Print

Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy 10-minute recipe for crispy shrimp coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy bang bang sauce, made in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or another hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions or cilantro, sesame seeds, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Rinse the raw shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Add the dried shrimp to the cornstarch mixture and toss gently until lightly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place shrimp in a single layer without crowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through until golden brown and firm.
  7. While shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
  8. Transfer cooked shrimp to a large bowl, pour bang bang sauce over, and toss gently to coat.
  9. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro if desired and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Shake or flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer to maintain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer shrimp, bang bang shrimp, crispy shrimp, quick snack, appetizer, easy recipe, spicy shrimp, healthy fried shrimp