Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray (for air fryer basket); 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 2 teaspoons sriracha (more or less to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Hey y’all! If you’re craving restaurant-style crispy shrimp coated in a zesty, creamy sauce — all from the comfort of your kitchen — you’re going to love this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. It’s the perfect appetizer or main for parties, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something a little special. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll get unbeatable crunch and flavor without deep frying or fuss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Healthier than deep-fried shrimp yet just as crispy and satisfying.
Ready in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy nights or last-minute guests.
The Bang Bang sauce is creamy, tangy, and packs a gentle kick!
Perfect as an appetizer, party platter, or easy weeknight dinner.
Easily adaptable for spiciness and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray (for air Fryer basket)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 teaspoons sriracha (more or less to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with buttermilk until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a separate shallow bowl, mix together cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides.

Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp

Lightly spray the air Fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with more cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until shrimp are crispy and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Toss & Serve

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and gently toss to coat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best crispiness.

Notes

For extra-crispy shrimp, don’t overcrowd the air Fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce.
Pat shrimp dry before marinating for best texture.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornstarch and double-check sauce ingredients.
Keto-Friendly: Substitute almond flour for cornstarch and use sugar-free sweet chili sauce.
Buffalo Bang Bang: Add 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce to the Bang Bang sauce for a tangy twist.

Required Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs

Storage Instructions

Leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine rice or in lettuce cups for a light meal.
Pair with a side of Asian slaw or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
Great as an appetizer alongside chilled drinks or cocktails.

Pro Tips

Use large shrimp for the juiciest, meatiest texture.
For maximum crunch, use cornstarch instead of flour or breadcrumbs.
Toss shrimp with sauce just before serving—don’t let them sit, or they’ll soften.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before starting the recipe.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?

Use less sriracha or replace with a bit more mayo to mellow out the heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Cook the shrimp in batches to keep them extra-crispy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients