Crispy air fryer Bang Bang shrimp delivers the same crunchy texture and creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that made this dish famous, but with significantly less oil than deep-fried versions. The shrimp become golden and crisp in the air fryer while remaining juicy and tender inside. Every bite is coated in a flavorful sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and tanginess.
This recipe is ideal as an appetizer, party snack, or main course served over rice, salad, or tacos. The air fryer helps create a light, crispy coating without the mess of frying, making it a convenient option for weeknight meals. Large shrimp work best because they stay succulent during cooking and provide a satisfying bite.
The signature Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of hot sauce. It coats the freshly cooked shrimp beautifully, creating a restaurant-style dish in less than 30 minutes. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
A coating of seasoned breadcrumbs gives the shrimp their crunchy exterior. Panko breadcrumbs are particularly effective because they create an extra-crispy texture in the air fryer. A light spray of oil before cooking helps achieve an attractive golden color and enhances crispness.
Nutritionally, Bang Bang shrimp provides high-quality protein from the shrimp along with essential nutrients such as selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Air frying reduces the amount of fat compared with traditional frying, while the homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp
- 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In a second bowl, add the beaten egg.
- In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each shrimp in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until golden and crispy.
- While the shrimp cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce.
- Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
