If you’ve been craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and creamy in every bite, then you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to whip up, delivering that irresistible bang bang sauce coating crispy shrimp cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Whether you’re entertaining or just looking to transform a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings vibrant flavors and crunchy textures together with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with raw, peeled shrimp with a slightly translucent white color, placed on the top right of a white marbled surface. To the top left of the bowl is a brown egg with a smooth shell, and below the egg is a white bowl filled with white flour. Below the flour bowl, there is a small beige bowl containing bright red sauce with a smooth texture. Between these bowls and the shrimp is a small white container filled with coarse black pepper. Below the pepper is another small white container filled with coarse salt. To the right of the salt container is a beige bowl with a creamy, pale yellow mayonnaise or sauce. Finally, to the far right is a small beige bowl with a reddish-orange chunky sauce. The composition is neat and well spaced, with all items sitting on a clean white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is straightforward. Each component is essential—not just for flavor but also to get that perfect crispy coating and deliciously spicy, creamy sauce that makes this dish pop.

1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy bites.
1/2 cup flour or cornstarch: Creates a crisp, light coating that air fries beautifully.
Salt & pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor.
1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder to help the coating stick.
Olive oil cooking spray: A light spray ensures crispy, golden shrimp without excess oil.
1/2 cup mayo or light mayo: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce: Adds sweet heat and that signature flavor kick.
2 tablespoons Sriracha: Brings the spicy fire that defines bang bang sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well. In one small bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Beat the egg in another bowl until smooth. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly crispy shrimp.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Dip each shrimp first into the beaten egg, then dredge it in the flour mixture to coat evenly. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching for even cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp

Give the shrimp a generous mist of cooking spray on top to help crisp them up. Air fry at 400ºF for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden and cooked through. The air fryer does the magic here, creating a crispy exterior without deep frying.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp cooks, whisk together the mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, and Sriracha in a bowl until smooth. This creamy, spicy sauce is what makes the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the shrimp are done, transfer them to a bowl and toss with the bang bang sauce until fully coated in that luscious glaze. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy shrimp and creamy, spicy sauce.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Two black round trays of shrimp are shown side by side on a white marbled texture. The left tray holds 14 raw shrimp with a thick white powder coating, arranged loosely with some space between them. The shrimp have a rough, floury texture and a pale yellow underlayer that can be seen through the coating. The right tray contains 12 fried shrimp, showing a crispy, uneven surface with patches of golden brown and leftover white powder. Both trays have small holes and a slightly worn look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions, chopped cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the sauce. These touches can really elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of sauce, crisp Asian-style slaw for a refreshing crunch, or even simple garlic noodles to keep the flavors balanced and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bang bang shrimp on top of crispy lettuce cups for a light appetizer or pile them atop a salad with avocado and mango for a tropical flair. You can also skewer the shrimp and drizzle the sauce for easy party bites that wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the sauce separate if possible so the shrimp maintains its crispiness when reheated.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp without sauce on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to one month. Avoid freezing the sauce as the texture may change.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in the air fryer at 350ºF for a few minutes until crispy again. Reheat the bang bang sauce separately over low heat or in the microwave, then toss everything together just before serving to keep that fresh flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before coating and cooking to ensure the coating sticks and the shrimp cooks evenly.

Is there a substitute for sweet Thai chili sauce?

If you can’t find sweet Thai chili sauce, try mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce and a splash of rice vinegar for a similar balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use cornstarch instead of flour to coat the shrimp and check that your chili sauce is gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How spicy is the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and customizable—adjust the amount of Sriracha to your taste if you prefer it milder or spicier.

Can I make the bang bang sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the shrimp to ensure it’s smooth and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is a delightful blend of crispy shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. It’s effortless, flavorful, and perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to something special. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create restaurant-quality bang bang shrimp right from your air fryer!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 35 reviews

Author: Ezabella
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce. Using the air fryer ensures a healthier, oil-light version of the classic appetizer that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Coating

1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup flour or cornstarch
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 egg
Olive oil cooking spray (e.g. Pam olive oil spray)

Bang Bang Sauce

1/2 cup mayo or light mayo
1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine the flour or cornstarch and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg until fully mixed.
Coat the Shrimp: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Dip each shrimp first into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge it in the seasoned flour or cornstarch mixture to coat evenly.
Air Fry the Shrimp: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the shrimp with olive oil cooking spray. Set the air fryer to 400ºF (200ºC) and cook for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp cooks, in a medium bowl whisk together the mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, and Sriracha until you have a smooth, well combined sauce.
Toss and Serve: Once the shrimp are done cooking, transfer them to the bowl with the bang bang sauce and toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh greens like cilantro, chopped scallions, or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use cornstarch instead of flour for a crispier coating.
Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level.
The shrimp must be dry before coating for proper crispiness.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Can be served over rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer with extra sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American