Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

If crispy shrimp in a creamy sweet spicy sauce sounds like your flavor fix then Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp will become a favorite weeknight dinner or party appetizer This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels fun without the fuss The sauce alone is worth making for everything from fries to fried chicken

The first time I made this I could barely grab a few for myself before they vanished My family insists it must show up at every game night now

Ingredients

• Fresh shrimp: peeled and deveined Choose firm medium to large shrimp with no strong odor for best texture and flavor
• Buttermilk: Soaks the shrimp to keep them juicy and helps the coating stick Choose whole buttermilk or make your own with milk and lemon juice
• All-purpose flour: Forms a thin base layer for crunch Make sure flour is fresh and unsifted for best coating
• Panko bread crumbs: Adds a light crispy crunch Japanese panko stays crispier than regular bread crumbs
• Black pepper: Brings gentle heat Choose freshly ground if possible
• Sriracha sauce: Offers a kick of heat Look for a bright red bottle for fresh flavor
• Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce thick and creamy A classic full fat mayo gives the richest taste
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds tangy spicy sweetness Blue Dragon or another Thai style brand recommended for balance

Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp:

Let shrimp chill in half a cup of buttermilk in the fridge for at least four hours The acid in the buttermilk both tenderizes and flavors the shrimp

Set Up the Breading Station:

Line up three shallow bowls One with flour and black pepper whisked together One with the remaining buttermilk One with plenty of panko bread crumbs This line-up will keep your assembly moving smoothly

Coat the Shrimp:

Lift each shrimp from the marinade letting excess drip off Dredge in flour and pepper making sure both sides are dusted Dunk each shrimp in the buttermilk so it is moist again Then roll in panko bread crumbs pressing gently so the coating sticks everywhere This layering gives an ultra crisp texture

Load the Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket enough to prevent sticking Lay coated shrimp in a single layer no crowding Spray the tops with a light mist of cooking spray This is key to achieving that fried flavor with little oil

Cook in the Air Fryer:

Set the air fryer to three hundred ninety degrees and cook for five minutes Open flip each shrimp over spray again and give them another five minutes Check for crispy golden spots and opaque centers

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Stir sriracha mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce together in a bowl Taste and adjust the sriracha for more or less kick This combo is sweet spicy and creamy all in one

Toss and Serve:

Let the crispy shrimp cool just a minute Then toss gently in the bang bang sauce until coated Serve on a platter over lettuce or in lettuce cups and top with chopped fresh cilantro

Bang Bang Shrimp has become my signature party dish Friends still text for the sauce recipe and my favorite part is sneaking an extra shrimp just for me before serving If I ever skip the cilantro garnish my family immediately notices

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness Store sauce separately and only toss right before eating for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

Try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version Use gluten free panko for allergies You can swap sriracha with a mild hot sauce to dial the spice down or up Thinly sliced scallions make a great garnish when cilantro is not available

Serving Suggestions

Pile over a crunchy slaw for a light dinner Serve as lettuce wraps for parties Use as taco filling or even over rice bowls A squeeze of lime brightens everything

Cultural Context

Bang Bang Shrimp takes a cue from popular American-Asian fusion appetizers usually seen at chain restaurants The creamy spicy sauce originated to complement crispy fried proteins and quickly became a hit for its punchy flavor profile

Seasonal Adaptations

Mix a little lime zest into sauce for summer Toss with roasted winter squash cubes for a hearty bowl Substitute with scallops or calamari for variation

Success Stories

This recipe is a hit with kids and grownups alike One friend doubled the batch for a holiday party and still had nothing left by the end It is now in rotation for easy family movie nights

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze coated raw shrimp in a single layer on a tray then store in a bag up to one month Cook directly from frozen in the air fryer adding a few minutes to cook time Only sauce freshly cooked or thawed shrimp to maintain crispness

Bang Bang Shrimp comes together quickly and crowd-pleasingly for an easy meal or shareable snack Once you try the sauce you will want to make it again and again

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of shrimp works best?

Fresh, peeled, and deveined large shrimp give the best texture and flavor. Thawed frozen shrimp can also be used.

→ Can this be made without an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry the breaded shrimp in hot oil on the stovetop for similar crispy results.

→ How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the sriracha to suit your taste for more or less heat.

→ What dipping sauces can be used?

The bang bang sauce is traditional, but ranch or extra sweet chili sauce also complement the shrimp.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

It's best served fresh for maximum crispiness, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance.