Dinner & Mains

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.

July 24, 2026 By Chef Clara 5.0 (120 votes)
Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
The Quick Takeaway

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.

Prep Time 12 mins
Cook Time 8 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Cuisine Asian-American
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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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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

  • 1 lb jumbo raw shrimp (16/20 count), peeled, deveined, tails removed
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch, for light crispy adhesion
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • 1.25 cups Japanese panko breadcrumbs, for maximum crunch
  • ½ tsp garlic powder, for seasoning breading
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika, for golden color
  • ½ tsp kosher salt, to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup Japanese Kewpie or regular mayonnaise, for velvety sauce base
  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, balanced sweetness
  • 1 ½ tbsp sriracha hot chili sauce, adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup, for sweet glaze
  • 1 tsp fresh lime juice, for bright acidity
  • 2 tbsp scallions (green onions), thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 tsp toasted white and black sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 1 bottle avocado oil spray, for air frying
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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

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Frequently 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.