Bake at 425°F on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Want extra crunch? Try mixing sesame seeds into the breading. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is – make it yours!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Okay, let’s be real – you probably won’t have leftovers because these air fryer bang bang shrimp disappear fast! But if you do, here’s how to keep them tasty. Store cooled shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them soggy) and pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes to revive that perfect crunch. The sauce might thicken in the fridge – just stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it up before serving again.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Nutrition Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these crispy bites! Remember, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might vary based on shrimp size or how much sauce you use. Per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe), you’re looking at:

• 320 calories (worth every single one!)
• 20g protein from those plump shrimp
• 22g carbs (mostly from that delicious coating)
• 18g fat (but hey, it’s the good kind from mayo and shrimp)
• 5g sugar (thank the sweet chili sauce for that)

Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent! Just balance it with some veggies if you’re watching your intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about this air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe – let me share the answers to the ones that pop up most often! First up: “Can I use frozen shrimp?” Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat them super dry. “How do I make it less spicy?” Easy – cut the Sriracha in half or skip it entirely. The sweet chili sauce gives plenty of flavor on its own. And yes, you can make the sauce ahead – just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days (the flavors actually get better!). One last tip: if your breading isn’t sticking, make sure your shrimp are really dry before coating – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

16-Minute Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe – Irresistibly Crispy

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• Author: ushinzomr
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe delivers crispy, flavorful shrimp with a creamy spicy sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
3. Dip each shrimp in cornstarch, then beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
6. Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
7. Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce or drizzle it on top.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use large shrimp for best results.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Adjust the Sriracha quantity for desired spiciness.
• Serve with extra sauce on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: air fryer bang bang shrimp, crispy shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp appetizer, easy shrimp dish