If you’re a fan of bold flavors, crunchy textures, and easy weeknight dinners, then this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is calling your name. With its signature spicy-sweet sauce and irresistibly crispy coating, this dish takes everything you love about restaurant-style Bang Bang Shrimp and brings it home—without the mess or calories of deep-frying.
This recipe is a game-changer for seafood lovers, air fryer fans, and anyone who wants a delicious, customizable dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, stuffing it into tacos, or spooning it over rice, these shrimp are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you get a golden, crunchy exterior with a fraction of the oil.
- Perfectly balanced sauce: Creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy—every bite is loaded with flavor.
- Fast and easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it in a bowl, wrap, taco, salad, or on its own.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice, sweetness, and even the protein to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Cooking spray (avocado, olive, or canola oil)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust for spice)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels—the drier, the better for achieving ultimate crispiness.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, vinegar, honey or maple syrup (if using), and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the Sriracha for your preferred spice level. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Season and Coat
In another bowl, combine cornstarch, panko (optional), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the dried shrimp in the mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer, leaving space between each. Spray the tops with oil.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook another 4–5 minutes, or until crispy, golden, and opaque.
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Transfer cooked shrimp to a large bowl, pour the Bang Bang sauce over them, and gently toss to coat. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Dry shrimp thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use paper towels to blot every bit of moisture before coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate for proper crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Customize the sauce: Add more Sriracha for heat, more honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or try a splash of lime juice for brightness.
- Add panko for crunch: While optional, the panko breadcrumbs take the crunch factor to the next level.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Over jasmine or coconut rice with steamed veggies
- Tucked into tacos with slaw and avocado
- In lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option
- On top of noodles with sesame sauce and scallions
- As a party appetizer served with extra sauce for dipping
- Added to salads for a spicy, creamy protein boost
Recipe Variations
🦐 Shrimp Alternatives:
- Use cubed chicken breast, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a different spin. Adjust cook times accordingly.
🌶️ Spice & Sweetness Adjustments:
- Prefer it milder? Use less Sriracha or add extra mayo.
- Want a touch more sweetness? Add a drizzle more honey or maple syrup.
🥬 Healthier Sauce Option:
- Swap all or part of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to cut fat and add tang.
🍞 Gluten-Free Modifications:
- Use certified gluten-free panko, or omit the breadcrumbs altogether.
- Make sure your chili sauce and Sriracha are gluten-free verified.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store and reheat leftovers with care:
- Storage: Store cooled shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Air fry the shrimp for 3–4 minutes at 350°F until warmed through and crispy. Then toss with sauce just before serving.
- Avoid microwaving the sauced shrimp—it’ll turn soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without an air fryer?
A: Yes! You can bake the shrimp at 425°F on a wire rack for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
Q: Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?
A: It has a kick, but it’s totally adjustable. Start with less Sriracha and build to your desired heat level.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Cook the shrimp fresh for best texture.
Q: What size shrimp works best?
A: Large shrimp (21–25 count) are ideal—they’re hearty, quick-cooking, and easy to eat.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Reduce or skip the Sriracha in the sauce for a milder version everyone can enjoy.
Time to Dig In!
With crispy, golden shrimp and a bold, creamy sauce that hits every flavor note, Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a recipe that’ll steal the show at dinner—or your next party. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Plus, the air fryer keeps things light and clean.
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Happy air frying! 🍤🔥