Description
These crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp are juicy on the inside, shatteringly crunchy on the outside, and tossed in a creamy sweet heat sauce that tastes like your favorite restaurant starter. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinners, game day appetizers, or whenever you are craving a fun seafood twist without deep frying. This easy recipe doubles as a quick dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep idea when you are hunting for quick breakfast options, new dinner ideas, or an easy recipe to add to your weekly food ideas list.
Ingredients
1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
1/2 cup buttermilk or whole milk
1 large egg
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil spray for air fryer basket and shrimp
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth; taste and adjust the heat, then set aside.
3. In a shallow bowl, stir together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a second bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk until well combined.
5. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
6. Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the panko until well coated; repeat with all shrimp.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
8. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece; cook in batches if needed.
9. Air fry the shrimp for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crisp, and opaque in the center.
10. Transfer hot shrimp to a large bowl and drizzle over some of the bang bang sauce; gently toss until lightly coated, adding more sauce as desired.
11. Spread the shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix on a serving platter and pile the sauced shrimp on top.
12. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, drizzle with any extra sauce, and serve immediately.
Notes
For the crispiest texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and always preheat before adding the shrimp.
If you prefer extra crunch, keep some shrimp unsauced and serve the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping instead of tossing.
To make ahead, bread the shrimp and refrigerate on a tray for up to 4 hours, then air fry just before serving and mix with freshly made sauce.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 1200
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 220
Keywords: bang bang shrimp, air fryer shrimp, crispy shrimp, easy appetizer, quick dinner, weeknight dinner ideas, easy recipe, seafood recipe, food ideas