Introduction

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish that brings back some of my favorite memories of summer cookouts with friends. I can still picture the golden, crispy shrimp sizzling away, the aroma of garlic and spices wafting through the air, making everyone’s mouths water. The first time I tried this delightful seafood dish, I was hooked! The combination of the crunchy panko coating and the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect homemade appetizer that’s not only easy to whip up but also a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try these crispy bang bang shrimp in air fryer, you’ll want to make them for every gathering! Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love It

Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
Perfectly crispy without the excess oil of traditional frying.
Flavor-packed with a delightful balance of sweet and spicy.
Great for meal prep or as a fun appetizer for parties.
Gluten-free option available with simple ingredient swaps.
Budget-friendly, using just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure those shrimp get perfectly crispy.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create that irresistible bang bang sauce.
Step 3: Set up your breading station: one bowl for flour, another for beaten eggs, and a third for panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs, making sure they’re well-covered.
Step 5: Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, giving them room to crisp up.

Step 6: Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the shrimp are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve the shrimp hot with the bang bang sauce for dipping—trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the bang bang sauce for 30 minutes before breading.

Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.
Make sure your shrimp are dry before breading for the crispiest texture.

What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

The secret lies in the breading technique! Make sure to coat the shrimp evenly and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for that perfect crunch.

Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp and bread them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Keep an eye on them and check for that golden color!

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

These crispy shrimp are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate your meal by serving them with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh salad. They also make a great addition to tacos or as a topping for a spicy seafood bowl!

Nutrition Facts for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Per serving (4 shrimp):

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg

This is an estimate and may vary.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Let the shrimp cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise? You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or even a vegan mayo if you prefer.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce? The spice level can be adjusted based on how much sriracha you add, so feel free to customize it!

Variations of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp You Can Try

Spicy Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp: Add extra garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
Honey Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap sweet chili sauce for honey for a sweeter twist.

Vegetarian Option: Use cauliflower florets instead of shrimp for a delicious plant-based alternative.