Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp (Crispy & Spicy!)
Skip the deep fryer and make this incredibly crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp at home! This recipe is a lighter, healthier take on the famous Bonefish Grill appetizer, but it sacrifices absolutely zero flavor.
Plump shrimp are coated in Panko breadcrumbs, air-fried to a golden crunch, and then tossed in a legendary sweet, spicy, and creamy chili sauce. It makes a stunning appetizer, a quick dinner over rice, or the perfect filling for shrimp tacos!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Deep Frying: The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without the heavy grease.
- Ready in 25 Minutes: Faster than ordering takeout!
- That Signature Sauce: Sweet, spicy, and creamy—it is totally addictive.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Large Shrimp: Look for 16/20 count shrimp, peeled and deveined. Substitution: You can use frozen shrimp, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Essential for maximum crunch in the air fryer. Regular breadcrumbs won’t get as crispy.
- Sweet Chili Sauce & Sriracha: The backbone of Bang Bang sauce. Adjust the Sriracha to control the heat level.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Making this at home is shockingly simple. You start by mixing the 4-ingredient sauce and popping it in the fridge so the flavors meld. Then, create a quick breading station with buttermilk and Panko. The trick to air fryer success is spraying the breaded shrimp with a little cooking oil right before they cook—this helps the Panko turn golden brown instead of pale and dry. Once they’re hot and crispy, toss them in the sauce immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Dry the shrimp completely: Use paper towels to pat the raw shrimp dry before dipping them in the buttermilk so the breading sticks perfectly.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray: Air fryers need a touch of oil to mimic deep frying. Spray the shrimp generously.
- Toss right before serving: To keep the shrimp as crispy as possible, don’t toss them in the sauce until you are ready to eat.
Variations
- Bang Bang Chicken: Swap the shrimp for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast (cook for 10-12 minutes).
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately if possible. They will keep for 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat un-sauced shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving sauced shrimp will make them soggy.
Serving Suggestions
- Over a bed of crisp shredded lettuce or cabbage (traditional)
- In warm flour tortillas as Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice
FAQ
Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes! Bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Set the sauce aside in the fridge.
- Set up a dredging station: Place buttermilk in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the Panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the Panko mixture until fully coated.
- Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
- Spray the tops of the shrimp generously with cooking oil spray.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the hot, crispy shrimp to a large bowl, pour the prepared sauce over them, and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
