Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe – A Must-Try Seafood Dish

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

The air fryer transforms your favorite fried foods into quick, delicious, and healthier options. And what better way to showcase its capabilities than with a crowd-favorite recipe like Bang Bang Shrimp?

Crispy, flavorful, and tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a must-try for foodies, home cooks, and seafood lovers looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried indulgence.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, from ingredients to pro tips, along with variations and perfect pairings for your next meal. Get ready to wow your taste buds!

The Benefits of Cooking with an Air Fryer

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by making it easier to enjoy the crispy texture of fried food without all the oil and calories. Instead of submerging food in grease, air fryers use hot air circulation to achieve that crunchy, golden perfection we all crave.

For seafood, like shrimp, this means:

• Healthier meals: Enjoy crispy shrimp with significantly less oil.
• Quick cooking: Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes in the air fryer.
• Less mess: No oil splatters or greasy cleanup.
• Retained flavor: The natural sweetness of shrimp shines through.

If your air fryer has been gathering dust, this recipe will turn it into your new favorite kitchen tool!

A Quick Look at Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp isn’t just a dish; it’s a sensation in the world of seafood. Originating as a signature menu item at Bonefish Grill, this crispy fried shrimp dish gained cult-like popularity for its irresistible sweet-and-spicy sauce. Since then, it’s become a staple appetizer and a versatile crowd-pleaser, with countless remakes catered to diverse tastes.

The star of the dish? The “Bang Bang Sauce”—a magical combo of creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of spice that perfectly balances heat and sweetness.

Key Ingredients and Their Nutritional Benefits

Before we get started on the recipe, let’s break down the key ingredients:

• Shrimp: A low-calorie, high-protein seafood rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Offers the breaded crunch with fewer calories than traditional deep-fry coatings.
• Mayonnaise: Traditionally used in the sauce, though light or Greek yogurt can be substituted for fewer calories.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a gentle kick of spice. While it contains sugar, you’ll only need a small amount for big flavor.
• Sriracha: A spicier kick for those who love a bit of heat.

Together, these ingredients create a finger-licking dish loaded with flavor and lower in calories compared to its deep-fried counterpart.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Time to bring the flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp to your kitchen! Follow these clear instructions for crispy, golden shrimp perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 egg, whisked
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha sauce (optional, adjust for spice level)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Set up your breading station: Place flour in one bowl, whisked egg in a second, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
3. Bread the shrimp: Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, then coat in panko crumbs. Shake off excess.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
5. Air fry the shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl.
7. Toss and serve: Once the shrimp are ready, toss them in the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Read more: Quick and Easy Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe

Tips for Perfectly Air-Frying Shrimp

To take your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp to the next level, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the shrimp enough space for hot air to circulate for even crispiness.
2. Use cooking spray: Lightly spraying the breaded shrimp will help achieve that golden finish.
3. Adjust cooking times: Smaller shrimp will cook faster, while larger ones may need an extra minute or two.

Variations and Substitutions

Make this recipe your own with these creative swaps and tweaks:

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
• Lighten it up even more: Substitute mayonnaise with a mix of Greek yogurt and a splash of lemon juice for a tangier, lower-calorie sauce.
• Vegetarian option: Swap shrimp for cauliflower florets or tofu cubes for a plant-based take on this dish.
• Heat lovers’ dream: Add extra sriracha or even spicy chili oil to the sauce for a fiery kick!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Turn your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp into a complete meal with these serving ideas:

• Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
• Toss with greens for a crispy shrimp salad with a sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or an Asian-inspired slaw for a lighter option.
• Add these shrimp to tacos for a fusion take like Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Why Air-Fried Shrimp is a Healthier Choice

By air-frying instead of deep-frying, you’re cutting down significantly on calories and unhealthy fats. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Reduced oil usage: Traditional frying can require up to 1 cup of oil, adding hundreds of calories. Air fryers need just a spritz!
• Low-fat cooking: Less oil means lower fat content without compromising on flavor or crunch.
• Preserved nutrients: Shrimp retains more of its natural nutrients when cooked at moderate air fryer temps compared to being deep-fried.

Bring the Flavor Home Today

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is proof that you don’t need to choose between healthy eating and indulgence. This recipe is easy to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to fit your preferences.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp? Give this recipe a try and share your creations with us in the comments below or on social media using #BangBangShrimp. Invite your friends and family to join in on the fun by sharing this guide with them!

Happy cooking, and may your shrimp always be crispy and delicious!