Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor and crunch to your table. This recipe features shrimp cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer and drizzled with a creamy bang bang sauce. It’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply a tasty meal at home. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout favorite among seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe is easy to follow, allowing you to whip up a delicious appetizer in just 32 minutes.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying gives the shrimp a satisfying crunch without the excess oil, making it a healthier alternative.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade bang bang sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, elevating the dish.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s for game night or an elegant dinner, this recipe fits any occasion seamlessly.
• Kid-Friendly: The appealing taste and fun texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

• Air fryer: This tool cooks the shrimp evenly while providing that desired crispiness without deep frying.
• Mixing bowls: They are essential for preparing the bang bang sauce and organizing your ingredients before cooking.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine sauces smoothly, ensuring all flavors meld perfectly.
• Tongs: Using tongs makes flipping the shrimp easy during the cooking process, preventing any mess.

Ingredients

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp features simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• ½ teaspoon Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, (peeled, deveined, tail removed)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko
• nonstick cooking spray

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl:
1. Combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, ½ teaspoon Sriracha, and 1 tablespoon honey.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully blended. Set aside.

Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Set out three separate bowls:
1. In one bowl, add 1 cup all-purpose flour.
2. In the second bowl, pour in 1 cup buttermilk.
3. In the third bowl, add 1 cup panko.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

For each piece of shrimp:
1. Dredge it first in the flour to coat lightly.
2. Dip it into the buttermilk for moisture.
3. Finally, coat it with panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket:
1. Spray the tops lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook for 6 minutes.
3. Using tongs, flip each shrimp over and cook for an additional 6 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and toss them in the prepared bang bang sauce. Serve immediately for best results!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or incorporating it into a main meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added color and flavor.

With Rice or Noodles

• Pair the shrimp with jasmine rice or egg noodles for a satisfying meal.
• Drizzle some of the bang bang sauce over the rice for extra flavor.

In Tacos

• Use small tortillas to create flavorful shrimp tacos.
• Top with shredded cabbage and additional bang bang sauce for crunch and spice.

On a Salad

• Toss Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad option.
• Add avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for a nutritious boost.

As Part of a Seafood Platter

• Include the shrimp alongside other seafood items such as grilled fish or calamari.
• Serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauces for variety.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer different sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli for more flavor options.
• Provide small bowls for guests to dip their shrimp as they please.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Getting the perfect crispy texture and flavor in your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is easy if you follow these tips.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp provides better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined before cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking in batches allows air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on them towards the end.
• Coat Generously: Make sure each shrimp is well-coated in flour, buttermilk, and panko. This creates that delicious crispy layer everyone loves.
• Spray with Cooking Spray: A light mist of nonstick spray helps achieve that golden-brown finish without adding excess oil.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the shrimp right after frying to maintain their crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Pair your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp with these side dishes to create a complete meal. Each option complements the flavors of the shrimp perfectly.

1. Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with coconut milk adds a sweet touch that balances the spiciness of the shrimp.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch and vibrant color on your plate.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover bang bang sauce—delicious!
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and contrast to the warm, crispy shrimp.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of colorful vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce pairs nicely with the flavors of the shrimp.
6. Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad adds coolness to balance out the heat from the bang bang sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Preheat: Failing to preheat the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat the air fryer before adding your shrimp.
• Not Coating Evenly: If shrimp aren’t coated well with panko, they may not get crispy. Make sure to press the panko into the shrimp firmly for even coverage.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Putting too many shrimp in the basket can prevent them from crisping up. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Not monitoring cooking time can result in undercooked or overcooked shrimp. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden brown finish.
• Forgetting the Cooking Spray: Neglecting to spray nonstick cooking spray on the shrimp can lead to sticking. A light spray will help achieve a crispy texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

• Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warm, about 1-2 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious appetizer made by air frying seasoned shrimp until crispy and coating them with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just make sure they are thawed completely and pat dry before coating them.

How do I customize Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

You can customize it by adding different spices or using various sauces based on your taste preferences.

How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

Cooking takes about 12 minutes total — 6 minutes per side at 380°F for the perfect crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is not only appealing with its crispy texture and bold flavors, but it’s also versatile enough for any gathering. Feel free to customize it with different sauces or spices to suit your taste buds. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!