Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: Your Ultimate Guide to a Restaurant Favorite at Home
Craving that irresistible, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang Shrimp you love from your favorite restaurant? Now you can bring that incredible flavor right into your kitchen with this easy and healthier air fryer recipe! Forget the excessive oil and deep-frying mess; our battered and “fried” air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp delivers all the crispy texture and delicious zest you expect, with significantly less fat. Coated in a vibrant, spicy, and perfectly balanced sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a highly requested repeat recipe in your household. It’s perfect as a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering or a quick, satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It perfectly captures the essence of a restaurant-quality dish with the convenience and health benefits of home cooking. You’ll love its irresistible combination of textures and flavors: perfectly crispy on the outside, succulent and juicy on the inside, all generously coated in a dreamy, spicy-sweet sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss, or as a spectacular appetizer that will impress guests at any gathering. The air fryer works its magic, ensuring each shrimp is cooked to perfection with a golden, crunchy crust, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
The Secret Behind the Flavor: Key Ingredients
Creating truly outstanding Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and achieving that coveted crispy texture.
Shrimp and Breading Components
- Shrimp: For the most satisfying results, always opt for large, raw shrimp. Using larger shrimp ensures a meaty bite and prevents them from drying out too quickly in the air fryer. If using frozen shrimp, remember to thaw them completely and pat them thoroughly dry before breading. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Egg: This acts as the essential binder. Whisked with milk, it creates a wet mixture that allows the flour and panko breadcrumbs to adhere beautifully to the shrimp, forming a solid base for the crispy exterior.
- Milk: When combined with the egg, milk creates the perfect consistency for the wet dip, ensuring an even coating on each shrimp.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the initial layer of the breading, providing a foundation for the crunch. It helps absorb any remaining moisture from the shrimp and gives the panko something to cling to.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The superstar of crispiness! Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, which results in a much lighter, crispier, and more airy coating when air-fried. Do not substitute with regular breadcrumbs if you want that ultimate crunch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These provide a delightful, subtle kick of heat that permeates the breading itself, adding another dimension to the overall spicy profile of the dish.
- Ground Black Pepper: A foundational seasoning that enhances the savory notes and adds a hint of pungency.
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Dried Basil: This aromatic trio infuses the breading with savory depth. Onion and garlic powders offer a warm, umami base, while dried basil introduces a subtle, herbaceous note that beautifully complements the shrimp and spicy sauce.
- Olive Oil Spray: Crucial for air frying! A light, even spray of olive oil ensures the breading crisps up to a beautiful golden brown without the need for deep-frying. It helps activate the crunch and prevents the shrimp from becoming dry.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayo: The cornerstone of the Bang Bang sauce, mayonnaise provides a rich, creamy, and smooth base. It’s what gives the sauce its signature luscious texture and helps carry the other flavors.
- Garlic Chili Sauce: This is where the “bang” comes from! Garlic chili sauce delivers a bold, fiery depth with a pungent garlic kick. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level. Popular choices include Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce or Sambal Oelek.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of rice vinegar is essential for balancing the richness of the mayo and the heat of the chili sauce. Its mild acidity provides a bright, tangy counterpoint that elevates the entire flavor profile and prevents the sauce from being too heavy.
How to Cook Bang Bang Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp that will rival any restaurant’s offering:
STEP 1 – Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your raw shrimp. Remove the shells and devein them if they aren’t already. Once cleaned, it’s absolutely crucial to pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent the breading from sticking and getting truly crispy.
STEP 2 – Create the Dry Breading Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, red pepper flakes, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried basil. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs and flour.
STEP 3 – Prepare the Wet Egg Mixture: In a separate small mixing bowl, crack the egg and add the milk. Whisk vigorously until the egg and milk are fully combined and appear slightly frothy. This will serve as the binding agent for your breading.
STEP 4 – Dredge the Shrimp: Set up a dredging station with your dry flour/panko mixture, followed by the egg wash, and then back to the dry mixture. Dip each shrimp first into the flour/panko mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, return the shrimp to the dry flour/panko mixture for a second coating, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well. This double-dredging technique is key for maximum crispiness. Place the fully coated shrimp on a wire rack as you work through the batch.
STEP 5 – Chill for Crispy Perfection: Once all the shrimp are breaded, place the wire rack with the shrimp into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it helps the breading set and adhere firmly to the shrimp, preventing it from falling off during cooking and contributing to an extra-crispy result.
STEP 6 – Preheat Your Air Fryer: While the shrimp are chilling, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential for achieving an immediate crisp exterior and even cooking, much like preheating an oven.
STEP 7 – Air Fry the Shrimp: Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will steam the shrimp instead of frying them, resulting in a soggy coating. Work in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with olive oil spray to encourage browning and crisping. Air fry for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully flip each shrimp, spray the other side lightly with olive oil, and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (opaque in the center).
STEP 8 – Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While your shrimp are cooking, it’s time to whip up the star sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic chili sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until all ingredients are perfectly blended and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice or tanginess to your liking. Set aside until the shrimp are ready.
STEP 9 – Toss and Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked and still warm, transfer them to a shallow bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and gently toss until each piece is beautifully coated. Serving immediately ensures the best crispness and flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Now, it’s time to dive into this incredible dish! Enjoy the satisfying crunch and explosive flavor of your homemade Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s a culinary triumph that will have everyone reaching for more!
NOTE: This recipe was made using a Cosori Air Fryer. If you’re using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly to accommodate your specific air fryer. Always refer to your air fryer’s manual for best practices.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Achieving restaurant-quality Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is simple with a few expert tips:
- Ensure Even Cooking: The golden rule of air frying is to avoid overcrowding the basket. Arranging shrimp in a single layer allows hot air to circulate freely around each piece, resulting in an evenly cooked, consistently crispy exterior. If you have a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.
- Spray Evenly for Crispiness: A light and even spray of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) on the breaded shrimp is crucial. This not only helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color but also ensures the panko breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully without drying out the shrimp. Consider using an olive oil spray bottle for better control.
- Serve Immediately: For the absolute best texture and flavor, toss the cooked shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce and serve them right away. This ensures the breading remains wonderfully crispy against the creamy sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly! Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of air frying. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Perfect Breading Adhesion: The chilling step (Step 5) is non-negotiable! Allowing the breaded shrimp to chill in the refrigerator helps the flour and panko mixture stick firmly, minimizing crumb loss during cooking and maximizing crispness.
- Taste and Adjust Sauce: Before tossing the shrimp, taste your Bang Bang sauce. You can always add a bit more chili garlic sauce for extra heat, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Dish
While the classic Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is perfect as is, feel free to experiment with these exciting variations to suit your taste:
- Amplify the Heat: For those who love a serious kick, incorporate more garlic chili sauce into the Bang Bang sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Sriracha or Tabasco), or even finely minced fresh red chilies to the breading mixture or directly into the sauce.
- Sweet and Spicy Twist: Balance the heat with a delightful sweetness. Stir a teaspoon or two of honey, brown sugar, or even maple syrup into the Bang Bang sauce. A touch of orange marmalade can also add a unique, zesty sweetness.
- Herbaceous Freshness: Finely chopped cilantro, chives, or green onions can be mixed into the sauce or sprinkled generously over the finished dish for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Citrus Zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a hint of lime zest added to the Bang Bang sauce can brighten the flavors considerably, adding a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: For an extra garlic punch, add a small amount of freshly minced garlic to the sauce, or increase the garlic powder in the breading.
- Smoky Flavor: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika in the breading can add an intriguing smoky note to your crispy shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Making this delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free is straightforward! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For the panko breadcrumbs, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, which are widely available in most grocery stores. These alternatives will ensure you achieve the same crispy texture and incredible flavor without compromising dietary needs.
What are the best dipping sauces for Bang Bang Shrimp besides the Bang Bang sauce?
While the homemade Bang Bang sauce is undeniably the star, offering a variety of dipping sauces can elevate the experience. Consider serving with a sweet chili sauce for a different sweet and spicy dynamic, a cool and creamy ranch dressing to contrast the heat, or a zesty lime yogurt sauce for a lighter, refreshing alternative. Sriracha mayo (if you want less creaminess than the main sauce) or a simple soy-ginger dipping sauce also pair wonderfully.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?
For the absolute best crispness and flavor, it’s recommended to air fry and toss the shrimp in the sauce just before serving. However, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can bread the shrimp and store them in a single layer on a wire rack in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up day 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply air fry the shrimp and toss with the pre-made sauce.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or a bed of stir-fried noodles. It also makes an excellent appetizer with a fresh green salad, crunchy coleslaw, or as part of a lettuce wrap for a lighter option. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh green onions or sesame seeds for garnish!
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is truly a delicious recipe the whole family will enjoy, bringing joy to your dinner table with every bite. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a restaurant classic, made healthier and easier at home!
Looking for other delectable recipes like this one? Be sure to check out our other favorite Asian-inspired air fryer recipes below for more culinary inspiration.
MORE ASIAN INSPIRED AIR FRYER RECIPES:
Dinner
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Dinner
Air Fryer Sesame Chicken
Dinner
Air Fryer Teriyaki Pork Chops
Dinner
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
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6
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Jen
40 minutes
10 minutes
50 minutes
Rate
Equipment
-
1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
Shrimp breading and seasoning
-
25
shrimp -
1
egg -
1
cup
milk -
3/4
cup
all purpose flour -
1/2
cup
panko breadcrumbs -
1/2
teaspoon
red pepper -
1/2
teaspoon
ground black pepper -
1/4
teaspoon
onion powder -
1/4
teaspoon
garlic powder -
1/4
teaspoon
dried basil -
1
Tablespoon
olive oil,
to spray
Bang Bang Sauce
-
1/2
cup
mayo -
4
teaspoons
garlic chili sauce -
1/2
teaspoon
rice vinegar
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
-
Clean and pat dry the shrimp.
-
Add panko bread crumbs, flour, and seasonings to a medium bowl. Mix well.
-
In a small mixing bowl, add egg to the milk and whisk until combined.
-
Dip the shrimp into the flour and panko mixture, the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture. Place on a wire rack.
-
Chill the breaded shrimp in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
-
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
-
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the preheated basket, spray lightly with olive oil, and air fry for 5 minutes. Flip the shrimp after 5 minutes, spray again, and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
-
While the shrimp are cooking, make the spicy sauce. Add the mayo, chili garlic sauce, and rice vinegar to a small bowl. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
-
Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce until well-coated and serve.
Notes
For dipping, you can use hot sauce, spicy ranch, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, or any other delicious sauce you like.
If you want to cut back on fat, swap out mayo for Greek yogurt. Plus, Greek yogurt has protein, so it’s a win-win!
Nutrition
Calories:
268
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
19
g
,
Protein:
5
g
,
Fat:
19
g
,
Saturated Fat:
4
g
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
9
g
,
Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g
,
Trans Fat:
1
g
,
Cholesterol:
44
mg
,
Sodium:
371
mg
,
Potassium:
105
mg
,
Fiber:
1
g
,
Sugar:
3
g
,
Vitamin A:
139
IU
,
Vitamin C:
1
mg
,
Calcium:
67
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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