Juicy tender shrimp coated in a seasoned panko crust and drizzled with a tangy spicy sauce?? NOW please!!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp literally has it ALL. It’s easy, boasts the most unbelievable flavor and texture, and can be served in so many different ways! From cocktail parties to weeknight dinners this is your new go-to!
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Replacing greasy deep frying with the Air Fryer results in a light-as-air crunch that doesn’t mask the spices. The crispy coating also keeps the shrimp so succulent that the contrast in combination is pure delight.
I truly love a recipe that can do it all! This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe makes a knockout appetizer and easily transforms into a main dish. It makes the most amazing tacos and lettuce wraps and is so delicious served on a bed of steamy rice. The Bang Bang Sauce goes with everything!
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer in American seafood restaurants, particularly associated with the Bonefish Grill chain. It typically consists of crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The sauce often includes mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, creating a flavorful combination that gives the dish its "bang bang" name. Some variations may include additional ingredients like garlic, lime juice, or green onions. The dish is known for its bold and savory flavor profile, making it a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Bang Bang shrimp relies almost entirely on pantry and freezer staples.
- The dried spices, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce can make this recipe several times over, which means buy it once and use it again and again.
- Frozen raw shrimp is one of our freezer staples and we ALWAYS have frozen ginger paste (two ingredients that give this dish a fresh boost).
- Similarly, we always have yogurt and mayo on hand.
Check the *tips* below for an easy way to make just the amount of buttermilk you need.
Dipping Sauce Ingredients
This dipping sauce is super tasty and versatile, it can be easily adjusted to taste. I love the Mae Ploy brand sweet chili sauce but you can also make it at home by mixing sriracha sauce and honey. Using half mayo and half yogurt makes this sauce lighter but you can also use all mayo if you like.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp in Air Fryer
- Place shrimp in a platter and sprinkle cornstarch over it. Gently mix so both sides are well coated.
- Add panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder salt and pepper to a bowl and mix well.
- Dip shrimp in buttermilk and then place it on the bowl with panko mixture. Coat both sides of the shrimp.
- Preheat the air fryer
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Line the breaded shrimp, work in batches (I could fit 16). Spray oil on top. Air fryer at 370 degrees F for 6 mins (Shrimp Button). Cook for an additional 1 to 2 mins if needed.
- Mix all the ingredients for the sauce. Drizzle over the shrimp and serve immediately.
How to Serve
THE BEST APPETIZER: Bang Bang Shrimp looks stunning piled on a platter. If you want to impress your guests, make this appetizer for parties, game nights, football Sundays, Super Bowl, game nights, and New Year’s Eve!!
MAKE TACOS: Fill warm tortillas with Bang Bang Shrimp and use the Fresh Slaw from my Roasted Cauliflower Tacos or the Pineapple Salsa from my Fish Tacos. And don’t forget the Bang Bang sauce!
MAKE LETTUCE WRAPS: replace tortillas with large leaf lettuce and continue with taco steps.
SERVE OVER RICE: Fluffy Jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Storing
Air-fried bang bang shrimp taste best when served fresh. If making ahead, simply place the air-fried shrimp in the preheated air fryer and cook at 370 F for 2 minutes. Drizzle the sauce just before serving. Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven.
Did you enjoy this air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe? Here are more quick and easy Air Fryer Recipes.
Tips
If you can’t find buttermilk in the store or don’t want to buy a whole quart, try this tip. For every 1 cup of whole or 2% milk add 1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or distilled white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and you’ll start to see the milk thicken and curdle a bit. Use an equal amount for any recipe that calls for buttermilk.
Powdered buttermilk is another great substitute.
Recipe
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp 18 to 20 shrimp, thawed if using frozen
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup buttermilk or 1 egg white whisked **
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt **
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce **
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
Instructions
- Place shrimp in a platter and sprinkle cornstarch over it. Gently mix so both sides are well coated.
- Add panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder salt and pepper to a bowl and mix well.
- Dip shrimp in buttermilk and then place it on the bowl with panko mixture. Coat both sides of the shrimp.
- Preheat the air fryer
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Line the shrimp in a single layer, work in batches (I could fit 16). Spray oil on top. Air fryer at 370 degrees F for 6 mins (Shrimp Button). Cook for an additional 1 to 2 mins if needed. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Mix all the ingredients for the sauce. Drizzle over the shrimp and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you can’t find buttermilk in the store or don’t want to buy a whole quart, try this tip. For every 1 cup of whole or 2% milk add 1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or distilled white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and you’ll start to see the milk thicken and curdle a bit. Use an equal amount for any recipe that calls for buttermilk.
- Using half mayo and half yogurt makes this sauce lighter but you can also use all mayo if you like.
- I love the Mae Ploy brand sweet chili sauce but you can also make it at home by mixing sriracha sauce and honey.
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