Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: A Crunchy, Spicy Treat

Air fryer bang bang shrimp brings a delightful twist to your seafood cravings, combining the crunch of fried shrimp with a spicy, creamy sauce. Simply bread your shrimp, then air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes. The result? A quick, tantalizing dish that’s sure to impress. Trust me, it’s straightforward and utterly delicious!

This air fryer recipe keeps all the flavors you love but cuts down on the oil, making it a healthy alternative to the classic. If you’re a fan of popular seafood dishes but looking to keep things lighter, this bang bang shrimp recipe is your new best friend.

What You’ll Need

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. The good news? Nothing too fancy or hard to find. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp

For the shrimp, you’ll need:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (For those with dietary restrictions, feel free to use gluten-free bread crumbs)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (again, gluten-free options are available)
• Salt and pepper to taste

These shrimp ingredients are pretty straightforward, and the dietary alternatives ensure everyone can enjoy this dish.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce

The sauce is what truly makes this dish shine. You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use light mayo for a lighter alternative)
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust more or less to make it spicy or keep it mild)
• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Feel free to tweak the bang bang sauce ingredients to your liking. The optional garnishes add a nice touch, but the dish will still be delicious without them.

Required Equipment

As for kitchen equipment, you’ll mainly need:

• An air fryer (of course)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A pair of tongs or a spatula

This cooking tools list ensures you’re fully prepared to make air fryer shrimp without any hassle.

Also see like this recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp in Air Fryer

Let’s discus the Bang Bang Shrimp cooking instructions. Follow this cooking guide for a step-by-step process that ensures delicious results every time.

Preparing Your Bang Ban Shrimp

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures a quick and even cooking process.

2. Set up your coating station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs. Season the flour with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

3. Dredge the shrimp first in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. This layering technique is key for achieving that perfect crunch.

4. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding, which can affect the crispiness.

5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.

Creating the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce

6. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. This includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and hot sauce.

7. Whisk together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the hot sauce to taste for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Combining Shrimp with Sauce

8. Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.

9. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. This step is crucial to avoid sogginess; you want to maintain that delightful crunch.

10. Serve immediately. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s honestly my favorite way to enjoy shrimp—quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Note: For best results, ensure your shrimp are dry before coating. This helps the breading stick better and achieve a crispier texture. Adjust sauce spiciness to taste and enjoy your homemade bang bang shrimp!

See my latest seafood recipe: Air Fryer Soft Shell Crab

Serving Suggestions

Serving Your Bang Bang Shrimp

1. As an Appetizer: Place the cooked Bang Bang Shrimp on a platter lined with lettuce leaves. Stick toothpicks in each shrimp for easy handling. This presentation is perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to easily pick up the shrimp.
2. As a Main Dish: If serving as the main course, consider pairing the shrimp with steamed jasmine rice or tossing it with cooked linguine. Simply spread the rice or pasta on a serving dish, top with the shrimp, and drizzle extra sauce over the top. For a balanced meal, add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.
3. Serving Sizes: A pound of shrimp typically serves up to four people as an appetizer or two as a main dish. Adjust quantities based on your crowd.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Butterfly Cutting: For enhanced texture, carefully slice along the back of each shrimp but don’t cut all the way through. Open it up slightly to form a butterfly shape. This increases the surface area for the coating, resulting in more crunch.
2. Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F before adding the shrimp. A hot air fryer ensures the shrimp start cooking immediately, sealing in the juices and setting the breading.
3. Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Ensuring there’s space between them allows for better air circulation, which is crucial for an even and crispy finish.
4. Lemon Zest in Sauce: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the Bang Bang sauce introduces a bright, citrusy note that complements the spicy and sweet flavors beautifully.
5. Sauce Consistency: For a thinner sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This allows the sauce to coat the shrimp more evenly.

Following these steps will help ensure your Bang Bang Shrimp is as delicious as it is visually appealing, making for a memorable meal.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing and reheating your Bang Bang Shrimp properly is key to enjoying it just as much the next day. Here’s how to keep that texture just right.

1. Cool Down: Let the shrimp cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents moisture build-up which can make them soggy.
2. Storage: Place the shrimp in a shallow, airtight container. For best refrigeration guidelines, lay them flat and avoid stacking to maintain texture.
3. Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remember, freshness is key for the best taste and maintaining crispiness.

For reheating:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This is crucial for reheating instructions to get back that crispiness without overcooking.
2. Reheat in batches: Spread the shrimp out in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again.
3. No Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it tends to make the shrimp soggy, defeating the effort of maintaining texture.

Following these steps ensures your storing leftovers and reheating process keeps your Bang Bang Shrimp almost as good as fresh. Trust me, taking these extra steps really pays off.

FAQs about Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Final Thoughts

This guide walks you through making air fryer bang bang shrimp, a healthier yet flavorful twist on a beloved classic.

We’ve covered everything from best shrimp size for air frying to making bang bang sauce spicier and even gluten-free substitutions.

I encourage you to try this recipe at home. It’s simple, delicious, and a great addition to your air fryer seafood recipes.

Please, if you have any comments or questions, don’t hesitate to share.

I’m very happy to help and excited to hear how your dish turns out!

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See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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