Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy tangy and just a little spicy Bang Bang Shrimp in the air fryer has quickly become my go to appetizer for family game night. With juicy shrimp coated in crunchy panko and tossed in a creamy homemade sauce each bite has crazy good textures and flavor. It is easy enough for a weeknight but still feels restaurant special.

My family loves anything shrimp and this was the first thing my teens asked me to make on our new air fryer. It was gone in minutes and now it is one of our most requested treats when friends come over.

Ingredients

• Buttermilk: Soaks the shrimp for juicy flavor and tenderness choose full fat for best results
• Fresh shrimp: Peeled and deveined medium or large size check they smell neutral for freshness
• All purpose flour: Makes the first breading step cling use unbleached for best coating
• Panko bread crumbs: Give an extra crunchy light crust look for Japanese style panko in the international aisle
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick freshly ground is ideal
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the bang bang sauce choose real mayo for richness
• Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweet spicy tang I recommend Thai brands for authentic flavor
• Sriracha sauce: Controls the heat and balances richness adjust amount to taste

Instructions

Soak the Shrimp:

Let shrimp soak in half a cup of buttermilk for at least four hours in the fridge. This makes them super juicy and helps coating stick.

Set Up the Dredging Station:

Line up three bowls. Put flour and black pepper in the first. Pour the remaining half cup of buttermilk in the second. Add panko bread crumbs to the third.

Coat the Shrimp:

Take each shrimp from the buttermilk and dredge first in the flour mixture so it gets lightly dusted. Dip in the fresh buttermilk so coating sticks. Finally roll in panko pressing gently so crumbs cover every side.

Prepare the Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket well with nonstick spray so shrimp do not stick. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and give a light spray on top for extra crunch.

Air Fry the Shrimp:

Set air fryer to 390 F degrees. Cook shrimp for five minutes until bottoms start to turn golden. Flip each shrimp carefully and give another mist of spray. Cook five minutes more until all are golden brown and crisp.

Mix the Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise sweet chili sauce and sriracha in a bowl whisking until totally smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.

Toss and Serve:

Let cooked shrimp cool one minute then gently toss in sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onion if desired and serve immediately over lettuce or as is.

One of my favorite things in this dish is the sweet chili sauce. I tried several brands before finding the Blue Dragon version and now I always keep a bottle on hand for quick sauces and marinades. My kids love helping me toss the hot shrimp in the sauce and sneaking the first crispy bite right out of the bowl.

Storage Tips

Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge up to two days. If reheating use the air fryer at 350 F for four minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the breading. If you want to prep ahead bread the shrimp and refrigerate uncooked up to four hours before air frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap regular breadcrumbs for panko if needed but the crunch will be less dramatic. For a dairy free version use unsweetened non dairy milk with a splash of lemon as a buttermilk sub. Vegan mayo works great if you are avoiding eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this shrimp as a fun appetizer cocktail party bite or picnic snack. It is also fantastic wrapped up in lettuce cups or piled into tacos with slaw. I like using leftovers on top of a big Asian style salad.

Cultural and Historical Context

Bang Bang Shrimp is inspired by the famous dish from Bonefish Grill and is known for its zippy creamy sauce and tempura like texture. It draws on Thai flavors with American restaurant style crunch making it a fusion favorite across the US.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use larger gulf shrimp in summer for grill outs. Garnish with fresh garden herbs like chives or dill in spring. Top holiday salads with bang bang shrimp for a pop of color and flavor.

Success Stories

Many readers have told me this recipe made them love their air fryer all over again. My neighbor even made a double batch for her daughter’s college group and everyone asked for the recipe.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Bread the shrimp and freeze in a single layer then store in freezer bags. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer adding one or two minutes to the cook time. Toss in sauce after heating.

This air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is irresistible with its crunchy exterior and flavorful sauce. Try it once and it just might become your most requested party dish too.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I make the shrimp extra crispy?

Panko bread crumbs help create a crunchy coating. Make sure to coat the shrimp evenly and don't overcrowd your air fryer or oil when cooking.

→ What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bangs bang sauce is a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust sriracha to your desired spice level.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw them fully and pat dry for best breading and texture.

→ What's the best way to serve bang bang shrimp?

Serve hot over lettuce, rice, or on taco shells, and garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Keep cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat to crisp them up.