I love dishes that bring restaurant-level flavor into my kitchen without spending hours in front of the stove. Air fryer bang bang shrimp is one of those recipes that feels indulgent yet comes together in a snap. The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, all coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Cooking with the air fryer has totally transformed my weeknight dinners—it’s quick, clean, and delivers incredible texture without deep frying.
Whenever I make this recipe, I find myself sneaking a few shrimp straight from the basket while the rest wait on the plate. The combination of flavors is addictive: a little heat, a little sweetness, and a lot of comfort. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it as an appetizer, on tacos, over rice, or even atop a fresh salad. Once you try this, it quickly becomes a go-to for any night of the week.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Shrimp: For this recipe, medium or large shrimp work best. They cook quickly in the air fryer, retain a juicy texture, and perfectly hold onto the crispy coating. Make sure to peel and devein them, leaving the tails on if you want a fun presentation.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for giving the shrimp a light, crispy crust. It helps the coating stick to the shrimp and creates that satisfying crunch without frying in oil.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder in this recipe. They help the cornstarch and panko adhere to the shrimp evenly, ensuring a crispy, golden exterior.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crunchy texture. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which means your shrimp stays crispy in the air fryer.
Mayonnaise: The base for the bang bang sauce, mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness. It balances the heat from the sriracha and gives the sauce a smooth texture.
Sriracha Sauce: Sriracha brings the signature spicy kick to the bang bang sauce. Adjust the amount depending on how hot you like your shrimp.
Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce, creating that classic bang bang flavor that’s sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness. It adds a hint of tanginess that makes the shrimp taste light and refreshing.
Optional Garnishes: Green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro can add extra flavor and visual appeal when serving.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for garnish
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This ensures the cornstarch sticks well and gives you a crispy coating.
Coat the Shrimp
Set up a dredging station with cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third. First, dip each shrimp into the cornstarch, then the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs evenly.
Air Fry the Shrimp
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness according to your preference.
Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
Once the shrimp are done, transfer them to a bowl and gently toss them with the bang bang sauce until fully coated.
Serve
Plate the shrimp and garnish with optional green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed to ensure each shrimp gets crispy.
- Adjust the spice: Start with less sriracha and add more gradually to suit your heat preference.
- Use fresh lime juice: It brightens the sauce more than bottled lime juice.
- Serve immediately: Air-fried shrimp lose their crispiness if left sitting too long.
- Try different coatings: For a lighter version, use crushed cornflakes instead of panko for an extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely before coating for the best crispiness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, though air frying gives a crispier result.
How long does it stay good?
It’s best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to a day in advance. Just toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving for maximum crunch.