Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

If you’re a fan of restaurant-style crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce—but crave a lighter, faster approach—you’ll absolutely adore this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe! With impossibly crunchy shrimp, a sweet-heat sauce, and little mess, it’s become a go-to for weeknight dinners and fun gatherings alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe plays a starring role! You’ll need just a handful of kitchen staples, but each one brings something unique—like the irresistible crunch from gluten-free panko and the creamy fire of that signature sauce.

• Extra-large white shrimp (about 1 lb, shell off, deveined): Using big, juicy shrimp means every bite is meaty, tender, and totally succulent.
• Large eggs (2, whisked): Creates the glue that helps your crispy coating stick, and lends a delicate richness.
• Tapioca starch (6 tbsp): Makes for the crunchiest, most shatteringly crisp crust—much lighter than flour.
• Gluten-free panko (3/4 cup): Adds golden color and that hot-out-the-fryer texture, with a gluten-free bonus.
• Coarse sea salt (a few pinches): Enhances every flavor note—don’t skip the seasoning!
• Avocado oil spray: Lets the shrimp crisp without any greasy residue; plus, it’s a heart-healthy choice.
• Spring onions or chive (1–2 bulbs, finely chopped): A bright, sharp garnish that perks up each bite.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): The backbone of bang bang sauce, for creamy richness.
• Rice vinegar (3 tbsp): Brings zippy tang and balances the richness of the mayo.
• Hot sauce or sweet chili sauce (½-1 tsp): Choose based on your heat preference for a little kick or delicate sweetness.
• Garlic clove (grated or crushed): Adds mellow, punchy depth to the sauce—don’t be shy!
• Coconut aminos (1 tbsp): Infuses a subtle umami note, slightly sweet and less salty than soy sauce.
• Ketchup (1.5 tbsp): Gives the sauce its signature pink hue and a touch of sweetness.
• Coarse sea salt (2 pinches for sauce): Rounds out all the flavors in your dreamy bang bang sauce.

Variations

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative! You can tweak the sauce, swap ingredients, or make it fit your dietary needs without losing what makes it so craveworthy.

• Swap the panko: For a fully grain-free version, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of gluten-free panko—both make the shrimp super crunchy.
• Dial up the heat: Craving extra spice? Stir some sriracha or chili flakes directly into the bang bang sauce or up the amount of hot sauce.
• Dairy-free option: Use a vegan mayo for both the sauce and the dredging process—everything else stays the same!
• Make it bowl-style: Serve the shrimp over shredded cabbage, rice, or lettuce wraps for an easy lunch or dinner bowl.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Butterfly the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to a crispy crust! Butterfly each shrimp by carefully slicing along the back three-quarters of the way through; this not only makes them look restaurant-worthy but also helps them cook evenly and absorb more flavor.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange three shallow bowls—one with whisked and lightly salted eggs, another with tapioca starch and salt, and the third with gluten-free panko. This setup keeps you organized and ensures every shrimp gets an even coating for that signature crunch.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Shrimp

Dip each butterflied shrimp into the egg, then into the seasoned starch. Return to the egg, then finally press into the panko, coating both sides well. This double-dip process is the trick for a thick, irresistibly crisp coating! Place breaded shrimp on a plate as you go.

Step 4: Preheat and Load Your Air Fryer

While you’re breading, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Once hot, spray your basket generously with avocado oil, arrange the shrimp in a single layer with space between each, and spritz the tops with more oil. Work in two batches if needed to avoid overcrowding—this guarantees perfect crispiness!

Step 5: Air Fry the Shrimp

Air fry the shrimp at 330°F for 3 minutes, then give each a gentle flip and fry for another 3 minutes. The shrimp should emerge blisteringly crisp with a golden exterior and juicy interior—just the way the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is meant to be!

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, hot sauce (or sweet chili sauce), garlic, coconut aminos, ketchup, and a couple pinches of salt. Taste and adjust the heat level if you like; the sauce should be creamy, tangy, and just a touch spicy.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Drizzle warm, crispy shrimp with a generous spoonful of bang bang sauce, scatter spring onions or chives on top, and serve with extra sauce on the side. If you’re making multiple batches, let the cooked shrimp rest on a rack to ensure every piece stays perfectly crisp until serving.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touch for your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is a shower of sliced spring onions or chives—they add an irresistible pop of green and fresh bite. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a light dusting of chili flakes (if you love heat!) can also take the presentation up a notch.

Side Dishes

Pair these crispy shrimp with a bed of shredded cabbage, a bowl of jasmine rice, or crunchy lettuce wraps for a meal that feels complete. Light cucumber salads or steamed veggies also work beautifully, balancing the richness of the bang bang sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve the shrimp in small lettuce cups for an elegant finger food, skewer them on cocktail picks for parties, or layer everything sushi-style in bowls with avocado and pickled ginger. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make any presentation shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let your shrimp cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to two days—just keep the sauce separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

The breaded, uncooked shrimp freeze surprisingly well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a zip-top bag. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer, adding a minute or two to the cook time. Fully cooked shrimp aren’t ideal for freezing, as they can turn rubbery—fresh is always best with this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe.

Reheating

To re-crisp leftovers, pop the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes—don’t microwave, as this makes them soggy! Only add the bang bang sauce once reheated, so they keep their crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe brings as much excitement to your kitchen as it does to mine! It’s fast, foolproof, and absolutely loaded with restaurant-style flavor—perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every crunchy, saucy bite!

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