Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight in Just 20 Minutes

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There’s something magical about the combination of crispy shrimp paired with a tangy, spicy-sweet sauce. It’s a dish that promises an explosion of flavor in every bite, and when made in the air fryer, it becomes a guilt-free version of a restaurant favorite. If you’re craving something that’s easy to make yet full of flavor, look no further than this air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe.

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a platter of crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend snack, or as a showstopper appetizer for your next party, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why air fryer bang bang shrimp should be on your regular menu, along with all the details you need to make it perfectly every time.   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp and Why Should You Try It?

If you’ve ever dined at a seafood restaurant, you’ve likely encountered the addictive delight that is bang bang shrimp. But for those new to this dish, it’s a crispy, crunchy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s tangy, rich, and just a little bit fiery. The sauce is what makes the dish stand out, with sriracha adding heat and sweetness, balanced by mayo and sweet chili sauce.

So, why should you try it? Apart from the undeniable flavor explosion, air fryer bang bang shrimp offers several advantages:

1. Healthier Cooking Method: The traditional method of frying shrimp uses a lot of oil, which adds calories and fat. By using an air fryer, you reduce the amount of oil needed, achieving the same crispy texture with less fat and fewer calories.
2. Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can have a meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend treat. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time significantly, meaning less waiting and more eating!
3. Customization: You can adjust the level of heat in the bang bang sauce to suit your preferences, whether you like it mild or extra spicy.

Now that you know why air fryer bang bang shrimp is worth trying, let’s break down the ingredients and steps to help you create this dish in your own kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Before you get started, it’s important to understand the key ingredients that will make this recipe a success. From the shrimp to the coating and the bang bang sauce, each element plays a crucial role in delivering the right flavors and textures.

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

The bang bang sauce is the star of the show. It’s creamy, spicy, and just sweet enough to balance out the heat from the sriracha.

• Mayo: The base of the sauce, giving it that creamy texture. You can use regular mayo or opt for a lighter version if you’re watching your calories.
• Sriracha Sauce: This is the key to the heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you like things mild, start with a little and taste test.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat. It’s also a bit tangy, making it perfect for this dish.

Shrimp Batter Ingredients

The batter you use for the shrimp plays a big part in the crispy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo Shrimp: Choose large, fresh shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined before cooking. Fresh shrimp are the best choice, but if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before use.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps the batter adhere to the shrimp, giving it that rich flavor and helping it cook up crispy in the air fryer.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that makes the batter extra crispy. It’s key to achieving that crunch that everyone loves.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: These provide the perfect crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the shrimp a crispier, more delicate coating.
• Avocado Oil: You’ll need a bit of avocado oil to brush onto the air fryer basket and onto the shrimp to ensure they don’t stick and cook evenly.
• Parsley or Cilantro: A bit of greenery to garnish your dish and add a touch of freshness.

Air Fryer: The Perfect Tool for Cooking Shrimp

Using an air fryer for this recipe means you get all the benefits of crispy fried shrimp without all the oil. An air fryer circulates hot air around the food, cooking it quickly and evenly while providing a golden, crispy exterior. Plus, it’s faster and requires much less cleanup than traditional deep frying.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp in 20 Minutes

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. This recipe is broken down into simple steps that you can easily follow, ensuring your shrimp turn out crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy.

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by preparing the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayo, sriracha sauce, and sweet chili sauce. Whisk until the ingredients are fully combined. Taste the sauce, and if you like it spicier, feel free to add more sriracha. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

• Shell and devein the shrimp: If you haven’t already done so, remove the shells and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating.
• Coat the shrimp: In a shallow bowl, add the cornstarch. In another shallow bowl, pour in the buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Dip each shrimp into the cornstarch, coating it evenly. Then, dip it into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully coated, and finally, toss it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the shrimp are fully covered in breadcrumbs to get that golden, crispy texture when cooked.

Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps achieve that crispy texture without overcooking the shrimp.
• Brush the basket: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking and ensure an even crisp.
• Cook the shrimp: Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
• Cook time: Cook the shrimp for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip each shrimp, lightly brush them with a little more avocado oil, and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked, place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the shrimp and garnish with finely chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: For the crispiest shrimp, make sure there’s space between each piece. Overcrowding can cause the shrimp to steam instead of crisp up.
• Adjust the spice: If you like your shrimp spicier, don’t hesitate to add more sriracha to the sauce. Alternatively, for a milder version, reduce the sriracha and increase the sweet chili sauce.
• Ensure the shrimp are dry: Pat your shrimp dry before battering them. This helps the coating adhere better and gives you a crispier result.

Nutritional Breakdown of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

When it comes to healthier cooking, air fryer bang bang shrimp is a great choice. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 4 servings per recipe):

• Calories: 590 kcal per serving
• Protein: High in protein due to the shrimp
• Carbs: The breading and sweet chili sauce contribute to the carb count
• Fat: The avocado oil and mayo contribute to the fat content, but you’re using much less oil compared to deep frying

Why Choose Air Fryer Cooking for This Recipe?

The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to making crispy foods with minimal oil. Here are a few reasons why air frying is the best method for bang bang shrimp:

• Healthier: You get all the crunch and flavor without the excess oil, making it a healthier option than traditional frying.
• Quick: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, so you can prepare this dish in 20 minutes or less.
• Less mess: No deep fryer splatters or oil cleanup. Just a quick wipe-down of the air fryer basket, and you’re done!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Frozen shrimp may release more moisture, so be sure to pat them dry before battering to avoid soggy shrimp.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the sauce even better.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To make the shrimp spicier, simply add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance of heat for you.

Can I use a different oil for the air fryer?

While avocado oil is ideal for its high smoke point, you can substitute it with other oils like olive oil or canola oil.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Recipe

There you have it! Air fryer bang bang shrimp is a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy this delicious dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a crispy, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving it at a gathering, this recipe will become a favorite in your household.

Ready to make your own air fryer bang bang shrimp? Grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and let the crispy goodness begin!

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