I love recipes that feel a little fancy but are actually incredibly simple to make at home. These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers are exactly that kind of dish. The shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer, developing a lightly crispy exterior while staying juicy and tender inside. Once coated in the creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce, they become completely irresistible.
Whenever I need a quick appetizer, a fun dinner idea, or even something impressive for guests, this recipe is one of my favorites to make. The skewers make them easy to serve, and the bold flavor of the sauce turns a simple shrimp dish into something memorable. Plus, using the air fryer keeps everything lighter and quicker than traditional frying.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Shrimp:
Large shrimp work best for this recipe because they stay juicy and cook evenly in the air fryer. I prefer peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails removed so they are easier to thread onto skewers and eat. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well—just make sure frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Olive Oil:
A small amount of olive oil helps the shrimp develop a light golden exterior in the air fryer. It also helps the seasonings stick better to the shrimp while keeping them moist during cooking.
Garlic Powder:
Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bang bang sauce. It distributes evenly across the shrimp and enhances the overall taste without overpowering the dish.
Paprika:
Paprika adds subtle warmth and a touch of color to the shrimp. It helps give the skewers a slightly smoky flavor and that appealing golden tone once cooked.
Salt and Black Pepper:
Simple seasoning like salt and black pepper balances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Even though the sauce is flavorful, properly seasoning the shrimp first makes a big difference.
Mayonnaise:
Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the classic bang bang sauce. It creates the smooth texture that coats the shrimp perfectly while helping carry the sweet and spicy flavors.
Sweet Chili Sauce:
Sweet chili sauce brings sweetness, mild heat, and a bit of tanginess to the sauce. It’s the key ingredient that gives bang bang sauce its signature flavor.
Sriracha:
Sriracha adds the spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the chili sauce and creaminess of the mayonnaise. You can easily adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want the dish.
Honey (Optional):
A small drizzle of honey can enhance the sweetness of the sauce and balance the heat. It’s optional but adds a nice rounded flavor.
Green Onions:
Sliced green onions add freshness and a pop of color when sprinkled over the finished skewers. They also provide a mild onion flavor that complements the shrimp.
Skewers:
Wooden or metal skewers make cooking and serving the shrimp much easier. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 6–8 skewers
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Assemble the Skewers
Thread the seasoned shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp so the air fryer can circulate heat evenly around them.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–4 minutes. Preheating helps the shrimp cook quickly and evenly.
Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink, slightly golden, and fully cooked.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
Coat the Shrimp
Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate and drizzle or brush the bang bang sauce over the skewers. You can also toss the shrimp gently in the sauce if you prefer them fully coated.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the skewers and serve immediately while the shrimp are warm and juicy.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use large shrimp: They stay juicy and are easier to thread onto skewers.
- Pat shrimp dry: Removing excess moisture helps them cook better in the air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer: Leave space so the shrimp cook evenly and develop a slight crisp.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less sriracha depending on your heat preference.
- Soak wooden skewers: This prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Serve immediately: Shrimp taste best fresh out of the air fryer.
- Make extra sauce: Many people love dipping the shrimp in additional bang bang sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked. They should also curl slightly into a loose “C” shape.
Can I make this recipe without skewers?
Absolutely. You can cook the shrimp directly in the air fryer basket and toss them in the sauce afterward.
How spicy is bang bang sauce?
It’s mildly spicy, but the heat level depends on how much sriracha you add. You can easily adjust it to your taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with bang bang shrimp skewers?
They pair wonderfully with rice, noodles, fresh salads, or even wrapped in lettuce for a lighter meal.