Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe

Alright, my friend, let’s be real. You’ve had one of those days where cooking feels like a marathon, but your stomach is demanding something epic? And preferably, something that doesn’t involve a gazillion dirty pots? Welcome to your new obsession: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Get ready to have your taste buds do a happy dance without, you know, actually dancing.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

So, why drop everything and make this gloriousness? Let me count the ways (or at least, a few of them):

• It’s ridiculously fast. Seriously, faster than your pizza delivery guy, probably. IMO, that’s a win!
• Air fryer magic means less oil, more crunch. We love a good guilt-free (ish) pleasure, right?
• That sauce! Oh, that glorious, creamy, spicy, sweet sauce. It’s so good, you’ll want to bathe in it. (Don’t actually, though. Sticky situation.)
• Minimal cleanup. Your future self will thank you.
• It’s impressive. Whip this out, and suddenly you’re a culinary wizard, even if all you did was press a few buttons.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your troops! Here’s what you’ll need to wage war on bland food:

• For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off (your call, I’m not the shrimp police).
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + a splash of lemon juice/vinegar if you’re out – DIY buttermilk, who knew?).
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for that perfect crispy coating, don’t skip this!).
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better, duh).
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (for a little color and zest).
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper (to taste, obviously).
  • Cooking spray (a quick spritz is all you need).
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat, please. We’re not health nuts today).
  • 2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce (adjust to your spice preference; I like it zesty!).
  • 1-2 tbsp Sriracha (again, dial it up or down, brave warrior).
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar (for that little tang).
  • Pinch of salt (just a tiny one).
• For Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended):
  • Chopped green onions (for a pop of color and freshness).
  • Sesame seeds (because they look fancy).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp Party: First things first, pat your shrimp super dry with paper towels. Nobody likes soggy shrimp. In a medium bowl, toss the dry shrimp with the buttermilk. Let it hang out for about 5 minutes.

2. Get Coated: In another shallow dish, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Take each shrimp out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the cornstarch mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated! Shake off any extra.

3. Preheat & Arrange: Get your air fryer basket ready. Give it a light spritz with cooking spray. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Now, arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd it, or they won’t get crispy. You might need to do this in batches.

4. Air Fry Time! Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and perfectly cooked when done. Repeat with any remaining batches.

5. Whip Up the Sauce: While the shrimp are cooking, let’s make the magic happen. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Taste it. Adjust the spice or sweetness if you want. This is your sauce.

6. Sauce It Up: Once all the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour that glorious Bang Bang sauce all over and gently toss until every piece is coated.

7. Serve & Garnish: Plate your Bang Bang Shrimp and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you from some common pitfalls, shall we? Learn from my (and others’) mistakes:

• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: This is a biggie. If you cram too many shrimp in, they’ll steam instead of crisping. Nobody wants sad, steamed shrimp. Always cook in batches!
• Not Patting Shrimp Dry: Again with the soggy. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Be diligent!
• Skipping the Cornstarch: Thinking you can just wing it without the cornstarch? Nope. That’s what gives it that beautiful, crispy exterior.
• Forgetting to Preheat: Your air fryer isn’t a microwave, it needs a minute to get hot. Preheating ensures even cooking.
• Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! They turn rubbery if left too long. Watch them closely – 6-8 minutes is usually perfect.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative or missing an ingredient? No worries, we’ve got options:

• Shrimp Alternatives: Not a shrimp fan? This recipe also works wonders with chicken pieces (cut into bite-sized chunks) or even firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t fret! Mix 1/2 cup regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voila, instant buttermilk!
• Spice Level: If Sriracha is too spicy, use less, or substitute with a little extra sweet chili sauce. For more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cornstarch mixture or a bit more Sriracha to the sauce.
• Mayo Swap: You can use light mayo, but honestly, the full-fat version just gives it that extra creaminess that truly makes it Bang Bang. Your call, though!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I probably have snarky answers:

• “Can I use frozen shrimp?” Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and then, you guessed it, pat them super dry! Like, desert-dry.
• “How do I store leftovers?” Leftovers? What are those?! If you happen to have some, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
• “Is this recipe gluten-free?” If you use gluten-free cornstarch (which most is, but check the label!) and ensure your sweet chili sauce and Sriracha are GF, then yes, it can be!
• “Can I bake these instead of air frying?” You sure can! Bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried, but still delicious.
• “What’s the best way to serve Bang Bang Shrimp?” As an appetizer, obviously! But they’re also amazing over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even tucked into soft tortillas for killer tacos. Get creative!
• “My shrimp aren’t crispy enough! What did I do wrong?” Uh oh! Did you overcrowd the basket? Was your air fryer preheated? Did you pat them dry? Did you use enough cornstarch? Probably one of those culprits. Next time, double-check those steps!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, your new go-to recipe for when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is seriously a game-changer. It’s fast, it’s flavorful, and it makes you feel like a kitchen superhero without breaking a sweat. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Seriously, go make it. Like, right now. What are you waiting for?!