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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Easy Homemade Spicy Sauce

crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or vegan mayo)
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Set up breading stations: mix flour with salt and pepper in one bowl, beat the egg in another, and place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shake off excess, then into the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. While shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste.
  8. Toss cooked shrimp gently with the sauce or serve sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Cook shrimp in a single layer to avoid sogginess. Spray coated shrimp lightly with cooking spray for extra crunch. Sauce can be made ahead and tastes better after sitting for an hour. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. For vegan, use vegan mayo and substitute shrimp with battered cauliflower or king oyster mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: bang bang shrimp, air fryer shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, homemade bang bang sauce, quick dinner, appetizer