This air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe gives you crunchy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce — all ready in about 25 minutes. The shrimp finish with a crisp exterior and juicy, tender interior. The sauce is tangy with a gentle heat and a sticky sheen that clings to each bite. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or weeknight main that smells like toasted panko and bright chili, and tastes like a restaurant favorite made at home.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 375 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Why Make This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and uses the air fryer to get the shrimp crispy with far less oil than deep frying. It balances crunchy texture and creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. You get bold flavors without long prep, and it works as an appetizer, taco filling, or main served over rice or salad. The air fryer keeps the shrimp light and clean-tasting while the sauce adds a punch of sweetness and heat.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Follow a simple breading routine, cook the shrimp until golden, then toss them in the sauce while hot so the coating takes on that glossy, sticky finish. Work in a single layer in the air fryer and flip halfway to ensure even browning.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to boost flavor. Set up your workspace so everything is within reach.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha for more or less heat. This is your bang bang sauce — creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Step 3: Breading Station
In a separate area, set up a breading station: one shallow bowl with cornstarch, one with the beaten egg, and one with the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each shrimp first in cornstarch, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally press and coat with panko breadcrumbs so each shrimp gets an even layer.
Step 4: Cooking
Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden, crisp, and opaque inside. Cooking times vary slightly by air fryer and shrimp size; watch for a light golden color and firm texture.
Step 5: Finishing
Transfer the hot shrimp to a bowl and immediately toss with the prepared bang bang sauce so the sauce coats each piece. Serve right away so the coating stays crisp with a glossy, sticky finish.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Serve as an appetizer with lime wedges and chopped green onions. For a main course, place over steamed rice, coconut rice, or a bed of mixed greens. Wrap in warm tortillas or lettuce cups for tacos. Garnish with cilantro, sesame seeds, or extra sriracha if you like it spicier. The contrast of crunchy shrimp and cool sauce works well with tangy slaws or pickled vegetables.
How to Store Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Refrigerator: Keep cooked shrimp and sauce separate if possible. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Toss shrimp with sauce just before serving to keep some crispness.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked, breaded shrimp (without sauce) on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer to re-crisp, then toss with fresh sauce.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, flipping once, until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crunchy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Dry shrimp thoroughly before breading to help the coating stick and crisp.
- Press panko firmly onto shrimp for an even, crunchy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — leaving space lets hot air circulate for better crisping.
- Adjust sriracha to control heat; mix a bit into the mayo to tame it or add more for a kick.
- If panko browns too fast, lower the temperature and cook a minute or two longer.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to brighten it.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Honey Bang Bang: Swap sweet chili for 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp hot sauce for a sticky sweet-heat glaze.
- Coconut Panko Shrimp: Mix 1/4 cup shredded coconut with panko for a tropical crunch; serve with a lime-chili sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch or tapioca starch.
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Fish: Replace shrimp with firm white fish pieces (cut into strips) and cook slightly longer until flaky.
- Lighter Yogurt Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, lower-fat sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before breading. Excess moisture prevents crisping. If using frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight or under cold running water, then dry well.
Q: Why did my breading fall off?
A: Common reasons are wet shrimp, not enough pressure when pressing panko, or skipping the cornstarch step. Make sure shrimp are dry, follow the cornstarch → egg → panko order, and press the breadcrumbs on firmly.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. If refrigerated, give it a quick stir before tossing with hot shrimp. Keep sauce and shrimp separate until serving for best texture.
Q: How do I make it less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the sriracha and use more sweet chili sauce or a touch of honey. You can also increase the mayonnaise to mellow the heat.
Q: Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
A: Yes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Baking will work but may be slightly less crisp than the air fryer.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Yes — reduce or skip the sriracha, and use more sweet chili or honey in the sauce for a milder, kid-friendly flavor.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is quick, crispy, and full of bright, creamy heat — perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. For another version and extra tips, check out the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. Give it a try — the crunchy texture and sticky sauce are sure to become a favorite.
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Crispy air fryer shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce, ready in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the bang bang sauce.
- Set up a breading station with cornstarch, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
- Toss the hot shrimp in the bang bang sauce immediately after cooking and serve right away.
Notes
For a less spicy version, reduce sriracha and increase sweet chili sauce. Ensure shrimp are dry before breading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
