Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 head loose leaf lettuce; 2 green onions (chopped, or to taste)

The first time I tried to make anything with shrimp in the air fryer, it was a disaster. I’d seen all these fancy pictures online, all these promises of golden, crispy goodness. My shrimp looked like little shriveled-up alien fingers.

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I probably used too much oil. Or not enough. Honestly, I think I just threw them in there without much thought. Rookie mistake. You can find plenty of classic inspiration for shrimp, but I had to learn the hard way.

If you are looking for other ways to use your air fryer beyond this recipe, you might love my simple baked treats. My dog, bless his heart, wouldn’t even touch those first shrimp. And that dog eats anything.

So, yeah, I had to toss the whole batch. Felt like a waste, but sometimes you just gotta learn the hard way. Cooking ain’t always pretty. That’s the real talk. No one shows you the burnt bits, the dropped pans, the times you swear you’re just going to order takeout forever. But you pick yourself up, you clean the mess, and you try again. And that’s exactly what happened with this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Took a few tries. But now? Now it’s a regular in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Look, I’m not gonna sit here and tell you this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is gonna change your life. It’s just food. But it’s damn good food. And it’s quick.

That’s the beauty of the air fryer, right? You get that crunch without all the deep-fry mess. My kitchen is already messy enough without a vat of hot oil bubbling away. This recipe hits all the right notes with its sweet heat and satisfying texture.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp

Close-up of the crispy texture and green onion garnish on Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. — Irresistibly crispy texture and vibrant garnish on our Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp – Wet Ingredients

0.5 cup mayonnaise – This is the backbone of your sauce. Don’t skimp, don’t use light stuff. You need the full fat for flavor and body.

0.25 cup sweet chili sauce – This brings the sweet and a little tang. It’s gotta be good quality.

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce – For the heat. Adjust to your liking.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp – Dry Ingredients

0.25 cup all-purpose flour – Just a light coating to help things stick.

1 cup panko bread crumbs – This is where the magic happens for crunch. Panko is different from regular breadcrumbs; it’s flakier, lighter.

For the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Itself

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh is always best. Pat it super dry with paper towels before you do anything else.

1 head loose leaf lettuce – For wrapping. Gives a nice freshness and crunch.

2 green onions, chopped, or to taste – Garnish. Adds a bit of bite and color.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

This isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Pay attention to the details, and your shrimp will turn out great.

Step 1: Prep Work

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While that’s heating, whisk together your mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Reserve a little bit for dipping if you like.

Step 2: Coating the Shrimp

Dredge each shrimp in flour, then dip into the sauce, and finally press firmly into the panko bread crumbs. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for that signature crunch.

Step 3: Air Frying to Golden Perfection

Place shrimp in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for about 12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Patting your shrimp dry is not optional. If your shrimp is wet, the breading will get soggy. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket. If you need crispy vegetable sides, consider those in your next batch.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to serve these is in lettuce wraps. The crisp, cool lettuce provides a nice contrast to the warm, spicy shrimp. They are also excellent as an appetizer or served over jasmine rice for a heartier meal.

Health Benefits

Using an air fryer cuts down on excessive oil significantly compared to deep-frying. For more information on heart-healthy eating habits, check out the latest diet guidelines. It makes for a much lighter meal that still feels indulgent.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Chef Marcus

This twist on a popular restaurant dish uses an air fryer to create perfectly crispy sweet and spicy shrimp.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
1 head loose leaf lettuce
2 green onions chopped, or to taste

Instructions

Set an air fryer for 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sriracha sauce in a bowl until smooth. Reserve some bang bang sauce in a separate bowl for dipping, if desired.
Place flour on a plate. Place panko on a separate plate.
Coat shrimp first with flour, followed by mayonnaise mixture, then panko. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet.
Place shrimp in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Cook for 12 minutes. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
Serve in lettuce wraps garnished with green onions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Shrimp sauce made of?

Bang Bang Shrimp sauce is typically a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and pat them very dry before breading and air frying for the best crispy results.

How do you get shrimp crispy in an air fryer?

To get crispy shrimp in an air fryer, ensure they are well-coated in breading (like panko), not overcrowded in the basket, and cooked at a high temperature.