Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp has earned a reputation as one of the most popular restaurant appetizers, thanks to its combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and a punch of spicy, tangy flavor. With this recipe, you can recreate this iconic dish at home using your air fryer for a healthier take. By air frying the shrimp instead of deep frying, you achieve the same golden, crispy texture with significantly less oil.

Perfect for entertaining, family dinners, or as a quick snack, air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is simple to prepare and absolutely addictive. The shrimp are coated in a light panko crust, cooked to perfection, and tossed in a homemade Bang Bang sauce that’s the ideal balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, topping salads, or making it the star of a meal, this recipe will impress every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Air frying means less oil, making this a guilt-free indulgence.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Bold Flavors: Sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce takes this dish to the next level.
• Versatile: Can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a hit for any gathering.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 6–8 shrimp

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Place the flour in a shallow dish.
2. In another dish, whisk the eggs until smooth.
3. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

1. Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Press the shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate. Repeat with all shrimp.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
2. Spray the tops of the shrimp with a light coat of cooking spray for extra crispiness.
3. Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the spice level to taste.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

1. Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat.
2. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if desired.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a light, crispy coating.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness that balances the spicy elements in the sauce.
• Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce, balancing the flavors.

Technique Tips

• Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry ensures the breading adheres properly.
• Even Coating: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the shrimp for the crispiest texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Shrimp Tacos: Serve the Bang Bang shrimp in tortillas with slaw and avocado for a fun twist.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Salad: Place the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of sauce for a lighter meal.
• Shrimp Rice Bowl: Serve the shrimp over steamed rice with sautéed vegetables for a hearty dinner.

Additional Tips for Success

• Double the Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover, make extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping or drizzling.
• Reheat Gently: To reheat leftover shrimp, use the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add minced garlic and extra sriracha to the sauce for a bolder flavor.
• Coconut Shrimp: Mix shredded coconut with the breadcrumbs for a tropical twist.
• Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with cauliflower florets or tofu and use vegan mayo for the sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Bread the shrimp but do not cook. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Low-Fat Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier Bang Bang sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
• Air-Fried Veggies: Add air-fried broccoli or zucchini as a side for a balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Appetizer Platter: Serve Bang Bang shrimp alongside other finger foods like spring rolls, wings, or sliders for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Party Snack: Skewer the shrimp for a fun, mess-free appetizer.
• Date Night Dinner: Pair with a side of garlic butter noodles or roasted asparagus for an elegant meal.

Special Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls for breading and sauce preparation
• Tongs for flipping shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I bake the shrimp instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q2: What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can substitute with a mix of ketchup, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Q3: How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Ensure the shrimp are dry before breading and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the shrimp.

Q4: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q5: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before breading to ensure even cooking.

Q6: Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust the sriracha to make it milder or spicier.

Q7: Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, but panko breadcrumbs yield a crispier texture.

Q8: How do I keep the shrimp crispy?
Serve immediately after cooking, or reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

Air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp combines the best of bold flavors, crispy textures, and healthier cooking methods. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a larger meal, this recipe delivers on taste and presentation. By recreating this restaurant classic at home, you can enjoy its irresistible combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors anytime. Give this easy recipe a try, and watch it become a favorite for your family and friends!

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