Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for bold flavor and irresistible crunch without deep frying, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is about to become your go-to! Brimming with tender, crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy, and just-spicy-enough sauce, it’s the kind of dish that transforms your kitchen into a trendy restaurant—minus the fuss and the oil.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is how streamlined but mighty the ingredient list truly is. Each element is here for a reason—whether it’s building crunch, adding finger-licking flavor, or delivering that signature bang bang finish!

• Extra-large white shrimp (deveined, shell off): Go for big, juicy shrimp—when you butterfly them, they cook up extra plump and pretty.
• Large eggs: A quick dip helps the crunchy coating stick perfectly while keeping each bite tender inside.
• Tapioca starch: This gluten-free starch is key for a light, shatteringly crisp exterior—you can sub in cornstarch if needed.
• Gluten-free panko: These airy breadcrumbs make every shrimp light, crispy, and golden brown; regular panko works if you don’t need gluten-free.
• Coarse sea salt: A pinch at each step brings out all the flavors, from the shrimp to the sauce.
• Avocado oil spray: Just a mist ensures that perfect, even crisp without unnecessary grease.
• Spring onions or chives: These bring fresh pop and color to the final dish—don’t skip the garnish!
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy, rich base of the bang bang sauce, essential for that signature texture.
• Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and tang, balancing out the richness of the mayo.
• Hot sauce or sweet chili sauce: Choose your heat level—mildly sweet or spicy and bold!
• Garlic clove: Just one large, grated or crushed, gives the sauce deep, irresistible flavor.
• Coconut aminos: Lends subtle umami and balances the sweet, tangy notes of the sauce.
• Ketchup: Brings color, tang, and just the right touch of sweetness to the bang bang sauce.

Variations

The beauty of the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is how easily you can customize it—whether you have dietary restrictions, different pantry staples, or just want to play with flavors! Here are a few ideas for making it your own.

• Swap the Shrimp: Try bite-sized pieces of chicken or even cauliflower florets for a seafood-free or vegetarian twist.
• Adjust the Heat: Use more or less hot sauce (or opt for sweet chili sauce) to dial the spice up or down to your liking.
• Make It Egg-Free: Substitute with a plant-based mayo and a splash of non-dairy milk for binding if you need a completely eggless version.
• Switch Up the Crust: Use crushed pork rinds or gluten-free crackers instead of panko for a grain-free or paleo-friendly crunch.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Butterfly the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp super dry—a must for getting that signature crispy finish. Then, butterfly each shrimp by making a shallow cut down the back, stopping before you reach the tail. This simple step not only helps them cook evenly, but also makes for a seriously impressive presentation once they hit the plate!

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Lay out three shallow bowls for a quick, mess-free coating: one with whisked eggs (seasoned with a pinch of salt), the second for tapioca starch (with a touch more salt), and the third for panko. Keep a large clean plate handy for the breaded shrimp. Organization is key—you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 3: Dredge and Coat Each Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the egg, then the starch, back into egg, and finally give it a gentle press into the panko crumbs for the ultimate crust. Using one hand for the wet ingredients and the other for dry really helps prevent clumping and keeps everything neat.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer, spray the basket with a little avocado oil, and arrange the shrimp in a single layer with space between. Mist the tops with more oil, then air fry at 330°F for three minutes per side, flipping halfway. You might need to work in batches; don’t crowd them for best results.

Step 5: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together the mayo, rice vinegar, hot sauce (or sweet chili), coconut aminos, ketchup, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust—add more chili for kick, or extra vinegar for bite. This creamy sauce is what makes your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe next-level addictive!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once all your shrimp are cooked and sizzling, garnish generously with diced spring onion or chives, then drizzle with plenty of bang bang sauce. Serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping, and get ready for the crispiest, crunchiest bite!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh spring onion or chive instantly adds color and brightness to your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. For bonus flair, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds or even a pinch of finely diced red chili brings pops of color and a lovely hint of heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your shrimp with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or even lettuce leaves for wraps. The creamy-spicy sauce is also heavenly with garlic noodles or a simple cucumber salad—just enough to soak up every last drop!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these beauties as party-perfect appetizers in mini lettuce cups, skewer them for an eye-catching platter, or pile them high in rice bowls with a drizzle of extra sauce. They’re also stunning on a bamboo tray with lime wedges for a fun, shareable starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover (unsauced) bang bang shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the crispest results later, keep the sauce and shrimp separate until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

While freshly air-fried shrimp are always best, you can freeze them after air frying (before saucing) for up to a month. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Thaw and reheat in the air fryer to restore maximum crispiness!

Reheating

To bring back the crunch, reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes per side (or until hot and crispy). Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. Drizzle with fresh bang bang sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe, it’s hard not to crave it again and again! It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that really feels like something special—with none of the heavy fried guilt. If you love restaurant-style flavors but want a lighter, faster twist, this is your Shrimp Night game changer. Give it a go and prepare for big smiles all around!

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