Name: Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: A Guilt-Free Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup Flour or Cornstarch (gluten-free flour can be used); to taste Salt; to taste Pepper; 1 large Egg; as needed Olive Oil Cooking Spray; 1 cup Mayonnaise (or Light Mayo); 1/4 cup Sweet Thai Chili Sauce; to taste Sriracha

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As I opened the fridge, a forgotten bag of jumbo shrimp caught my eye, sparking a delightful idea. What if I could recreate the beloved Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp from my favorite seafood restaurant right at home? This dish is a fabulous blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, allowing me to enjoy that restaurant vibe without the guilt—each serving is under 300 calories! Perfect as a quick appetizer for gatherings or a satisfying light main course, this recipe is not only easy to whip up in just 20 minutes but also guilt-free, making it ideal for anyone tired of fast food. Are you ready to dive into the crispy, creamy goodness of this recipe? Let’s get cooking!

What Makes This Bang Bang Shrimp Special?

Irresistible Flavor: The Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp packs a punch with its perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will tantalize your taste buds.

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Guilt-Free Indulgence: At under 300 calories per serving, you can enjoy this delightful dish without the worry of overindulging.

Versatile Options: Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a protein-packed variation that still delivers fabulous flavors.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: As a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a light mains option, this dish will impress friends and family alike, turning any meal into a celebration!

Looking for more delicious air fryer ideas? Try my Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes for a creamy twist!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients

For the Shrimp
• Jumbo Shrimp – The star of this dish, peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
• Flour or Cornstarch – Provides a crispy coating; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor; adjust to your taste.
• Egg – Acts as a binder for the coating, ensuring a scrumptious crispiness.
• Olive Oil Cooking Spray – Helps to achieve that perfect crunch and prevents sticking; any non-stick spray works as well.

For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise (or Light Mayo) – Creations a creamy base that adds richness to the sauce.
• Sweet Thai Chili Sauce – Infuses the sauce with delightful sweetness and complexity.
• Sriracha – Adds the necessary kick; feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.

Enjoy whipping up these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp as a delightful addition to your meal, and be prepared for everyone to come back for seconds!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting the jumbo shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure the coating adheres well and the shrimp crisp up perfectly. Lay them out on a cutting board, ready for seasoning and coating. Preheating your air fryer to 400°F will give you a head start on achieving a golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine flour (or cornstarch), salt, and pepper, thoroughly blending these ingredients together. In another bowl, beat an egg until smooth. This egg mixture will help bind the flour to the shrimp, giving your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp that delightful crunch after cooking.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Take each shrimp and first dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, transfer it to the flour mixture and sprinkle it on all sides to create a nice, even layer. This double-coating technique is key to achieving that crispy texture when you cook the shrimp in the air fryer.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded—this is crucial for ideal crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches for the best results with your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp.

Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp
Spray the shrimp lightly with cooking spray to enhance their crunchiness. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and are firm to the touch. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp are cooking, gather another bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and Sriracha. This sauce is what elevates your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp to new levels of flavor. Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your preferred spice level for a custom kick.

Step 7: Toss and Serve
Once the shrimp are done, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over them and toss gently until all the shrimp are well-coated in the creamy mixture. You can also garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added flair before serving.

Expert Tips for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Dry Shrimp First: Ensure that the shrimp are dry before coating to help the flour stick better and achieve maximum crispiness.

Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary; too many shrimp in the air fryer can lead to steaming instead of frying, preventing that desired crunch.

Check Doneness: The shrimp should be firm and opaque when cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 120°F for doneness.

Customize Spiciness: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce based on your spice preference, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp as soon as they’re coated with sauce for the best experience; they tend to lose crispness if left to sit.

Make Ahead Options

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the shrimp by coating them in the flour mixture and placing them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This not only saves time when you’re ready to cook but also allows the flavors to meld. The bang bang sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply air fry the shrimp as directed, toss them in the sauce, and you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish that feels just as fresh and flavorful!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

As you prepare these crispy bites of heaven, consider complementing them with delightful sides and beverages to craft a well-rounded meal.

Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice balances the spicy flavors of the shrimp, creating a tropical delight.
Fresh Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the creamy bang bang sauce, brightening the meal. Toss with a dash of lime juice for extra zing.
Garlic Noodles: These savory noodles provide a comforting starchy base that pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s bold flavors and makes every dish extra satisfying.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli introduces a vibrant green element, offering a nutritious crunch that enhances the overall meal.
Pineapple Salsa: This sweet and tangy salsa brings a burst of freshness, enhancing the shrimp’s flavors and offering a tropical twist perfect for summer.
Mango Smoothie: For a refreshing drink, a mango smoothie can cool your palate while complementing the shrimp’s spicy notes with its natural sweetness.

Each of these pairings elevates the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, ensuring your meal is colorful, thrilling, and utterly delicious!

Storage Tips for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, place cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container, layered between parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Avoid Moisture: Do not store the shrimp in a damp environment as this can make them soggy; always use dry storage containers.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp to suit your taste!

Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different flavor and texture while keeping the same saucy goodness. Both options offer fantastic flavor absorption, ensuring a delicious meal every time.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour for a crispy coating that everyone can enjoy. You won’t miss the traditional flour as this swap still delivers that satisfying crunch.
More Spice: For an extra kick, add more Sriracha to the bang bang sauce or toss in some red pepper flakes. This little tweak can redefine your dish, creating a spicier sensation that will have spice lovers cheering.
Citrus Zing: Blend in some fresh lime juice or zest into the sauce to brighten the flavors. The citrus adds a refreshing note that perfectly counteracts the richness of the mayonnaise.
Herb Infusion: Stir in minced herbs like cilantro or basil into the sauce for an aromatic boost. The fresh herbs introduce a delightful burst of flavor, elevating each bite.
Sesame Crunch: Top your shrimp with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness. This finishing touch will not only make your plating stand out but adds a savory crunch that complements the dish perfectly.
Tropical Twist: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple into your bang bang sauce for a fruity contrast. The sweetness from the fruits pairs beautifully with the heat of the Sriracha, creating a bright summer-inspired variation.

Why not try serving these crispy delights with my Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta for a full-flavored meal? Or if you’re in the mood for more seafood goodness, you can check out my Shrimp Roll Summer recipe!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, look for jumbo shrimp that are firm, plump, and have a clean scent. Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a strong fishy odor, as these may indicate spoilage. Peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal for this recipe, saving you time in preparation.

How should I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
To keep your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Can I freeze Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?
Absolutely! To freeze, layer the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat straight from the freezer in the air fryer at 350°F for 7-10 minutes until heated through and crispy!

What should I do if my shrimp aren’t getting crispy?
If your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp aren’t crispy, make sure that you’re not overcrowding the air fryer; this can trap moisture and lead to steaming rather than frying. Also, ensure that you’ve adequately dried the shrimp before coating them. A light spray of oil before cooking can also boost crispiness, so don’t skip that!

Is this recipe safe for those with allergies?
Very! This recipe can be modified to suit various dietary needs. For gluten-free options, simply replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. If mayonnaise is a concern, opt for vegan mayo or a dairy-free alternative. Always check for any food allergies related to specific sauces like Sriracha or sweet Thai chili sauce to ensure a safe dining experience.

How do I keep the shrimp from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to pat the shrimp dry before coating them. Also, ensure you store them in a dry container and reheat them in the air fryer as moisture can make them lose their delightful crunch. Enjoy your crispy shrimp while they’re freshly coated in the sauce for the ultimate flavor experience!