Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy, Crunchy and Flavorfull Recipe

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy, Crunchy and Flavorfull Recipe

Craving restaurant-quality bang bang shrimp without the greasy aftermath? Look no further than your air fryer! This recipe creates tender, juicy shrimp with a light and crispy panko breadcrumb coating, tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that's guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
In under 30 minutes, you can have this restaurant-worthy dish ready to enjoy. It's perfect as an appetizer for a party or a light main course for a weeknight meal. Plus, the air fryer ensures a healthier preparation compared to deep-frying, making it a win-win!

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (use 30-40 per pound shrimp)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Olive oil spray
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)

Directions

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha sauce until well combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it evenly in the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
5. Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, and cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
6. Serve the cooked shrimp immediately with the bang bang sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
7. Tips:
8. For a spicier sauce, add an extra ½ tablespoon of Sriracha sauce.
9. You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
10. Leftover cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up before serving.