Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and incredible crunch, you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe! It’s a vibrant spin on a classic favorite, perfectly crispy shrimp coated in a spicy, tangy sauce that’s pure magic. Plus, using the air fryer makes it healthier and so easy to whip up any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe calls for simple ingredients that each play a vital role — from crispy panko breadcrumbs to the zesty lime and spicy sriracha in the sauce. Every element adds layers of texture and flavor to make this dish extraordinary.

• Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base for the bang bang sauce — smooth and luscious.
• Sriracha: Adds the perfect kick of heat to the sauce; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Thai chili sauce: Brings sweetness and balanced spice, elevating the sauce’s complexity.
• Lime zest & juice: Fresh citrus brightness to cut through richness and brighten flavors.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
• Cornstarch: Helps the shrimp coating stick and adds extra crispness once air fried.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the coating perfectly on the shrimp.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy for maximum crunchy texture.
• Vegetable oil: Mixed into panko to help golden crispness develop in the air fryer.
• Extra-large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating.
• Scallion: Thinly sliced for a fresh, oniony finish.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so you can tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few fun ways to mix things up and keep this dish fresh every time you make it.

• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for a crispy coating.
• Use Cauliflower: For a vegetarian twist, try coating cauliflower florets instead of shrimp—they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Milder Sauce: Reduce the sriracha and chili sauce to make the bang bang sauce kid-friendly without losing flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed nuts like macadamia or cashews to the panko for a nutty, crunchy surprise.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by combining mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai chili sauce, freshly grated lime zest, and lime juice in a small bowl. Give it a good stir and season with kosher salt to taste. This sauce is your star — creamy, spicy, and citrusy all at once!

Step 2: Prepare Your Coating Stations

Set up three shallow bowls: cornstarch in one, a whisked egg mixed with salt in the second, and panko breadcrumbs combined with vegetable oil in the third. This triple-dip ensures the shrimp get coated perfectly for maximum crunch when air fried.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Toss each shrimp first in cornstarch, then dip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, and finally coat with the panko-oil mixture, gently pressing so the crumbs stick well. This layering locks in crunch and flavor beautifully.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Arrange half of your shrimp in the basket without overcrowding; this helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely. Air fry for about 8 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining shrimp.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce and Serve

Once all the shrimp are cooked, toss them in a large bowl with the bang bang sauce until each piece is gloriously coated. Finish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color and fresh crunch.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra thinly sliced scallions or finely chopped cilantro over the shrimp for freshness and a vibrant pop of green that looks as good as it tastes. A wedge of lime on the side amps up the citrusy brightness when squeezed over just before eating.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple crisp salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even roasted vegetables to keep things balanced. If you’re feeling indulgent, add some creamy coleslaw or crunchy cucumber salad — they both complement the richness and spice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bang bang shrimp over a bed of crunchy lettuce or tucked into warm tortilla wraps for a fun hand-held version. For entertaining, pile them on a platter surrounded by lime wedges and fresh herbs, letting guests dive in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bang bang shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Store the shrimp and sauce separately if you want to maintain the best texture before tossing together right before eating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked shrimp, but it’s best to freeze them uncoated before frying. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; cook from frozen for best texture. The bang bang sauce is best made fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can turn the crust mushy. Toss in sauce after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a way to enjoy the addictive flavors of bang bang shrimp with less fuss and guilt, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is calling your name. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and downright delicious — I can’t wait for you to try it and love it as much as I do!

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