Bang Bang Shrimp: An Air Fryer Sensation

If you’re a shrimp lover like me, prepare to be amazed by this recipe!

Some of the most popular recipes on my blog feature shrimp. Favorites include Cajun Shrimp Pasta and Shrimp Scampi Linguine.

However, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is quickly climbing to the top of my list. Honestly, I could happily devour this dish several times a week! I’m that obsessed!

Using the air fryer makes this recipe incredibly simple, resulting in perfectly cooked, delicious shrimp every time. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s truly addictive!

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular Thai-inspired appetizer and entree, popularized by Bonefish Grill.

You might also recognize it as Dynamite Shrimp at The Cheesecake Factory.

At its core, bang bang shrimp is breaded shrimp coated in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, often called bang bang sauce. The magic sauce typically consists of sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and a touch of sriracha for a kick.

The best part? You have complete control over the heat level! Customize the sauce to be as mild or as fiery as you desire.

I’m a huge fan of bang bang shrimp, and I’m equally obsessed with my air fryer.

My air fryer gets daily use (check out all my amazing air fryer recipes!). Naturally, I had to try recreating this delicious dish using the air fryer. The result was an instant success! Now, I can’t stop making it. Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is unbelievably delicious!

The air fryer makes this recipe quick and effortless to prepare at home. The shrimp turns out incredibly tender and juicy, enveloped in a crispy, flavorful sauce.

Plus, air fryer cleanup is a breeze, which is always a welcome bonus in the kitchen!

• Cooking Spray: Opt for a non-aerosol cooking spray to prevent damage to your air fryer basket or trays. I prefer avocado oil spray, but grapeseed oil spray or even olive oil spray (safe for air fryers up to 400°F) are great alternatives.
• Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking. The size matters; large shrimp provides the best texture.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: You can elevate this dish further by making my homemade sweet chili sauce. Alternatively, choose your favorite store-bought brand.
• Mayonnaise: I typically use vegan mayo to keep the recipe dairy-free, but any classic, unflavored mayonnaise will work perfectly.
• Sriracha: The recipe calls for a moderate amount of sriracha, creating a mildly spicy sauce with a wonderful depth of flavor. If you prefer a hotter sauce, feel free to increase the amount.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are essential for achieving an extra crispy coating. Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute, but the texture will be slightly different.
• Coconut Milk: The use of coconut milk adds a touch of luxury and ensures that the recipe remains dairy-free. If you prefer, you can substitute regular milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative.

Making Bang Bang Shrimp in the air fryer is surprisingly simple!

Begin by spraying your air fryer basket or trays with cooking spray and then preheating it to 400°F for 2 minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Make sure your large shrimp are peeled and deveined. This step is crucial for both taste and texture.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later use.

Coating and Air Frying the Shrimp

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

Prepare your breading station: In one shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch and salt. In a second shallow bowl, pour the coconut milk. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Begin by dredging each shrimp in the cornstarch and salt mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess to prevent clumping.

Next, dip the shrimp into the coconut milk, allowing the excess to drip off.

Finally, dredge the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even coating.

Place the breaded shrimp on a large plate and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp.

Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on your air fryer trays. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

After the initial 5 minutes, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and gently dip each piece into the prepared bang bang sauce, coating lightly. Return the sauced shrimp to the air fryer.

Air fry for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize and the shrimp to cook through completely.

To ensure the shrimp is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The shrimp is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 120°F (49°C).

Plate the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp and garnish with sliced scallions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This versatile dish can be served as a flavorful appetizer or a satisfying main course.

For a complete meal, try pairing the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp with Instant Pot Garlic Rice and a side of Air Fryer Broccoli.

It’s also delicious with Easy Homemade Ramen or served over creamy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

The sweetness and spice of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp pair beautifully with dry Riesling or Albariño white wine. These are similar to the white wines you might enjoy with Cajun Shrimp Pasta. These wine selections generally complement Thai cuisine very well.

Here’s a quick rundown of the essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

Any standard size air fryer will work. I use my Ninja Foodi 10-quart Dual Zone Air Fryer, which I absolutely love for its easy cleanup and fast cooking. However, you can easily use any 6-quart or 8-quart basket-style air fryer or tray-style air fryer.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a set of mixing bowls for preparing the bang bang sauce and for breading the shrimp.

Tongs: A sturdy set of kitchen tongs will make it easier to coat the shrimp and flip them in the air fryer.

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