Bang Bang Shrimp (Air Fryer Version)

Bang Bang Shrimp is a wildly popular appetizer made famous by restaurants like Bonefish Grill. This homemade version uses the air fryer to create golden, crispy shrimp without deep frying. They’re then tossed in a creamy, sweet-heat Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. Serve as an appetizer, taco filling, or over rice!

 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large size, tails off)

½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)

½ cup cornstarch

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or oil mist

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for creaminess)

¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)

1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for brightness)

 Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss shrimp with the buttermilk. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the dredge and sauce.

 Make the Dredge

In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

 Coat the Shrimp

Remove shrimp from buttermilk, let excess drip off.

Dredge each piece in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

 Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Lightly spray shrimp with cooking oil on both sides.

Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches).

Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

 Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While shrimp cooks, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and any optional honey or vinegar. Taste and adjust heat/sweetness as needed.

 Toss & Serve

Once shrimp is done, toss it gently with the sauce in a large bowl, or drizzle sauce over the top right before serving to preserve crispiness.

 Optional Garnishes:

Chopped scallions or green onions

Sesame seeds

Shredded lettuce or cabbage (as a base)

Lime wedges

 Serving Ideas

As a starter with toothpicks

In tacos with slaw and avocado

Over rice or salad bowls

In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

 Tips for Success:

Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed for even crisping.

For extra crunch, double-dip: buttermilk → dredge → back to buttermilk → dredge again.

Keep shrimp warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest in batches.