Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a fast, crunchy, spicy-sweet appetizer that brightens any weeknight meal or party spread. Coated in a crisp breadcrumb shell and tossed in a creamy sweet-chili and sriracha sauce, the shrimp deliver a satisfying crunch, a tangy kick, and a glossy, sticky finish. The air fryer keeps them light and crisp without deep frying, so they feel indulgent but cook quickly.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 23–25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (1/4 of recipe):
- Calories per serving: 520 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why Make This Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
This recipe gives you big restaurant flavor with minimal fuss. The air fryer crisps the breadcrumb coating so you get a crunchy bite without deep frying. The bang bang sauce is creamy, sweet, and spicy — a simple combo that clings to the shrimp and wakes up the palate. It’s fast, crowd-pleasing, and easy to scale for parties or weeknight dinners.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
You’ll prep the shrimp, coat them in a three-step dredge for a crunchy shell, air fry until golden, then toss or serve with a quick bang bang sauce. The whole process is straightforward and forgiving — great for cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper so the seasoning evenly adheres. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: cornstarch in the first, beaten egg in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
Step 2: Mixing
Dredge each shrimp first in the cornstarch, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten egg to moisten, then press it into the breadcrumbs until well coated. Place coated shrimp on a plate or tray as you go. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth to make the bang bang sauce. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking.
Step 3: Cooking
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd the basket — cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are opaque and firm. Smaller shrimp may finish sooner; larger shrimp may need the full time.
Step 4: Finishing
Transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl and either toss gently with the bang bang sauce to coat, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, bright finish. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
- Turn it into a main course by plating over steamed rice or coconut rice.
- Add to tacos with shredded cabbage, lime, and cilantro for a crunchy shrimp taco.
- Serve with a simple green salad or slaw to balance the richness.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to regain crispness.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked, un-sauced shrimp in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 360°F for 6–8 minutes.
- Sauce: Store the bang bang sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days. Do not freeze mayonnaise-based sauces.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Dry shrimp well: Removing surface moisture helps the coating stick and get crisp.
- Single layer matters: Crowding the basket creates steam and softens the crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: For extra light, flaky crunch use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Light oil spray (optional): A quick spritz of oil on the coated shrimp helps browning in some air fryers.
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook fast — watch for opaque color and springy texture to avoid rubberiness.
- Sauce on the side: Tossing shrimp in sauce softens the crust; serve sauce on the side if you want to keep them crisp longer.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Honey Bang Bang: Swap sweet chili for honey and increase sriracha to taste for a sweet-spicy glaze.
- Coconut Crunch: Mix shredded unsweetened coconut with breadcrumbs for a tropical crunch; serve with a lime-cilantro slaw.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal and a gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
- Panko-Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan to panko breadcrumbs for a savory, nutty layer.
- Buffalo Bang Bang: Replace sweet chili with buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy alternative; use blue cheese dip on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw shrimp completely, pat dry, and remove any excess water before seasoning and coating. Thawed shrimp will release moisture, so drying well is key to a crisp crust.
Q: Do I have to use an air fryer?
A: No. You can bake the shrimp at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, or shallow-fry in oil until golden. Air frying gives the crispiest result with less oil.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. The bang bang sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make it ahead to save time when serving.
Q: How do I keep the shrimp crispy if serving for a party?
A: Cook in batches and keep finished shrimp on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F / 93°C) while you finish the rest. Serve sauce on the side so guests can dip without softening the crust.
Q: How can I reduce sodium or calories?
A: Use light mayonnaise or a Greek yogurt substitute for fewer calories. Choose low-sodium mayonnaise and low-salt breadcrumbs, and rinse shrimp if using pre-salted varieties. Reducing the amount of sauce served per portion also cuts calories.
Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A: Yes. Use a mixture of 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or a commercial egg replacer to help breadcrumbs stick. Another option is to brush shrimp with a little mayonnaise before coating.
Conclusion
This Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is a quick, crunchy, and saucy favorite that’s perfect for snacks, family dinners, or entertaining. It balances texture and flavor—crispy golden coating, tender shrimp, and a creamy spicy-sweet sauce—for a dish that feels special but is simple to make. For more tips and an alternative take on this recipe, check out this helpful guide: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp (Crispy + Easy Recipe). Enjoy — and have fun tweaking the heat and crunch to make it yours!
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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A fast, crunchy, spicy-sweet appetizer that brightens any weeknight meal or party spread, featuring shrimp coated in a crisp breadcrumb shell and tossed in a creamy sweet-chili and sriracha sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: cornstarch in the first, beaten egg in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and shrimp are opaque and firm.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl and toss gently with the bang bang sauce, or serve sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs may be used. Serve as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
