Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Extra-crispy panko-crusted jumbo shrimp drizzled with sweet, spicy, and creamy sriracha chili bang bang sauce, finished with sesame seeds and green onions.
In a nutshell: This authentic asian-american crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp comes together in just 20 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Remove all surface moisture from the shrimp with paper towels before dredging so the corns. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Skip the deep fryer with this restaurant-quality Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Plump jumbo shrimp are coated in seasoned cornstarch, dipped in whisked egg, and dredged in Japanese panko breadcrumbs before air frying to golden, shatteringly crisp perfection. Drizzled generously in an addictive creamy sweet chili sriracha sauce, this viral appetizer or dinner comes together in just 20 minutes.
Key Equipment
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- Air Fryer (basket or tray style)
- Three shallow dredging bowls
- Tongs
- Small mixing bowl and whisk (for sauce)
- Cooking oil spray (avocado oil or olive oil)
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Pat shrimp completely dry: Remove all surface moisture from the shrimp with paper towels before dredging so the cornstarch and panko coating adhere tightly without turning gummy.
- Use Japanese panko breadcrumbs: Panko flakes are larger and lighter than standard breadcrumbs, giving the shrimp that signature restaurant-style crunch in the air fryer.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket: Air fry shrimp in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents maximum crispiness.
- Drizzle sauce immediately before serving: Toss or drizzle the warm crispy shrimp with bang bang sauce right before serving so the panko crust stays crunch-crisp.
Ingredients
4
servings
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1 lb jumbo raw shrimp (16/20 count), peeled, deveined, tails removed
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⅓ cup cornstarch, for light crispy adhesion
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp water
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1.25 cups Japanese panko breadcrumbs, for maximum crunch
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½ tsp garlic powder, for seasoning breading
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½ tsp smoked paprika, for golden color
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½ tsp kosher salt, to taste
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¼ tsp black pepper, to taste
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½ cup Japanese Kewpie or regular mayonnaise, for velvety sauce base
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¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, balanced sweetness
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1 ½ tbsp sriracha hot chili sauce, adjust to taste
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1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup, for sweet glaze
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1 tsp fresh lime juice, for bright acidity
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2 tbsp scallions (green onions), thinly sliced for garnish
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1 tsp toasted white and black sesame seeds, for garnish
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1 bottle avocado oil spray, for air frying
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Whisk Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust heat if desired. Cover and refrigerate while preparing shrimp.
Set Up 3-Step Breading Station
Set out three shallow bowls. In bowl 1, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In bowl 2, whisk eggs with 1 tbsp water. In bowl 3, place panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge Shrimp
Pat peeled shrimp dry with paper towels. Working in small batches, toss shrimp in the seasoned cornstarch, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs until evenly and generously coated.
Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket generously with oil spray. Place breaded shrimp in a single layer with space between each (cook in two batches if necessary). Spray the tops of the shrimp with oil spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden brown and crunchy.
Sauce, Garnish & Serve
Transfer hot crispy shrimp to a serving bowl. Drizzle generously with prepared bang bang sauce (or serve sauce on the side for dipping). Garnish with sliced green scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges. Enjoy immediately!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
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Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
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Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
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Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
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Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
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Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Arrange breaded shrimp on a greased wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
For a milder sauce, reduce sriracha to 1 tablespoon and increase sweet chili sauce. For fiery heat, add an extra tablespoon of sriracha and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Store leftover shrimp separate from the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 minutes to regain that crunchy crust.