15-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
By Chef Maya
Updated 2 Hours Ago
Skip the expensive restaurant appetizers. You can make the legendary sweet, spicy, and impossibly crunchy Bang Bang Shrimp right in your air fryer with zero deep-frying mess.
The secret is coating the shrimp in cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs for that shatteringly crisp exterior, then tossing them in a creamy, sweet chili sauce. Because the air fryer circulates heat so aggressively, the shrimp cook in less than 10 minutes. It’s the perfect party appetizer, taco filling, or protein-packed rice bowl topping.
Why this recipe is an absolute game-changer:
- No Deep Frying: You get restaurant-quality crunch without dealing with splattering oil or smelling like a fry cook for three days.
- The Addictive Sauce: Mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha create the ultimate sweet-heat combination that coats the crispy breading flawlessly.
- Lightning Fast: Shrimp cooks incredibly fast. The air fryer crisps them up in just 8 minutes flat!
The Recipe
Prep time: 7 mins | Cook time: 8 mins | Servings: 3 Portions
Ingredients
- The Bang Bang Sauce
Instructions
Prep the Station
Pour the buttermilk into a medium bowl. In a separate shallow dish or plate, whisk together the panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Dredge the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Press the wet shrimp firmly into the panko and cornstarch mixture, ensuring it is heavily coated on all sides.
Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Spray the tops of the shrimp with a little more oil to help them turn golden. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Make the Sauce
While the shrimp are crisping up, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy.
Toss & Serve
As soon as the shrimp are done, transfer them directly into the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the crispy shrimp completely. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish heavily with sliced green onions, and dig in!