Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

This crunchy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp has become a game night tradition at my house. Perfectly crisp shrimp are tossed in a creamy zippy bang bang sauce for a dish that disappears as soon as I set it out. The recipe works with either an air fryer for a lighter touch or a classic stovetop fry if you are feeling a little more decadent.

The first time I made this my friends kept interrupting the game night to ask for seconds and for the recipe so now I always double the batch just in case

Ingredients

• Fresh shrimp: peeled and deveined select medium or large size for best texture and always check for freshness with a mild smell and firm flesh
• Buttermilk: rich tanginess helps the coating stick and keeps shrimp juicy use real cultured buttermilk for the best flavor
• All purpose flour: creates the first layer for a crisp crust go for unbleached if possible
• Panko bread crumbs: these Japanese style crumbs give a light airy crunch choose a brand with visible large flakes
• Black pepper: adds subtle heat grind it fresh for deeper flavor
• Sriracha sauce: brings bold zesty spice adjust amount to your preference
• Mayonnaise: the creamy base that mellows out the sauce use full fat for the most satisfying texture
• Sweet chili sauce: sweet spicy tangy sauce shop for a Thai brand for authentic flavor and balanced sweetness

Instructions

Soak the Shrimp:

Let shrimp sit in half a cup of buttermilk for at least four hours to infuse flavor and moisture The buttermilk bath also helps the breading grip the shrimp

Create a Breading Station:

Line up three shallow bowls flour and pepper in one remaining buttermilk in a second panko crumbs in a third This setup keeps your process tidy and helps the breading stick

Coat the Shrimp:

Work in batches for maximum crispiness Start by lifting the shrimp from the buttermilk and letting excess drip off Dredge each piece in the flour mixture then back into the buttermilk then thoroughly coat with panko crumbs pressing gently so the coating sticks

Air Fry the Shrimp:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil Place shrimp in a single layer without crowding Spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray Set temperature to three hundred ninety degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for five minutes Carefully flip each shrimp spray again and cook for another five minutes until gorgeously golden and crisp

Stovetop Fry Option:

Heat two inches of canola oil in a saucepan to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Gently add shrimp in batches and fry for about three minutes per side until crunchy and golden Drain on a rack or paper towels for best results

Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:

Whisk together mayonnaise sriracha and sweet chili sauce in a bowl Adjust sriracha for extra heat or more mayo for a milder version

Toss and Serve:

While still warm gently toss shrimp with just enough sauce to coat Serve on shredded lettuce or with cilantro for color and freshness

I look forward to making this for my family because the sauce instantly reminds us of fun weekend takeout nights but with a fraction of the guilt and plenty of flavor There is something about panko that feels so satisfyingly crunchy every time

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days For best results reheat in the air fryer for just a couple of minutes to restore crunch Avoid microwaving or shrimp may turn rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out shrimp for small pieces of chicken or even cauliflower florets for a meat free version If you do not have buttermilk mix a half tablespoon of lemon juice into half a cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes Panko can be replaced with regular breadcrumbs but the texture will be less light

Serving Suggestions

Serve over a big salad for a light meal or wrap in small tortillas for irresistible shrimp tacos The bang bang sauce is also delicious as a dip for fries or drizzled over roasted vegetables

Cultural and Historical Context

Bang bang shrimp is inspired by bold flavors from Asian American fusion cooking The sweet chili sauce and sriracha come from Thai and Vietnamese traditions while crunchy panko crumbs are rooted in Japanese cuisine This dish brings those elements together for a fun approachable meal

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap shrimp for bite sized chunks of cod if you want to make a summer fish fry Add diced cucumber or shredded cabbage underneath when serving for freshness Try drizzling on extra lime juice to brighten it up for spring gatherings

Success Stories

I have had friends text me photos of their bang bang shrimp after sharing this recipe Everyone loves how crunchy the shrimp turns out even without deep frying One neighbor started making it as their kids birthday dinner request because it feels like a restaurant treat at home

Freezer Meal Conversion

If you want to prep ahead coat the shrimp and freeze them in a single layer Once solid store in bags or containers When ready to cook bake or air fry directly from frozen just add an extra minute or two to cooking time

These crispy shrimp will be a hit at any gathering and the simple sauce guarantees major flavor in every bite. Try it once and you might just start making double batches too.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ How do you get shrimp crispy in the air fryer?

Coating shrimp in panko bread crumbs after soaking in buttermilk and flour helps achieve a crunchy texture when air fried at high heat.

→ What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce blends mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy finish.

→ Can you fry the shrimp instead of air frying?

Yes, shrimp can be fried in hot oil for a few minutes on each side, resulting in a golden, crispy coating.

→ Should shrimp be marinated before cooking?

Soaking shrimp in buttermilk for several hours helps tenderize and infuse subtle flavor before breading.

→ How spicy is bang bang shrimp?

The spice level depends on the amount of sriracha used; adjust to taste for a milder or hotter dish.