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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 82 reviews

Crispy and spicy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful snack with a refreshing kick of lime and scallions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 6 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp. sriracha
  • 3 Tbsp. Thai chili sauce
  • 1 tsp. finely grated lime zest
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Shrimp Coating & Preparation

  • 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 2/3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 lb. extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Garnish

  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai chili sauce, lime zest, and lime juice. Season with kosher salt to taste and stir well to blend all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: Place cornstarch in a large shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon salt. In a third shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with vegetable oil. Toss the shrimp first in cornstarch, shaking off any excess, then dip them into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp with the panko mixture, gently pressing to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for crispy shrimp.
  4. Air Fry Shrimp: Arrange half of the coated shrimp evenly in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 8 minutes until the shrimp turn crispy, golden brown, and firm. Repeat this step with the remaining shrimp.
  5. Drain Shrimp: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and maintain crispness.
  6. Toss in Sauce and Garnish: Place the drained shrimp into a large bowl, add the prepared bang bang sauce, and toss gently to coat all shrimp evenly. Sprinkle thinly sliced scallions over the top before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • You can adjust the level of heat by increasing or reducing the sriracha and Thai chili sauce quantities.
  • Use fresh lime zest and juice for best flavor; bottled lime juice may alter taste slightly.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can be adapted to bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Ensure shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before coating for better adhesion and crunch.