It was a Friday night, and I was craving something truly indulgent – the kind of dish that would make my taste buds dance with joy. That’s when I remembered my trusty air fryer sitting on the counter, just waiting to work its magic. I knew exactly what I wanted to make: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp.
I had first tried this dish at a local seafood restaurant, and from the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked. The combination of perfectly crispy shrimp, coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, was absolutely irresistible. I knew I had to figure out how to recreate that flavor at home, and the air fryer was the perfect tool for the job.
After a bit of experimentation, I landed on a recipe that not only matched the restaurant version but surpassed it. The key was getting that incredibly crispy exterior on the shrimp without overcooking them. The air fryer made that process a breeze, and the result was shrimp that were practically addictive.
Now, whenever I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s like a little piece of that restaurant magic right in my own kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to make my mouth water, and the first bite always leaves me wondering why I don’t make this dish more often. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to whip up that it’s become a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation.
Why This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
If you’re a fan of the classic Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, then this Air Fryer version is about to become your new obsession. The air fryer is the secret weapon that takes this dish to the next level, delivering shrimp that are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Plus, the flavorful Bang Bang sauce is so easy to make, and it complements the shrimp beautifully.
The Secret Behind Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
The key to Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp perfection lies in the two-step cooking process. First, you’ll toss the shrimp in a simple coating of cornstarch and seasonings, which helps create that irresistible crunch. Then, you’ll air fry the shrimp until they’re golden brown and delicious. The high-heat environment of the air fryer is what gives the shrimp their satisfying crispiness, without drying them out. Finally, you’ll toss the cooked shrimp in the creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce, and that’s when the magic happens.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp – Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for this recipe.
- Cornstarch – This is the secret ingredient that helps the shrimp get extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder – For a subtle savory note.
- Paprika – Adds a touch of smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper – To season the shrimp.
- Mayonnaise – The base for the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sriracha – Provides the signature spicy kick.
- Honey – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Lime juice – Brightens up the sauce and adds a refreshing tanginess.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Instructions
Preparing Your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and all you’ll need is an air fryer and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until the shrimp are evenly coated.
2- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching.
3- Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
4- While the shrimp are cooking, make the Bang Bang sauce by combining the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
5- Once the shrimp are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the Bang Bang sauce until they’re fully coated.
6- Serve the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before coating them in the cornstarch mixture – this helps ensure maximum crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the shrimp from crisping up properly. Cook them in batches if needed.
- For an extra crispy texture, you can toss the shrimp in the sauce, then return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Be careful when handling the hot air fryer basket, and always use oven mitts or tongs to remove the shrimp.
Serving and Storing Your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Perfect Pairings for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from crispy fries or roasted vegetables to a fresh, crunchy salad. For a complete meal, you can serve it over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa. And don’t forget the drinks! A refreshing cocktail or an ice-cold beer are the perfect accompaniments to balance out the bold flavors of the shrimp.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the shrimp back in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy.
You can also make the Bang Bang sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, just toss the freshly air-fried shrimp in the sauce and you’re good to go.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Creative Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Variations
Love Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp but looking to switch things up? Try making it with chicken or tofu for a protein twist. You can also experiment with different seasonings, like chili powder or cajun spice, to add extra flavor. For a more indulgent version, top the shrimp with crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can swap out the mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce for Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo alternative. For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or pasta. And for a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed almonds in place of the cornstarch coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating and air frying.
Q: How long should I air fry the shrimp?
A: The shrimp should air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Q: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the freshly air-fried shrimp.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings as an appetizer or 2 servings as a main dish.
Q: What should I do if the shrimp aren’t getting crispy enough?
A: Make sure the shrimp are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overcrowded. You can also try air frying them for an additional 2-3 minutes to help them get extra crispy.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp – a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Perfectly crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy sauce make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 green onions, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. 2. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Dip the shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, coating them evenly on all sides.
4. 4. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. 5. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the shrimp are crispy and golden-brown.
6. 6. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey to create the dipping sauce.
7. 7. Serve the crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, drizzled with the creamy, tangy sauce and garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of the classic Bang Bang Shrimp, then this Air Fryer version is about to become your new favorite. The combination of perfectly crispy shrimp and the irresistible Bang Bang sauce is simply out of this world. Plus, the air fryer makes the whole process a breeze, so you can enjoy this indulgent dish any night of the week.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp for yourself. Let me know in the comments how it turns out, and be sure to share this recipe with your friends and family. Enjoy!