Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp delivers the perfect crispy bite with a light, golden crunch and no deep frying needed! Tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce, this quick and easy shrimp recipe is perfect for weeknights, appetizers, or game day snacks. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers!
Need a pairing suggestion? Try our easy Jasmine Rice Instant Pot Recipe and this Asian Cucumber Salad or Cold Soba Noodle Salad.
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp differs from the traditional deep-fried version, offering a healthier yet equally delicious alternative. Originating from Asian-inspired cuisine, this dish features shrimp coated in a crispy cornstarch mixture and drizzled with a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce.
If you like this recipe, you may also love our Korean BBQ Salmon. Also, be sure to check out our 10 Must Try Shrimp Recipes!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Option: Air-fried instead of deep-fried, reducing oil consumption.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults! Just like these Air Fryer Fish Fingers!
- Versatile: Great for meals, snacks, or entertaining guests.
Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients
- Shrimp: Medium-sized, peeled, and deveined. Shrimp cook quickly and are perfect for air frying.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the shrimp.
- Seasoning: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper to add flavor to the crispy coating.
- Cooking Spray: Ensures the shrimp gets crispy in the air fryer without sticking.
- Kewpie Mayonnaise: Creamy and slightly sweet, it's essential for the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Brings the spicy kick to the sauce.
- Honey and Lime Juice: Balances the flavors in the sauce.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Mayonnaise: Use regular mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise as an alternative.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Substitute with regular chili sauce and a touch of honey.
- Sriracha: Replace with hot sauce of your choice if you prefer a different type of heat.
- Flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce to the Bang Bang sauce.
- Equipment: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
STEP ONE: Prepare the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Lightly coat the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
STEP TWO: Air Fry the Shrimp
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket or tray. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray.
STEP THREE: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl, mix Kewpie mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
STEP FOUR: Assemble
Toss the cooked shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry before coating.
✔️ DO Make sure the shrimp are lightly coated in cornstarch. Too much and it clumps or gets gummy.
✔️ DO Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
❌ DO NOT Overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Storage
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer (without sauce) at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to retain crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before coating them in the cornstarch mixture.
To make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha used in the recipe. Start with 1 tablespoon instead of 2, and adjust to taste. You can also add a little more mayonnaise to reduce the heat.
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh cucumber salad, coconut rice, or steamed vegetables.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- cooking spray
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Garnish
- green onion thinly sliced
- cilantro chopped
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the shrimp lightly in the corn starch mixture until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, then lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, mix together Kewpie mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Toss the cooked shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
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Video
Notes
- Mayonnaise: Use regular mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise as an alternative.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Substitute with regular chili sauce and a touch of honey.
- Sriracha: Replace with hot sauce of your choice if you prefer a different type of heat.
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