The air fryer makes this crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe super easy but tossing it with my copycat creamy, spicy bang bang sauce makes it irresistible! Serve it over rice or make it an appetizer, either way it’s going to be a hit.
Order Bang Bang Shrimp off of a restaurant menu and you’re in for a treat—but you’re also in for a calorie bomb. It’s usually coated and fried, then there’s the mayo-based sauce on top of all that. Yikes! My recipe keeps the bang bang sauce, but eliminates the batter and deep frying to make it a little bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. And using the air fryer means these bang bang shrimp cook up quick and easy! (My Air Fryer Wonton Chips are another deep-fried fave made healthier in the air fryer!)
Why This Bang Bang Shrimp Is the Bomb
You are going to love this recipe! Here’s why.
- A restaurant favorite lightened up. Skipping the deep frying makes this bang bang shrimp recipe something you can enjoy on the regular, not just a once-in-a-while restaurant order!
- So easy. The air fryer crisps up the shrimp without the mess and hassle of frying. Just season the shrimp and pop them in the air fryer basket.
- Versatile. You can serve bang bang shrimp as an appetizer like a lot of restaurants do, or make it a meal by serving it in a bowl with rice and veggies.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list for my crispy bang bang shrimp is surprisingly short! Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Shrimp – Buy large shrimp and peel and devein them if they’re not already.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, dried basil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper bring ALL the flavor.
- Kewpie mayonnaise – This Japanese mayo is richer than the American version so it’s worth seeking out. (But if you can’t find it, regular mayo is fine—just don’t use Miracle Whip.)
- Red Thai chili sauce – For a kick.
- Sriracha – For even more kick! You can adjust the amount to tweak the heat level.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Here’s a step-by-step look at the process.
- Make the sauce. Whisk together all of the ingredients until smooth.
- Season the shrimp. Combine the herbs and spices in a small bowl, then toss the shrimp with all of the seasonings.
- Cook. Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Place in an air fryer preheated to 400ºF and cook for 13 to 14 minutes, tossing halfway through the cooking time.
- Add the sauce. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl and toss with the bang bang sauce, then serve.
Tips and Variations
I’ve got a few more pointers and some variation ideas to help you make the best bang bang shrimp ever!
- Garnish as desired. If you’d like, you can add thinly sliced green onions and/or sesame seeds to the shrimp just before serving.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. You need room for the air to circulate in order to get the shrimp crispy. If needed, cook the shrimp in batches.
- Lighten up the sauce. I don’t recommend swapping all the mayo with Greek yogurt, or the sauce just won’t be as delicious. But you could swap half of the mayo with yogurt to lighten it up a bit.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp
I love making this air fryer bang bang shrimp into a simple meal by serving it with rice and Easy Skillet Green Beans. It would also be fabulous as a protein for an Asian-inspired salad like my Asian Noodle Salad. My 10-Minute Asian Cucumber Salad would be a crisp, refreshing complement to this recipe too!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Bang bang shrimp is not a recipe that stores and reheats well, but if you do have extras, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- To reheat: Gently warm the shrimp in the microwave or a nonstick skillet set over medium-low heat. Do not overheat or the shrimp will get tough and rubbery.
More Shrimp Recipes to Try
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Fryer
Description
The air fryer makes this crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe super easy and lighter, and a creamy, spicy sauce makes it irresistible!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup red Thai chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
Instructions
Bang Bang Sauce:
- To a small bowl, add kewpie mayonnaise, Thai sauce and sriracha. Whisk together until combined and smooth. Set aside.
Shrimp:
- To a large bowl add prepared shrimp.
- Add garlic powder, basil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Season the shrimp with the spice blend. Thoroughly toss the shrimp to coat with all the spices.
- Heat an air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray air fryer basket and add shrimp to the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry fro 13-14 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Add to a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over top. Toss to coat the shrimp with the sauce.
- Serve immediately. Optional: garnish with sliced green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10 shrimp + sauce
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1232 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
