Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer

Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Sriracha; 1 tablespoon honey

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By: Maria
Posted: 05/12/2025

If you’re looking to impress your family with a delightful seafood dish, then mastering the art of making bang bang shrimp in an Air Fryer is essential. Not only does it pack a punch with its flavorful combination, but it’s also a breeze to prepare in just a few simple steps.

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Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer Final Dish Presentation

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Back when I first attempted to make this dish, it was for a family gathering, and I’ll never forget the look on everyone’s faces when they took their first bite. It was an instant crowd-pleaser, and to this day, my family still requests it for our special occasions. The Air Fryer made it especially hassle-free and quick, allowing me more time to spend with my guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The allure of bang bang shrimp in the Air Fryer lies in its contrast of a crispy outer layer with juicy and succulent shrimp inside. This method not only cuts down on preparation time but also minimizes the amount of oil needed, providing a much healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Moreover, the blend of the spicy kick with a hint of sweetness is sure to thrill your taste buds.

Ingredients Notes

The essential ingredients include shrimp, cornstarch, and spices for the coating, plus ingredients for the tangy sauce. You can usually find fresh shrimp at your local seafood market, or substitute with frozen ones—just thaw them properly. Cornstarch provides a crispy texture, but potato starch is a great substitute if needed.

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Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when you add the shrimp, they start cooking immediately, leading to an even, crispy finish.

Step 2

Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining if necessary, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This ensures the coating sticks properly.

Step 3

Coat the shrimp in a mixture of cornstarch, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for that extra flavor punch. Ensure each piece is uniformly coated.

Step 4

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Cook for 7-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5

Prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha. Toss the fried shrimp in this luscious sauce just before serving.

Storage Options

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Freeze the shrimp before coating if you plan to make them ahead; thaw completely before proceeding with the recipe.

Variations & Substitutions

For a gluten-free option, use rice flour instead of cornstarch. Add a twist with different spices such as smoked paprika or cumin for varied flavor profiles. If you’re vegan, swap shrimp with cauliflower bites.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect as an appetizer at parties or as a main course paired with rice or noodles. For a more casual setting, serve them in tacos with fresh slaw for a delightful meal option.

frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly well for this recipe. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating to achieve the best results.

What other sauces pair well with these shrimp? While the traditional bang bang sauce is delightful, you can also serve these shrimp with a spicy aioli or a creamy lime-cilantro dip for a flavor variation.

How can I make it less spicy? If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce, or eliminate the cayenne pepper from the shrimp coating to suit your taste preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the bang bang shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can partially prepare the bang bang shrimp ahead of time. You can coat the shrimp with the cornstarch mixture and store them, uncooked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the coated shrimp before cooking; thaw them completely before air frying. The bang bang sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish by air frying the shrimp and tossing with the sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What are some ingredient substitutions I can use for this recipe?

For a gluten-free option, replace the cornstarch with rice flour, using a 1:1 ratio. If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of honey or maple syrup and a touch of red pepper flakes. If you’re vegan, substitute the shrimp with cauliflower florets, and use a vegan mayonnaise for the sauce. For a different flavor profile, experiment with spices like smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) or cumin (1/2 teaspoon) in the coating mixture.

How do I know when the bang bang shrimp are perfectly cooked?

The bang bang shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn golden brown and crispy, which typically takes 7-8 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C). The shrimp should be opaque and firm to the touch, not translucent. If you are using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C). Turning the shrimp halfway through the cooking process ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes, you can scale up the recipe, but it’s important to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will result in steaming rather than crisping. If you are doubling the recipe, you may need to cook the shrimp in two or more batches. Adjust the cooking time as needed, checking for doneness in each batch. Ensure you have enough space to toss all the shrimp with the sauce at the end.

What are the nutritional highlights of this bang bang shrimp recipe?

This recipe provides a good source of protein from the shrimp. Shrimp is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. The air frying method reduces the amount of oil used, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The spices, such as garlic powder and cayenne pepper, add antioxidants and potentially boost your metabolism.

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Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer

This delightful Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer recipe features crispy shrimp coated in a spicy sauce.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Coat the shrimp in flour, then dip in a mixture of mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.