Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love dishes that deliver a big punch of flavor without a ton of fuss in the kitchen. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe fits that bill perfectly! It’s crispy, creamy, and has just the right amount of zing from the sweet chili and sriracha—it’s like a party for your taste buds that comes together in less time than you’d expect.

What makes this air fryer version so special is how effortlessly it achieves crunchy shrimp without the mess of deep frying. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how much healthier it felt without sacrificing any of the bold flavors I crave. You’ll find that this recipe works wonders as a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive appetizer for friends, or even a snack to elevate game day. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe, it’ll be on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to balance crispy texture with creamy and spicy flavors. Shopping tip? Fresh peeled shrimp really makes the difference here, and grabbing panko breadcrumbs over regular bread crumbs gives you that extra crunch everyone talks about.

• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base in the bang bang sauce; use full-fat for best flavor and texture.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness with a hint of tang and spice; look for a good-quality brand.
• Sriracha sauce: Brings the heat—adjust the amount to tone the spice up or down.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the shrimp’s coating stick; you can swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
• Panko bread crumbs: Essential for that light and crispy texture which regular crumbs can’t mimic.
• Raw shrimp (peeled & deveined): Fresh or frozen works; just make sure they’re well thawed and patted dry before coating.
• Loose leaf lettuce: Great for wrapping the shrimp—romaine or butter lettuce are excellent choices for crunch.
• Green onions (optional): Adds a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I love tweaking this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to play around! Customizing makes the recipe even more fun and suits your taste perfectly.

• Make it milder: Skip or reduce the sriracha if you want less heat; my kids love it like this.
• Extra crunch: Mix panko with crushed cornflakes for a more textured coating—works like a charm.
• Low-carb option: Skip the flour and panko, and coat shrimp in seasoned almond flour before air frying.
• Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh twist that brightens the dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl until everything’s beautifully smooth and well combined. I like to set aside a little of this sauce for dipping—it’s such a treat to have that creamy, spicy kick on the side!

Step 2: Prep Your Coating Stations

Pour the all-purpose flour onto a plate and the panko breadcrumbs onto another. This three-step breading process is key: it locks in the bang bang sauce and helps you get that perfect crispy crust. Having your stations set up makes the coating process so smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Take each shrimp and dip it first in the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Next, dunk it into the bang bang sauce, smothering each piece to infuse flavor. Finally, press it into the panko so every bite ends up crunchy and golden. Lay the coated shrimp on a baking sheet—you’ll want them ready to go into the air fryer basket without touching.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer inside the basket—don’t overcrowd, or the shrimp won’t get crispy. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer requires it. I’ve learned spacing is everything here; a little patience pays off with that amazing crunch!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

I like serving the shrimp piled high on crisp lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of green onions. The greens add a fresh crunch and make it easy to eat with your hands, perfect for casual dinners or parties. Don’t forget that extra bang bang sauce for dipping—it’s addictively good!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bang bang shrimp with chopped green onions for that fresh bite and a sprinkle of sesame seeds when I’m feeling fancy—it adds a subtle nuttiness and pops of texture. Sometimes, I throw on a little chopped cilantro for a bright herbal note that complements the creamy heat.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple sides like jasmine rice or steamed veggies. My go-to is a crunchy cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar to balance the richness. If you want to keep it light, serve it with a fresh cabbage slaw or even inside soft taco shells for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these shrimps on small spoons or in mini lettuce cups for individual servings—makes it easy to eat while mingling! You can also toss them into a colorful salad bowl with crunchy greens and sliced avocado for a vibrant meal that looks stunning on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover bang bang shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When doing this, keep the sauce separate if you haven’t tossed the shrimp in it already, so you don’t lose that crispiness.

Freezing

Freezing cooked air fryer shrimp can be tricky because of the coating, but I’ve had success freezing the shrimp before cooking—just freeze the coated shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, air fry from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them back up. It works so much better than the microwave, which tends to make shrimp rubbery and soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is one of those treasures I’m so glad to have found. It strikes that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet—all in a healthy, convenient package. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, because there’s nothing better than sharing a meal that’s both crowd-pleasing and surprisingly simple. Go ahead, give it a try and watch your family or friends absolutely go crazy for it!

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