Air fryer bang bang shrimp is everything you love about the Bonefish Grill appetizer, but you can make it right in your own kitchen! Crispy, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes.
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Looking for a dish that delivers bold flavor and the kind of satisfying crunch that will keep you reaching for more? Then you have to try this absolutely crave-worthy air fryer bang bang shrimp!
The super-crispy breading combined with the signature bang bang sauce is a downright irresistible combination.
Best of all, the entire dish is ready in just 30 minutes! You won’t believe how easy it is to make.
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- My favorite method for making crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp
- Tips and tricks for the most delicious dish
- How to make air fryer bang bang tacos
Worried about picky eaters? You can adjust the spice level in this recipe so even sensitive palates will love it.
And, of course, if you want to kick up the heat, feel free to throw in a little more sriracha!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: In a small mixing bowl, make the bang ban sauce by combining the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well blended. Set aside.
STEP TWO: Place the cornstarch in a plastic zipper bag or shallow bowl. Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow bowl. In a third shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs and salt.
STEP THREE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
STEP FOUR: Pat the shrimp dry and place them in the bag of cornstarch, sealing and shaking the bag to coat the shrimp fully. If using a bowl instead, ensure the shrimp are fully covered.
STEP FIVE: Shake off any excess cornstarch, then place the coated shrimp on a plate.
STEP SIX: Working in batches, first dredge the shrimp in buttermilk, then roll them in the breadcrumbs, pressing firmly so the crumbs stick.
STEP SEVEN: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving a bit of space between them, working in batches if necessary. Spray them lightly with cooking spray.
STEP EIGHT: Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the shrimp, spray with cooking oil, and fry for another 5 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked.
STEP NINE: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a medium mixing bowl and repeat with the remaining coated shrimp.
STEP TEN: When all the shrimp are cooked, pour the bang bang sauce over them and lightly toss until the shrimp are well-coated
STEP ELEVEN: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
This dish is inspired by the popular appetizer from Bonefish Grill by the same name. The crispy breading, tender shrimp and creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce make it one of their best-selling menu items.
The name itself refers to the kick of spice you get from the sriracha added to the sauce. Depending on how much you use, it can definitely pack a punch… or, in this case, a bang!
Tips for Making the Best Bang Bang Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- You want to make sure all of the shrimp are well coated in cornstarch, but it’s also important to shake off any excess. Otherwise, the extra cornstarch could fall into the bottom of your air fryer and cause it to smoke.
- Press the breadcrumbs into the shrimp to help them stick. This will give you the crispiest, most satisfying breading possible.
- Lay the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. It’s much better to work in batches so the hot air can really crisp up the breading around each shrimp.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha in your bang bang sauce based on your spice preference. A little goes a long way, so if you’re not sure, start with less and add more gradually.
Why Do You Cook Shrimp with the Tails On?
There are a few reasons why it’s best to leave those hard shells over the tails when you cook your shrimp.
First and foremost, cooking shrimp in the shell actually deepens the flavor! You’ll get a better overall taste by leaving them on.
The tails also make for a nicer presentation. Plus, they give you a little something to hold onto while you eat your shrimp.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Prep the shrimp according to the recipe.
- Remove the tails from the shrimp.
- Fill a flour tortilla with the finished bang bang shrimp.
- Add desired toppings like shredded cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, thinly sliced jalapeños, and green onions.
- Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
What to Serve with Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
- Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
- Curly Fries in the Air Fryer
- Garlic Cheese Bread
- Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Other Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love:
- Air Fryer Shrimp with Lemon Pepper
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
- Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Shrimp
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-3 teaspoons sriracha or to taste
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined, tail on
- â…” cup cornstarch
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well blended; set aside. Place the cornstarch in a plastic zipper bag or a shallow bowl. Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow bowl. In a third shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs and salt.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Pat the shrimp dry and place them in the bag (or bowl) of cornstarch. Seal and shake the bag to coat the shrimp fully. Shake off any excess cornstarch and place the shrimp on a plate.
- Working in batches, dredge the shrimp in buttermilk, then roll them in the breadcrumbs, pressing them firmly so the crumbs stick. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving a bit of space between them (you may need to work in batches). Spray them lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip the shrimp, spray with cooking oil, and fry for another 5 minutes until the shrimp is fully cooked.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a medium mixing bowl and repeat with the remaining coated shrimp.
- When all the shrimp are cooked, pour the bang bang sauce over them and lightly toss until they are fully covered.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
