Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp brings together crunchy panko-coated shrimp and a creamy, sweet, spicy sauce for a restaurant-inspired dish at home. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for approximately 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through and checking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep the sauce separate until serving for the crispiest coating. Serve as an appetizer, in tacos, or as a flavorful main dish.
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 pound 450 g large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup 30 g all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¾ cup 45 g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray as needed
For the bang bang sauce
- ⅓ cup 75 g mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons 45 ml sweet chili sauce
- 1 –2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions optional
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: If frozen, thaw completely. Peel and devein if needed, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Set up the coating: In one shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the beaten egg in a second bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Bread the shrimp: Coat each shrimp in the seasoned flour, dip it in egg, then press gently into the panko until covered. Shake off excess coating.
- Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes, unless your model's instructions differ.
- Arrange the shrimp: Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through. Check smaller shrimp early and cook until the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and optional honey until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the sauce over the cooked shrimp or serve it on the side to preserve crispness. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve immediately.