Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

These crispy shrimp are coated in a light panko breading and finished with a creamy bang bang sauce that balances sweetness with just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for game day or making them the star of taco night, this air fryer bang bang shrimp delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Looking for more easy seafood recipes? Try my Lemon-Garlic Jumbo Shrimp for a bright and zesty option, or check out my Bacon Wrapped Salmon for another impressive weeknight meal that comes together quickly.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 25 minutes: This air fryer bang bang shrimp is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. The air fryer does most of the work while you prepare the sauce.
• Healthier than deep-frying: Using the air fryer means you get that crispy, golden coating with a fraction of the oil you’d need for traditional deep-fried shrimp. You’ll save calories without sacrificing any of that satisfying crunch.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: The sweet and spicy bang bang sauce is what makes this recipe special. Sweet chili sauce and honey provide sweetness, while sriracha adds just enough kick to keep things interesting.
• Versatile serving options: Serve these shrimp as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping, toss them in tacos with shredded cabbage, or pile them over rice for a complete meal. They’re adaptable to whatever your dinner plans need.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Large shrimp – Choose shrimp that are peeled and deveined with the tails removed for the easiest eating experience. Large or jumbo shrimp work best since they stay juicy inside while getting crispy on the outside.
• Cornstarch – This creates a light, crispy coating on the shrimp that helps the panko stick. Cornstarch also helps achieve that extra-crunchy texture we’re after.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs are larger and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which means they get incredibly crispy in the air fryer. Don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs here.
• Garlic powder – Adds a savory depth to the coating that complements the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly. Use garlic powder rather than fresh garlic in the coating so it doesn’t burn.
• Paprika – Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the shrimp coating. Regular paprika works great, but you can use smoked paprika if you want an extra layer of flavor.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the coating. Don’t skip the salt as it really brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray – A light spritz of oil helps the panko coating turn golden and crispy in the air fryer. Without it, the coating stays pale and doesn’t crisp up as well.
• Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce. Use full-fat mayo for the best texture and richness.
• Sweet chili sauce – Provides the signature sweet and slightly tangy flavor that makes bang bang sauce so addictive. You can find this in the Asian foods aisle at most grocery stores.
• Sriracha – Adds heat to balance out the sweetness. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you want extra spice.
• Honey – Amplifies the sweetness and adds a smooth, silky texture to the sauce. It also helps the sauce cling to the crispy shrimp.
• Rice vinegar – Brings a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the mayo and balances all the flavors beautifully.

Substitutions and Additions

• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers in place of regular panko for a gluten-free coating that’s just as crispy.
• Less spicy – Cut the sriracha in half or leave it out entirely if you’re serving picky eaters or kids. The sauce will still be delicious with just the sweet chili flavor.
• Extra heat – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading or extra sriracha to the sauce for those who like things really spicy.
• Pan-fried version – Don’t have an air fryer? You can shallow fry these shrimp in canola oil over medium-high heat until golden on both sides.
• Coconut coating – Mix shredded coconut into the panko for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet chili sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F so it’s ready when you need it. While it heats up, dry your shrimp thoroughly with paper towels. Mix the cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until everything is evenly combined. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Add the dried shrimp to this mixture and toss them gently until each piece is lightly coated, then shake off any excess breading. (Photos 2 & 3)

STEP 3. Spray your air fryer basket with oil and arrange the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Give the tops a light spray of oil too. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip each shrimp and spray again before cooking another 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and opaque all the way through. (Photos 4 & 5)

STEP 4. While the shrimp cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until the sauce is smooth and glossy. (Photo 6)

STEP 5. When the shrimp are done, you can either toss them gently in the sauce or drizzle it over them if you want to keep maximum crunch. (Photos 7 & 8)

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – Shrimp need space for air to circulate around them. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain that crispy coating.
• Pat shrimp completely dry – Any moisture on the shrimp will create steam in the air fryer and prevent proper crisping. Take an extra minute to dry them well.
• Shake off excess breading – Too much coating will fall off and burn in the air fryer basket. A light, even coating is all you need.
• Make the sauce while shrimp cook – The timing works perfectly if you prepare the bang bang sauce during those 10 minutes of cooking time.
• Serve immediately – These air fryer bang bang shrimp are best when they’re fresh and hot. The coating stays crispiest right out of the air fryer.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will lose some crispiness when stored, but they’re still delicious.
• Refrigerator: Keep the cooked shrimp in one container and the bang bang sauce in another. This prevents the coating from getting soggy and keeps the sauce fresh.
• Freezing: While you can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 1 month, the breading texture will change significantly and won’t be as crispy when reheated.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore some crispiness. The oven works too at 375°F for 6-8 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it makes the coating soggy.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy bang bang shrimp are incredibly versatile. Serve them over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a complete meal, or pile them into tacos with shredded cabbage and extra sauce. They’re also fantastic in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

For appetizers, arrange the shrimp on a platter with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Pair them with Easy Summer Dips for a crowd-pleasing spread at your next party. If you’re serving them as a main course, add Crockpot Spanish Rice on the side for a flavorful complement.

Try serving these shrimp over my Baked Ziti with White Alfredo Sauce for an unexpected surf-and-turf pasta dish, or alongside Sheet Pan Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas for a fun Mexican-inspired dinner spread. Want more delicious shrimp recipes? My Lemon-Garlic Jumbo Shrimp is another quick weeknight favorite.

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