Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 large egg white; 1½ cups panko bread crumbs; 1 lb medium-sized raw shrimp, deveined, tails off; Cooking spray or olive oil; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 2 teaspoons Sriracha (to taste); Sliced green onion for garnish (optional)

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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Bright, crunchy, and addictive — this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe gives you the saucy, spicy-sweet pop of the restaurant favorite with a fraction of the fuss. The air fryer yields a light, golden crisp on the panko-coated shrimp while the creamy sweet-chili sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and tang. Perfect as a weeknight indulgence, appetizer for guests, or party finger food.

Why make this recipe
This version of Bang Bang Shrimp is special because it marries deep-fried flavor with air-fryer convenience, delivering a crispy exterior and tender shrimp without a pool of oil. It’s fast, less messy, and the bang bang sauce is a quick three-ingredient mix that elevates the whole dish in minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Ingredients:

¼ cup cornstarch
1 large egg white
1½ cups panko bread crumbs
1 lb medium-sized raw shrimp, deveined, tails off
Cooking spray or olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons Sriracha (to taste)
Sliced green onion for garnish (optional)

How to make the shrimp:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix cornstarch and egg white until smooth.
Dredge shrimp in cornstarch mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Spray shrimp lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth.
Toss cooked shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce.
Garnish with sliced green onion and serve immediately.

Why this method works
Air frying circulates hot air around each breaded shrimp so you get edge-to-edge crunch without submerging the food in oil. The cornstarch + egg white step creates a tacky surface that helps the panko adhere and form a light, crisp shell. The sauce, made from mayo and sweet chili, clings to the panko without turning it soggy when tossed just before serving.

Kitchen gear and ingredient notes

Air fryer: Any basket-style air fryer works; adjust rack distance if you have a compact model. Don’t overcrowd the basket — work in batches if needed.
Panko: Provides an airy, flaky crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.
Shrimp: Medium-sized raw shrimp are ideal; if you use larger shrimp, increase the frying time by a minute or two.
Sauce heat: Sriracha amount is adjustable. Start with 1 teaspoon if you prefer milder heat, and add more to taste.

Keeping Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Fresh

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at 40°F (4°C).
Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month at 0°F (-18°C); thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Re-crisp in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

As an appetizer: Serve on a platter with extra bang bang sauce for dipping and lemon wedges on the side.
Over rice or greens: Make a quick bowl by placing shrimp atop steamed jasmine rice, crispy slaw, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Tacos or sliders: Use the shrimp in soft tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro for a fun handheld option.
Party skewers: Thread cooked shrimp onto skewers with pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory bite.

Tips to make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Q: How do I keep the panko from falling off?
A: Make sure the shrimp are patted very dry before dredging, and press the panko onto the shrimp so it adheres well. Chilling for 10 minutes before air frying can help the coating set.

Q: How can I make the shrimp extra crispy?
A: Lightly mist the panko-coated shrimp with cooking spray or a thin brush of olive oil before air frying; this encourages even browning and extra crunch.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes — the bang bang sauce can be mixed up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Toss shrimp in the sauce right before serving to maintain crispness.

Flavor variations and substitutions

Spicy swap: Replace Sriracha with sambal oelek for a chunkier, more textured heat.
Lighter sauce: For a tangier, lighter sauce, swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch to make the recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Variation ideas (comparison-style)

Classic vs. Lighter: Classic uses full mayo for a richer sauce; the lighter version (½ mayo + ½ plain yogurt) cuts calories and adds tang without losing creaminess.
Breaded vs. Almond-crusted: Swap panko for finely chopped almonds for a nutty flavor and extra protein; note this will brown more quickly.

Serving and presentation tips

Plate on a long platter with contrasting colors: bright green scallions, red chili flakes, and a lemon wedge make the dish pop visually.
For a family-style meal, set out small bowls of extra sauce, lime wedges, and chopped cilantro so guests can customize.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Overcrowding the basket: This causes steaming rather than crisping; cook in batches.
Tossing too early: Coated shrimp will soften if mixed with the sauce immediately after cooking; wait a minute for the shrimp to cool very slightly and then toss lightly.
Using pre-cooked shrimp: That will overcook quickly and become rubbery. Start with raw shrimp for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: No — pre-cooked shrimp will overcook in the air fryer and turn rubbery. Use raw, deveined shrimp for the best results.

Q: What size shrimp should I buy?
A: Medium-sized shrimp are listed in the recipe and cook evenly in the given time. If you choose larger shrimp (jumbo), add 1–2 minutes to air-fry time and watch closely.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: The cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 1 month, but texture may change after freezing; re-crisp in the air fryer for best results.

How to adapt for dietary needs

Dairy-free: Use a vegan mayonnaise to make the sauce dairy-free; the rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Lower sodium: Choose a low-sodium sweet chili sauce or make your own with reduced-salt ingredients.
Keto-friendly: Replace panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour and use a sugar-free sweet chili substitute.

Make-ahead and party planning
You can prepare the sauce and dredge the shrimp a few hours ahead. Keep the coated shrimp refrigerated and air fry just before guests arrive for freshly crisp bites. If serving many people, cook in batches and keep cooked shrimp on a warm tray in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) for up to 10–15 minutes to hold without losing crispness.

Troubleshooting

Shrimp aren’t crispy: Likely overcrowding or too much moisture on the shrimp. Dry shrimp thoroughly, use light oil spray, and avoid stacking.
Sauce too runny: Add a touch more mayonnaise or chill the sauce for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly.

Final plating ideas

Elegant appetizer: Stack three shrimp per plate on a smear of extra sauce, garnish with microgreens and a dusting of toasted sesame seeds.
Casual spread: Pile shrimp high on a wooden board with several dipping bowls and toothpicks for easy grabbing.

FAQs — alternate format (bold questions)
How long do I air fry shrimp without drying them out?
Short bursts at high heat are best; 8–10 minutes total at 400°F flipping halfway generally produces a crisp outside and juicy inside. Smaller shrimp may need only 6–8 minutes.

Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Yes — bake at 425°F on a lined sheet for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

What should I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp to make it a full meal?
Serve over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables, or build a shrimp bowl with greens, pickled vegetables, and a squeeze of lime.

Variation (short bullets)

Swap mayo for Greek yogurt (lighter sauce).
Use panko mixed with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan for umami depth.
Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the sauce for a citrusy bright note.

Extra notes on shrimp sourcing and sustainability
When possible, buy shrimp labeled as sustainably sourced or from reputable sellers. Wild-caught and responsibly farmed options help reduce the environmental footprint and often taste better.

Pairings and beverages

Beer: A crisp lager or pilsner cuts through the richness.
Wine: A dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweet-heat sauce.
Non-alcoholic: Iced green tea with a squeeze of lemon provides a refreshing contrast.

Q&A quick-fire (tips recap)
Q: Best oil to use?
A: Neutral oils like avocado or light olive oil are ideal for spraying.

Q: Will the shrimp stay crispy if sauced earlier?
A: No — add the sauce right before serving to maintain crispness.

Q: How to reduce the heat for kids?
A: Reduce or omit Sriracha and use more sweet chili sauce, or add a small amount of honey to tame heat.

Nutrition snapshot (approximate per serving)

Calories, protein, fat, and carbs vary by portion size and exact ingredients. Using lighter mayo or yogurt will lower calories and fat.

A note on presentation for gatherings
Serve on a charcoal or dark platter to make the golden shrimp stand out. Provide small forks or toothpicks and a few bowls of extra sauce for dipping.

If you enjoy experimenting with air-fryer recipes, you might also like this air fryer apple fritters recipe that showcases another quick, crowd-pleasing treat you can make in your machine.

Conclusion

For more techniques and variations on air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, take a look at this detailed recipe for texture tips and timing: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp (Crispy + Easy Recipe). If you want a well-reviewed, tested version with user comments and tweaks, this collection is also very helpful: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe.

Enjoy your crunchy, saucy shrimp — quick to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for both casual weeknights and lively gatherings.