Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Air fryer bang bang shrimp is crunchy breaded shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce, and the air fryer makes it without deep frying. The shrimp crisp in about 7 minutes at 400 °F, and the three-ingredient sauce takes only a minute to stir together. Serve it as an appetizer, over rice or in tacos.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 34min
- Prep time
- 20min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 145°F63 °C
- Per serving
- 320kcal
Why the air fryer works for bang bang shrimp
Bang bang shrimp is built on contrast. The shrimp should be crunchy and the sauce creamy, sweet and a little hot. Traditional versions fry the shrimp in oil, which gives a heavy crust and plenty of mess. The air fryer produces a lighter but still crunchy coating, because a thin film of oil plus 400 °F air dries the panko quickly and browns it.
The short time also protects the shrimp. Shrimp cook fast and turn rubbery when they are overdone, and an air fryer lets you watch the color change in the basket. A cornstarch base under the egg and panko helps the coating stay on and stay crisp, which matters when the shrimp are tossed in sauce. For simple, plain shrimp, see shrimp in the air fryer.
How to make bang bang shrimp in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Dry the shrimp Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. Toss them with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
- Bread the shrimp Put the cornstarch in one dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko in a third. Coat each shrimp in cornstarch, dip in egg, then press into the panko on both sides.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for . Mist the basket lightly with oil.
- Cook in batches Place half the shrimp in a single layer without touching and mist the tops with oil. Cook for , flipping after , until golden and crisp. Shrimp are done when they are opaque and pearly at 145 °F. Repeat with the second batch.
- Make the sauce While the shrimp cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey and lime juice in a large bowl. Taste, and add more sriracha for more heat.
- Toss and serve Add the hot shrimp to the bowl and fold gently until they are coated. Sprinkle with scallions and serve right away, because the crust softens as it sits in the sauce.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Breaded large shrimpFlip after 4 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 7 min |
| Jumbo shrimp | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–9 min |
| No breading, cornstarch only | 400 °F (200 °C) | 5–6 min |
| Store-bought frozen breadedDo not thaw | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 145 °F (63 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Cook in two batches. Crowded shrimp steam instead of crisp. Keep the first batch warm on a rack while the second cooks.
- Dress at the last second. The sauce is the point, but it will soften the crust within a few minutes.
- Adjust the heat. The sriracha sets the spice level, and a spoonful of honey balances it. Taste the sauce before you toss.
What to serve with bang bang shrimp
Serve the shrimp over steamed white rice or in a bowl with shredded cabbage, cucumber and avocado. It also works as a party appetizer on toothpicks with a bowl of extra sauce. Add a side such as broccoli or green beans for a full weeknight dinner, or fill tortillas for a quick taco night.
Storing and reheating
Store the shrimp and the sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes until they are hot at 165 °F, then toss them with the sauce. Shrimp already sitting in sauce will be soft but still tasty.
Variations
- Bang bang shrimp tacos: Tuck the shrimp into warm tortillas with slaw and a squeeze of lime.
- Skip the coating: Use the cornstarch-only method for a lighter version.
- Extra heat: Add 1 tsp of chili garlic sauce to the sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the panko.
If it does not turn out right
- The shrimp are soggy
- Toss them with the sauce right before serving, not ahead of time. For extra crunch, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- The coating comes off
- The shrimp were wet. Dry them thoroughly and use the cornstarch, egg, panko order, pressing firmly. Leave a little space in the basket so they brown evenly.
- The shrimp are tough
- They cooked too long. Large shrimp need only 7 minutes. Take them out as soon as they are opaque and curl into a loose C.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook bang bang shrimp in the air fryer?
Breaded large shrimp take about 7 minutes at 400 °F, flipped halfway. Jumbo shrimp need 8–9 minutes, and smaller shrimp need 5–6 minutes.
Can I make bang bang shrimp in the air fryer with no breading?
Yes. Toss dried shrimp in 2 tbsp cornstarch and a little salt, spray them with oil and cook at 400 °F for 5–6 minutes. They will be tender with a light crispness instead of a thick crust.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw raw frozen shrimp in cold water for 15 minutes and dry them well before breading. Store-bought frozen breaded shrimp can go straight into the basket at 400 °F for 8–10 minutes, until they reach 165 °F in the center.
How do I reheat bang bang shrimp?
Keep the sauce separate if you can. Heat the shrimp at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes, then toss with fresh or warmed sauce.
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