Pin It This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is all about bold flavor with minimal effort—juicy shrimp dressed in a punchy sauce, all made healthier in the air fryer. When I crave a fun, restaurant-style appetizer but want something lighter with little cleanup, nothing beats this speedy staple.
I tried Bang Bang Shrimp at a crowded chain restaurant years ago but was amazed at how easy and even tastier this version is at home. The air fryer nails the perfect texture every time and my family cheers when they smell it cooking.
Ingredients
- Raw shrimp: medium or large size provide the juiciest bite Look for wild caught or sustainably farmed
- Buttermilk: helps keep shrimp tender and gives the coating something to hold onto
- Cornstarch: creates a super crisp crust and clings well to shrimp
- Panko bread crumbs: add light crunchy texture Use Japanese style Panko for best results
- Mayonnaise: creamy base for the signature Bang Bang sauce Choose a good quality mayo for best flavor
- Sweet Thai chili sauce: delivers mild heat and a touch of sweetness Use your favorite bottled version
- Sriracha: adds a punchy kick adjust to taste
- Honey: helps round out the heat with a perfect glossy finish
- Green onion: fresh flavor and a splash of color
- Salt and pepper: for perfectly seasoned shrimp
- Light cooking spray: helps replicate crispy fried texture in the air fryer
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp:
- Peel and devein your shrimp if not already done. Pat them bone dry with paper towels so the coating will stick well.
- Coat with Buttermilk:
- In a shallow bowl toss shrimp with buttermilk to fully coat. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This will tenderize and boost the crust’s staying power.
- Dredge in Cornstarch and Panko:
- Set up a bowl with cornstarch and panko bread crumbs mixed with salt and pepper. Shake off excess buttermilk and coat each shrimp fully pressing the mixture on for extra crunch.
- Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Spray your air fryer basket with a light coat of cooking spray. Preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes so the first shrimp in start crisping right away.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket giving a bit of space between each. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 400 for 5 to 7 minutes flipping at about the 4 minute mark until crisp and opaque in the center. Cook in batches if necessary for the best result.
- Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine mayonnaise sweet Thai chili sauce sriracha and honey. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust spiciness if you like it bolder.
- Toss and Garnish:
- Place hot shrimp in a large bowl drizzle generously with sauce and toss to coat every piece. Sprinkle with sliced green onion and serve hot.
Pin It When I first made this for our movie night get together my brother declared it better than his favorite takeout spot and now insists on bringing home leftovers for lunch. My go-to combo for the sauce is extra sriracha and a dash of lime juice for even more zing.
Storage Tips
Keep extra Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer for three to four minutes to bring back the crispy texture. The sauce can be made ahead and stored separately.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you like the sauce lighter. Gluten free panko works just as well if needed. If you cannot find sweet Thai chili sauce try mixing honey with a dash of rice vinegar and chili paste.
Serving Suggestions
Pile shrimp in lettuce cups for an easy handheld bite or serve over steamed rice for a filling dinner. Garnish with more green onion and sesame seeds for a little extra flair.
Cultural Inspiration
Bang Bang Shrimp is a playful take on classic Asian sweet-spicy flavors and was inspired by the American love of bold saucy appetizers. The dish gets its name from both the sauce’s kick and the quick punchy cooking method.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh local shrimp when in season for best taste Add shredded cabbage slaw for extra crunch and refreshment Try a lighter yogurt based sauce for warm weather meals
Success Stories
After making this for a birthday party people could not believe it was not deep fried and practically licked the platter clean. I get requests for the recipe every time and it has become my signature game day snack.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Lay coated uncooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen adding two to three minutes to the cook time and toss with sauce just before serving.
Pin It I learned after a few tries that cranking up the spice makes this dish even more craveable and a squeeze of fresh lime juices takes the flavor over the top. For special occasions I scatter sesame seeds or serve with a quick pickled cucumber salad for a full restaurant experience at home.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you get crispy shrimp in the air fryer?
Use a light coating of cornstarch or breadcrumbs and spray shrimp lightly with oil before air frying for extra crispiness.
- → What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a creamy, tangy, and spicy flavor.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, but thaw the shrimp fully and pat dry before coating to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- → How long do you cook shrimp in the air fryer?
Shrimp typically cooks in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes at 400°F, turning once halfway through for even browning.
- → What garnishes work well with bang bang shrimp?
Freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro add color and extra flavor to the finished dish.