Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Air Fryer

So you’re craving something ridiculously good, something that makes your taste buds do a happy dance, but the thought of spending forever in the kitchen (or, gasp, deep-frying) makes you want to curl up with a bag of chips instead, huh? Been there, done that, probably still have the grease stains to prove it. But guess what? We’re about to make magic with shrimp and an air fryer, and it’s going to be so easy, your non-cooking friends might actually believe you’re a culinary wizard. Get ready for **Bang Bang Shrimp, Air Fryer Edition**!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. This isn’t just “awesome”; it’s a weeknight superhero. Here’s the lowdown on why you’re about to fall head-over-heels for this recipe:

• **It’s ridiculously fast:** We’re talking 15 minutes, tops, from freezer to face. Seriously, you can barely decide what to watch on Netflix in that time.
• **Hello, Air Fryer Magic!** We get all the crispy, crunchy goodness without the actual deep-frying mess and the extra oil. Your kitchen counters (and your waistline, maybe?) will thank you.
• **Foolproof, even for me:** If I can make it without setting off the smoke alarm, you absolutely can too. It’s basically idiot-proof.
• **Restaurant-quality taste, without the bill:** That beloved appetizer you always splurge on? Yeah, you’re about to make it better and cheaper at home. You’re welcome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your squad! These are the stars of our show. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy.

• 1 lb Raw Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, tails on or off – your call. Frozen is totally fine, just make sure they’re thawed and super dry!
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch: This is our secret weapon for that irresistible crisp.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, because even shrimp needs a little seasoning.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil Spray (or a drizzle of oil): Just a little love for the air fryer.
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • ½ cup Mayo: Full-fat, because we’re not calorie counting today; we’re flavor counting. YOLO.
  • ¼ cup Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings the “sweet” to our sweet and spicy party. Don’t skip it!
  • 1-2 tbsp Sriracha: Here’s your “bang”! Start with one tablespoon if you’re shy, add two (or more!) if you’re feeling spicy.
  • ½ tsp Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): Just a little extra sweetness if your sweet chili isn’t quite cutting it.
• Garnishes (optional, but highly recommended): Sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Makes it look fancy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Shrimp: First things first, get those shrimp super dry. Like, pat them down with paper towels until they feel insulted. This is crucial for crispiness! In a bowl, toss the dry shrimp with the cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper until they’re lightly coated.
2. Air Fry Time! Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil (or use parchment paper designed for air fryers). Arrange the shrimp in a **single layer**, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You might need to do this in batches. This allows them to get crispy, not steamed!
3. Cook ‘Em Up: Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact time depends on your air fryer and shrimp size, so check often. They’re done when they’re opaque, pink, and gloriously crispy.
4. Whip Up the Sauce: While your shrimp are doing their thing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and optional honey/maple syrup. **Taste it!** Adjust the Sriracha to your preferred level of “bang.”
5. Combine and Conquer: Once the shrimp are cooked, carefully transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour that luscious Bang Bang sauce over the top and gently toss until every piece is coated in creamy, spicy goodness.
6. Garnish & Serve: Transfer your Bang Bang Shrimp to a serving dish. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from my (many) kitchen mishaps, so you don’t have to!

• Not Patting Shrimp Dry: This is the cardinal sin. Wet shrimp = soggy shrimp. And nobody wants soggy Bang Bang Shrimp.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Your air fryer isn’t a clown car; give those shrimp some personal space! If you jam too many in, they’ll steam instead of crisp, which is a major bummer.
• Forgetting to Taste the Sauce: Spicy tolerance is personal, people! Make sure your Bang Bang sauce is *your* perfect balance of sweet and heat before drenching all your hard work in it.
• Walking Away: Air fryers are fast! Don’t wander off to start a new TV series. Keep an eye on your shrimp to prevent overcooking and rubbery results.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Life happens, sometimes you don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for. No worries, we’ve got options!

• No Shrimp? No Problem! This sauce is so good, it makes anything taste amazing. Try it with air-fried chicken bites, firm tofu cubes, or even cauliflower florets for a veggie-friendly version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Mayo Substitute: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you *could* try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for the sauce base. But be warned, it won’t be as rich and creamy. Don’t expect miracles, just a lighter vibe.
• Sriracha Swap: Don’t have Sriracha? Chili garlic sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper with a tiny bit of vinegar can work in a pinch for the heat.
• Sweet Chili Sauce DIY: If you’re really in a bind, you can attempt to mix a little honey/sugar with rice vinegar and some red pepper flakes for a similar sweet-tangy-spicy kick. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll do!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use cooked shrimp? Well, technically yes, but the texture won’t be as glorious. Cooked shrimp will become rubbery if overcooked, so you’ll only air fry them for 3-5 minutes, just to heat through and get a little crisp on the cornstarch coating. IMO, raw is king here.
• How long does it last? Honestly? Not long in my house! But seriously, Bang Bang Shrimp is best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be reheated gently in the air fryer for a few minutes (around 300°F/150°C) but might lose some of their original crispness.
• Is it really spicy? As spicy as you want it! You are the master of the Sriracha. Start with one tablespoon, taste, and then add more if you’re feeling brave and want to impress your fire-breathing friends.
• Can I bake it instead of air fry it? Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and crispy. It just won’t be quite as “air fryer crispy.”
• What should I serve this with? Oh, the possibilities! It’s fantastic over white rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, as a topping for noodle bowls, or (my personal favorite) just straight outta the bowl with a fork. It’s *that* good.
• Do I need oil in the air fryer? A tiny spritz of olive oil spray on the cornstarch-coated shrimp does help with crispiness and color, but if you’re going for super lean, you can skip it. Just be aware the crisp might be slightly less intense.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, friend! You’ve just unlocked the secret to ridiculously good, ridiculously easy Bang Bang Shrimp, all thanks to your trusty air fryer. You’ve basically graduated from “can I even boil water?” to “culinary genius” in about 15 minutes. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!