If you love crispy, spicy, and restaurant-quality shrimp, this Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer recipe is a must-try! Inspired by Bonefish Grill’s famous appetizer, this homemade version is lighter, healthier, and incredibly easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Cooking shrimp in the air fryer gives you the perfect balance of crunchy texture and juicy flavor—without deep frying! If you’re looking for creative ways to enjoy this dish, consider turning it into Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos for a bold and flavorful meal! 🌮🔥
Why Use an Air Fryer for Bang Bang Shrimp?
An air fryer isn’t just convenient—it’s a game-changer for creating crispy seafood without excess oil. Here’s why you’ll love this method:
- ✅ Healthier Alternative – Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying.
- ✅ Crispy Texture – The hot air circulation locks in crunchiness without making shrimp greasy.
- ✅ Quick & Easy Cleanup – No messy frying oils or lingering odors in your kitchen.
- ✅ Perfect Every Time – No need to worry about overcooking or undercooking!
Want to pair your shrimp with a crunchy and refreshing side? Try Shrimp Tacos with Slaw for the ultimate fresh and crispy combination!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy, golden shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce—this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a healthier take on the popular restaurant favorite. Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a full meal, this dish delivers a delightful crunch with a burst of flavor in every bite!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
✅ Prepare the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let them soak for 10 minutes while you prepare the coating.
✅ Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
✅ Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, shaking off excess. Dredge each shrimp in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
✅ Air Fry the Shrimp: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
✅ Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
✅ Toss and Serve: Once shrimp are cooked, toss them gently in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over them. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the shrimp by dipping them back into buttermilk and the coating mixture before air frying.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha.
- Serve over a bed of lettuce or rice for a complete meal.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ of the recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp, Air Fryer Shrimp, Crispy Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp, Healthy Shrimp Recipe
For the Shrimp:
To achieve that signature crispy bite, you’ll need:
- 1 lb medium-sized raw shrimp – Deveined, peeled, and tails removed
- ¼ cup cornstarch – Ensures a crispier texture than flour
- 1 egg white – Helps the coating stick to the shrimp
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs – Adds a light, crispy crust
- Cooking spray or olive oil – Essential for air frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
The creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce takes this dish to the next level!
- ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or low-fat)
- 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp Sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
💡 Looking for a low-carb version? Check out this Keto Shrimp Tacos Recipe for a guilt-free way to enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect crispy Bang Bang Shrimp!
1. Prep the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry using a paper towel—this helps the coating stick better.
- Set up 3 separate bowls:
- Cornstarch in one
- Egg white in another
- Panko breadcrumbs in the third
2. Coat the Shrimp
- Lightly coat each shrimp in cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- Dip into egg white, shaking off any excess.
- Press into panko breadcrumbs, covering both sides evenly.
3. Air Fry the Shrimp
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
- Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 5 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Adjust heat level to your preference.
5. Toss & Serve
- Gently toss crispy shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions.
🥗 Want to make it a full meal? Learn What Cheese Goes with Shrimp Tacos for the perfect pairing!
Serving Ideas & Variations
Looking for different ways to enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp? Try these delicious serving ideas:
- 🌮 In Tacos – Load shrimp into Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos for a spicy, handheld treat!
- 🍚 Over Rice – Serve over jasmine or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal.
- 🥗 With a Salad – Toss into a mixed green salad with an Asian sesame dressing.
- 🥒 As an Appetizer – Pair with fresh cucumber slices or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Is Bang Bang Shrimp Healthy?
Shrimp is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.
Want to know if this dish fits your weight loss goals? Read Are Shrimp Tacos Healthy for Weight Loss? for an in-depth nutritional breakdown.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Shrimp
💡 Use cornstarch instead of flour – It creates a lighter, crispier coating.
💡 Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches for even crispiness.
💡 Spray with oil before air frying – This helps achieve a deep golden-brown color.
💡 Toss shrimp in sauce lightly – Overcoating makes shrimp soggy too fast!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer is an easy and foolproof recipe, a few small mistakes can affect the final result. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your shrimp turn out crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned every time!
🚫 Overcooking the Shrimp – This Makes Them Rubbery
Shrimp cook very quickly, and if left in the air fryer too long, they become tough, chewy, and rubbery instead of tender and juicy.
✅ Solution:
- Cook shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for no more than 7 minutes total (5 minutes on one side, 2 minutes on the other).
- The shrimp should be pink and opaque with a light golden crust when done.
- If unsure, use a meat thermometer—shrimp are fully cooked at 120°F (49°C).
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on your shrimp, especially if using smaller or pre-cooked shrimp, as they cook even faster!
🚫 Skipping Cornstarch – You’ll Miss Out on That Crispy Crunch!
Cornstarch is key to achieving the signature light, crispy texture of Bang Bang Shrimp. Skipping this step can leave your shrimp less crunchy and more soggy.
✅ Solution:
- Lightly coat the shrimp in cornstarch before dipping them in egg white—this creates a thin, crispy outer layer.
- Cornstarch absorbs moisture, preventing the shrimp from getting soggy during air frying.
💡 Tip: If you’re out of cornstarch, a light dusting of potato starch is a great substitute!
🚫 Not Preheating the Air Fryer – This Results in Uneven Cooking
Many people skip preheating the air fryer, but this is a crucial step for ensuring evenly cooked and crispy shrimp.
✅ Solution:
- Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes before adding shrimp.
- Preheating allows the shrimp to start cooking immediately, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- A cold air fryer will result in inconsistent cooking, leading to soft or undercooked spots.
💡 Tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply run it empty for 3-5 minutes before adding your shrimp.
🚫 Using Too Much Sauce – A Light Toss is All You Need!
The Bang Bang sauce is creamy, sweet, and spicy, but using too much can make the shrimp soggy and overpower the crispy coating.
✅ Solution:
- Lightly drizzle the sauce over the shrimp instead of fully soaking them.
- Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping—this keeps the shrimp crispy for longer!
- If meal-prepping, store the sauce separately and toss shrimp just before serving.
💡 Tip: For extra flavor without sogginess, lightly brush the sauce onto each shrimp instead of tossing them all at once!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
While Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh—when it’s at its crispiest and most flavorful—you may find yourself with leftovers. The key to keeping them as delicious as possible lies in proper storage and reheating.
How to Store Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp
If you plan to save your shrimp for later, follow these steps to maintain their crispy texture and bold flavor:
- Cool Completely – Allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Use an Airtight Container – Place the shrimp in a shallow, airtight container or a resealable bag to prevent moisture buildup.
- Refrigerate Properly – Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid keeping them for too long, as shrimp can lose their texture and freshness quickly.
💡 Tip: If possible, store the sauce separately from the shrimp to keep the coating crispier when reheating!
Best Ways to Reheat Bang Bang Shrimp
Reheating shrimp the right way ensures they remain crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- 🔥 Air Fryer (Best Method) – Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 2-3 minutes until crispy. This method restores the crunch without overcooking the shrimp.
- ♨️ Oven or Toaster Oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C), place shrimp on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This works well for larger batches.
- ⚠️ Avoid the Microwave – Microwaving makes the shrimp soft, rubbery, and soggy by steaming them instead of crisping them up.
💡 Tip: If you stored the sauce separately, toss the reheated shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce just before serving to keep them crispy!
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp with the same delicious crunch and flavor—even the next day! 🍤🔥
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and restaurant-quality dish, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a must-try! Each bite delivers an irresistible crunch, a creamy and spicy kick, and a perfectly balanced sweetness, making it a dish that will impress family, friends, and even picky eaters.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can:
✔️ Serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
✔️ Enjoy it as a main dish over rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
✔️ Turn it into delicious tacos for a fun, flavorful twist! 🌮🔥
Speaking of tacos, if you’re a fan of bold, vibrant flavors, don’t miss out on these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. They take this crispy shrimp to the next level with soft tortillas, crunchy slaw, and an extra drizzle of that creamy, spicy sauce—the perfect combination for Taco Tuesday (or any day)!
💬 Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and feel free to share your creative serving ideas. 🍤✨