Description
A copycat recipe for crispy, spicy Bang Bang Shrimp made in an air fryer for a lighter, faster alternative to deep-frying. Features a shatteringly crisp coating and a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 2–3 tablespoons Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Cooking spray
- Sliced scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks.
- Set up a dredging station with two bowls: one with buttermilk and one with whisked flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp in buttermilk, let excess drip off, then press into the flour mixture to coat evenly. Place on a plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overlapping.
- Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray.
- Cook for 4 minutes, then flip the shrimp and spray the other side. Cook for another 4-6 minutes until opaque, pink, and golden brown.
- While shrimp cook, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic to make the sauce.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a large bowl and toss with half to two-thirds of the sauce.
- Serve immediately garnished with scallions and sesame seeds, with remaining sauce on the side.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are patted very dry before dredging to prevent soggy coating. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. For extra crunch, double dip the shrimp in buttermilk and flour. The sauce can be made up to a week in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 12-15
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 24
Keywords: air fryer shrimp, bang bang shrimp, copycat recipe, spicy shrimp, appetizer, crispy shrimp, seafood, party food