Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Medium size, peeled and deveined for easy eating.

All-purpose flour: Used for the initial coating to help the egg stick.

Eggs: Beaten to create a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs.

Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy coating.

Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the bang bang sauce.

Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a bit of heat to the sauce.

Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the bang bang sauce.

To ensure your shrimp come out perfectly crispy in the air fryer, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cooking in a single layer allows hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, giving you that golden, crunchy texture. If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches for the best results.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be cut into bite-sized pieces and provides a similar texture and protein content.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can create a lighter, crispier coating and is also gluten-free.

• eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp and adds a tangy flavor.

• panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and can be a gluten-free alternative.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.

• sweet chili sauce - Substitute with honey and hot sauce mixture: A combination of honey and hot sauce can mimic the sweetness and heat of sweet chili sauce.

• sriracha - Substitute with hot sauce: Hot sauce can provide a similar level of heat and flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the panko breadcrumbs soggy.
• Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispy texture.
• Store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and use within 2 months for best quality.
• To reheat from frozen, place the shrimp in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
• Avoid reheating the shrimp in the microwave as it can make the coating soggy.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Bang Bang Shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.

• Use your air fryer for a quick reheat. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.

• If you prefer the microwave, place the shrimp on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking tray and heat for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the shrimp to a golden and crispy texture without deep frying.

• Mixing bowls: Used to hold and mix the flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs separately.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until smooth.

• Tongs: Used to handle the shrimp while coating them and placing them in the air fryer.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the flour, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha accurately.

• Spatula: Used to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking in the air fryer.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the bang bang sauce ingredients together.

• Plate: Used to place the coated shrimp before transferring them to the air fryer.

• Serving dish: Used to serve the shrimp once they are tossed with the bang bang sauce.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-made sauce: Save time by using store-bought sweet chili sauce and sriracha.

Batch process shrimp: Coat all shrimp in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before starting to cook.

Single layer cooking: Ensure shrimp are in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking, reducing the need for flipping.

Clean as you go: Clean up bowls and utensils while the shrimp are cooking to save time on post-cooking cleanup.