Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together crispy textures and bold flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply want a quick snack, this recipe shines with its easy preparation and delicious homemade bang bang sauce. The air fryer ensures that the shrimp are perfectly cooked to golden perfection without the excess oil, giving you a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy coating while keeping the shrimp tender inside.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade bang bang sauce adds an irresistible kick that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer or main course, it’s suitable for various occasions and gatherings.
• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces fat and calories compared to traditional frying methods.

Tools and Preparation

To make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, having the right tools at your disposal will streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience in the kitchen.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

• Air fryer: This tool cooks food quickly and evenly while providing a crispy finish without excessive oil.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily and efficiently while keeping your workspace organized.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help ensure your ingredients balance well for perfect flavor profiles.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping and serving food without losing any crispy coating.

Ingredients

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is shrimp that is cooked to a crispy, golden brown in an air fryer and topped with homemade bang bang sauce.

For the Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• ½ teaspoon Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail removed)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko
• nonstick cooking spray

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:
1. ½ cup mayonnaise
2. ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
3. ½ teaspoon Sriracha
4. 1 tablespoon honey

Mix all ingredients well until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Set Up Dredging Stations

Set out three separate bowls:
1. In one bowl, add 1 cup all-purpose flour.
2. In another bowl, pour in 1 cup buttermilk.
3. In the last bowl, add 1 cup panko.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

For each piece of shrimp:
1. Dredge it first in the flour until fully coated.
2. Dip it into the buttermilk to moisten it.
3. Coat with panko, pressing gently to adhere well.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer:
1. Spray the tops lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook for 6 minutes.
3. Use tongs to flip each shrimp over and cook for another 6 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Step 6: Serve with Sauce

Remove the cooked shrimp from the air fryer and toss them in your prepared bang bang sauce. Serve immediately for maximum crunch!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Cocktail Sauce: Serve the shrimp with a side of zesty cocktail sauce for a classic seafood pairing.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use fresh lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with shrimp and some of the bang bang sauce for a refreshing bite.

Over Rice or Noodles

• Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Serve the shrimp over steamed jasmine rice for a filling meal that’s full of flavor.
• Noodle Bowl: Toss the shrimp with rice noodles, fresh veggies, and some extra bang bang sauce for a delightful noodle bowl.

In Tacos

• Shrimp Tacos: Fill soft corn tortillas with crispy shrimp, shredded cabbage, and drizzled bang bang sauce for tasty tacos.
• Crunchy Slaw Tacos: Add pickled vegetables and crunchy slaw to enhance the flavors and textures in your tacos.

As a Salad Topper

• Mixed Green Salad: Place the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens and drizzle with extra bang bang sauce for a vibrant salad.
• Caesar Salad Twist: Elevate a classic Caesar salad by adding crispy shrimp for added protein and crunch.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

For the best results when making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, consider these helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Panko: Panko breadcrumbs create that wonderful crunch. Make sure to press them firmly onto the shrimp for maximum coating.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking, helping achieve that golden-brown crispiness you desire.
• Watch Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.
• Spray Generously: A light spray of nonstick cooking spray helps achieve that crispy finish while keeping the dish healthy.
• Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or omit it entirely.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.

1. Coconut Rice: A fragrant coconut rice is perfect as it adds creaminess and balances out the spice from the shrimp.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide a healthy contrast.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, offering a nice balance to the rich flavors of the shrimp.
4. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover bang bang sauce on your plate.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries serve as a delightful side that complements the spiciness beautifully.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob drizzled with lime juice brings a fun summer vibe to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Wrong Temperature: Cooking at too low a temperature can result in soggy shrimp. Always preheat your air fryer to 380°F for the best crispiness.
• Skipping the Coating Steps: Neglecting to coat the shrimp properly in flour, buttermilk, and panko can lead to uneven texture. Follow each step carefully for the best outcome.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many shrimp in the air fryer at once prevents even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispness.
• Not Using Nonstick Spray: Failing to spray the basket or tops of the shrimp with nonstick cooking spray can cause sticking. Be generous for easier removal and better texture.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and chewy. Keep an eye on the time and check for a golden brown color.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with dates for convenience.

Reheating Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short increments (30 seconds), checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil; cook until warm, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy dish made with shrimp that are coated, air-fried, and tossed in a spicy, sweet sauce. It’s perfect as an appetizer or snack!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even frying.

How do I customize the bang bang sauce?

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha or try adding lime juice for an extra zing!

What dishes pair well with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp?

These tasty shrimp go well with rice dishes, salads, or even as a topping on tacos. Get creative!

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp offers a deliciously crispy texture with a sweet and spicy kick that appeals to many palates. This versatile recipe allows for customization based on your flavor preferences. Give it a try and enjoy creating your own unique twist!

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