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If you’re craving restaurant-level crispy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible shrimp at home, you’re about to fall head over heels for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. This recipe gives you the golden crunch you love, a sweet-heat bang bang sauce, and the comfort of making it all in your own kitchen—without any of the deep-frying fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp comes together with just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing an important role in delivering maximum flavor, crunch, and that signature creamy zing. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Extra-large white shrimp (deveined and shell off): Bigger shrimp mean juicier, more satisfying bites—and the butterfly technique makes them mouthwatering gorgeous.
• Eggs: Whisked eggs create a sticky base for the crunchy coating to lock onto each shrimp.
• Tapioca starch: This gluten-free ingredient helps deliver a light, crisp layer—think tempura vibes.
• Gluten-free panko: The serious crunch factor! Panko crumbs create that bubbly, airy crisp that’s unbeatable.
• Coarse sea salt: Seasoning at every layer ensures well-rounded, crave-worthy flavor.
• Avocado oil spray: Spritzing helps the panko brown and crisp beautifully in the air fryer.
• Spring onions or chives: Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color make a simple but perfect garnish.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone for that addictive bang bang sauce.
• Rice vinegar: For a subtle tang and balance in your sauce.
• Hot sauce or sweet chili sauce: Go spicy or sweet depending on your crowd—either way, you get a lively punch.
• Garlic: Freshly grated for a sharp, aromatic depth in your sauce.
• Coconut aminos: Adds a touch of umami and subtle sweetness—that little “something special.”
• Ketchup: Classic bang bang sauce ingredient for a touch of color, sweetness, and tang.

Variations

Don’t be shy about putting your own spin on Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp—this recipe is tailor-made for swapping, tweaking, or dialing up the flavor however you like. Here are some fun ways to shake things up:

• Spicy Bang Bang: Double the hot sauce or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a real kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Try using crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko for a lower-carb crunch.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free or avocado-based mayo and you’re all set!
• Switch Up the Protein: This breading and sauce also work magic on chunks of chicken breast or cauliflower florets for a fun vegetarian twist.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Prep and Butterfly the Shrimp

Begin by patting your shrimp super dry—a dry surface helps everything stick better. Then, take a few extra minutes to butterfly each shrimp along the back with a small, sharp knife. This simple step helps the shrimp cook evenly, improves texture, and makes every piece look extra special when it puffs up in the air fryer.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls and set up your assembly line: one for whisked eggs (seasoned with a pinch of salt), one with your salted tapioca starch, and the third with the gluten-free panko. This setup keeps you organized and ensures every shrimp gets perfectly coated with layers of flavor and crunch.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Shrimp

Working with one hand to avoid clumps, coat the shrimp in egg, toss in the tapioca starch, dip again in egg, then press gently into panko crumbs with your dry hand. This double-dip method gives you an extra thick, crunchy coating that holds up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 4: Preheat and Air Fry

While you work through breading, start preheating your air fryer to 400°F (about 5 minutes). Spray the basket generously with avocado oil, arrange shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed), and mist the tops with more oil. Air fry at 330°F for 3 minutes on each side—flip them halfway for the deepest golden color and ultimate crunch.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, garlic, coconut aminos, ketchup, hot sauce or sweet chili, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Taste and tweak the sauce to your liking—make it spicier, sweeter, or even tangier if that’s your thing!

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Let the cooked shrimp cool briefly on a wire rack to keep them crispy (especially if you’re working in batches). When you’re ready to eat, pile the shrimp onto a plate, drizzle with that magical bang bang sauce, and sprinkle with loads of fresh spring onion or chives. Serve extra sauce on the side—trust me, there won’t be any left by the end!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! Shower your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp with finely chopped spring onions or chives for freshness and a burst of color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds also adds a subtle nutty twist and crunch—totally optional, but so worth it.

Side Dishes

These crispy shrimp are bold enough to shine on their own, but they’re phenomenal alongside a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice, some cool cucumber salad, or even nestled in lettuce cups for a low-carb feast. Think simple, refreshing sides—they complement the rich bang bang sauce so well!

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, thread a couple of shrimp onto small skewers and lay them over a bed of shredded cabbage with a ramekin of extra bang bang sauce. Or, tuck a few crunchy shrimp in soft taco shells with fresh slaw for bang bang shrimp tacos—taco night will never look back!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (don’t be surprised if you don’t!), store your cooked Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the sauce in a separate container to preserve the crispy breading as much as possible.

Freezing

Air-fried, breaded shrimp freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled shrimp in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then pop them into a zip-top bag for up to one month. Always freeze without sauce for the best texture when rebaked.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Microwaving works, but tends to soften up that golden coating—air frying keeps things shatteringly crisp!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp quickly becomes your go-to for something crispy, saucy, and absolutely memorable. It’s pure joy on a plate—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you start making up weeknight excuses just to enjoy these shrimp again and again!

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