I’ll never forget the first time I tried Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. It was a family gathering, and my sister-in-law, who’s an absolute whiz in the kitchen, insisted we give it a try. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first – I mean, how could an air fryer do justice to the crispy, flavor-packed shrimp I’d come to love? But the moment I took that first bite, all my doubts melted away. The shrimp was perfectly crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside, with a tangy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce that had me going back for seconds…and thirds.
From that day on, Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp became a staple in our household. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and a dish that never fails to impress guests. The secret lies in the air fryer’s ability to achieve that irresistible crunch without all the grease and hassle of deep-frying. Plus, it’s so darn simple to make – you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping up batches of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp all along.
Why This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
The key to nailing this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is all in the technique. By tossing the shrimp in a light coating of cornstarch before air frying, you create a deliciously crispy exterior that’s second to none. And the secret bang bang sauce? It’s a harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that perfectly complements the shrimp. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for maximum flavor and texture.
- Cornstarch: This is the magic ingredient that gives the shrimp its signature crispiness.
- Egg: Helps the cornstarch coating adhere to the shrimp.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For an extra-crunchy exterior.
- Bang bang sauce: A blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Air fryer: The hero of the dish, delivering perfectly crispy shrimp without the hassle of deep-frying.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Instructions
Preparing Your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Get ready to wow your taste buds with this easy-to-follow Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delectable batch of crispy, flavorful shrimp on the table. All you’ll need is your trusty air fryer and a few simple ingredients.
1- Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure the cornstarch coating adheres properly.
2- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and a splash of water. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs.
3- Dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with the cornstarch-panko mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
4- Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
5- While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.
6- Once the shrimp are done, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy, and flavor-packed Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before coating to help the cornstarch adhere better.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – work in batches if needed to maintain that irresistible crispiness.
- Keep a close eye on the shrimp towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from burning.
- Adjust the heat and time as needed based on the size and thickness of your shrimp.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the cornstarch-panko mixture.
Serving and Storing Your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Perfect Pairings for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, but it also makes a delicious main dish when paired with the right sides. Try serving it with a fresh, crunchy slaw, steamed broccoli, or fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying meal. And don’t forget the beverages – an ice-cold beer or a refreshing cocktail like a mojito or margarita would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also prepare the shrimp in advance by coating them with the cornstarch-panko mixture and storing them in the fridge until ready to air fry. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or last-minute appetizer.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Creative Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping out the shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different take on the classic. You can also experiment with different sauces, like a sweet chili or teriyaki glaze, to change up the flavor profile. For a seasonal twist, add some diced mango or pineapple to the bang bang sauce for a fresh, summery flair.
Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Diet-Friendly
If you’re watching your carbs or following a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe to suit your needs. Simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb option. For a dairy-free version, swap the mayonnaise in the sauce for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or vegan mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating and air frying.
Q: How long should I air fry the shrimp?
A: The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your shrimp, but generally, you’ll want to air fry them for 8-10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I make the bang bang sauce in advance?
A: Yes, the sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings as an appetizer, or 2-3 servings as a main dish.
Q: What should I do if the shrimp aren’t as crispy as I’d like?
A: If your shrimp aren’t as crispy as you’d prefer, try increasing the cooking time in the air fryer in 2-minute increments until you achieve the desired crispness.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible crunch and flavor of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp – a quick and easy appetizer or main dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. – Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. – In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs.
3. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and lime juice to make the Bang Bang sauce.
4. – Dredge the shrimp in the panko, pressing to adhere.
5. – Working in batches, air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
6. – Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy shrimp and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
7. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, try double-dredging the shrimp in the panko. You can also bake the shrimp in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – the secret to achieving perfectly crispy, flavor-packed Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp right in your own kitchen. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoying it as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The combination of the air fryer’s magic and the tantalizing bang bang sauce is simply irresistible. So what are you waiting for? Fire up that air fryer and get ready to dive into the best Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp you’ve ever tasted!
