This easy air fryer recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious and healthier version of the popular restaurant dish. With a crispy exterior and a creamy, spicy sauce, Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to be a hit at your next meal!
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Have you ever tried the Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill? It is one of the most famous dishes they are known for! Also known as Firecracker Shrimp, the crispy shrimp is coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that has everyone going back for more! Now, with this copycat recipe, you can make it any time that craving hits in the convenience of your own home! Also try my Cheesecake Factory Jambalaya Pasta and Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme for more copycat recipes!
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Why is it called Bang Bang Shrimp?
Given that this dish is Thai inspired due to the sweet chili sauce used, some say the name was given due to the sweet and spicy flavors the dish delivers. Bang Bang Sauce is a spicy-sweet mayonnaise based sauce consisting of sriracha, mayo, and sweet chili sauce. Often times, at Bonefish Grill, the sauce not only coats the shrimp, but is also served on the side as a dip. When you combine shrimp that has been breaded, coated, and fried, with the tasty spicy sweet sauce, you get a combination of flavors that the whole family loves!
Why You’ll Love this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Quick and Easy– using simple ingredients, this air fryer shrimp recipe is ready to enjoy in only 30 minutes!
- Healthier Alternative– rather than frying in oil, this bang bang shrimp air fryer recipe is made using panko bread crumbs and gets its crispy coating from just a small amount of oil!
- Convenient– no need to go out to dinner when that craving hits. Simply air fry this easy recipe and you’ll satisfy that craving in no time!
- Perfect for any occasion– this bang bang air fryer shrimp can be served as an appetizer, quick meal option, or snack any time!
Ingredient Notes for Bang Bang Shrimp in Air Fryer
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed. To see printable recipe card with exact ingredient amounts, scroll to the bottom of this post.
- Shrimp– I use medium shrimp that is de-veined and peeled, however, large raw shrimp works too. If the shrimp is frozen, be sure to thaw before using in this recipe.
- Buttermilk– this is used to soak the shrimp as it helps tenderize the meat and results in a more juicy, flavor packed shrimp. It also helps reduce any fishy taste and helps the breading adhere better.
- Cornstarch– this creates a crispier coating versus using flour.
- Breadcrumbs– regular breadcrumbs work, however, I recommend using Panko bread crumbs for more flavor. This gives the shrimp their crispy texture.
- Salt/ Pepper– adjust as desired.
- Garlic Powder– this gives the coating more flavor, adjust as desired.
- Paprika– I use smoked paprika and have found it gives the shrimp the best flavor.
- Oil– oil spray works best, we use avocado oil, however, olive oil spray works great too.
BANG BANG SHRIMP SAUCE
- Mayonnaise– use your favorite brand, full fat is best, however, low fat works too. Dairy free mayonnaise works as well.
- Sweet Chili Sauce– Thai sweet chili sauce adds the sweet taste throughout. You can find this in the International aisle of your local grocery store.
- Sriracha– feel free to add as little or as much Sriracha sauce as desired. This gives the shrimp its “bang”.
How to make Copycat Bonefish Bang Bang Shrimp
- Add buttermilk and shrimp to a bowl, ensuring shrimp is submerged. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add cornstarch to a separate shallow bowl.
- Remove a few shrimp at a time from the buttermilk. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang Sauce. Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with rice, if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Save time by purchasing shrimp that has already been de-veined and peeled.
- This recipe is best served fresh. Although you can enjoy leftovers, they won’t have the same crispness and texture.
- Using a large air fryer basket will result in the shrimp cooking in a single layer and being evenly crisp. I used a 4.1 liter air fryer. If using a smaller one, work in batches.
- Feel free to use this shrimp for tacos, bowls, wraps, or enjoy as is!
Storing Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Although this is best enjoyed fresh, you CAN store leftovers and enjoy them the next day. To do so, allow shrimp to fully cool before placing in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cook at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes, or until shrimp are crispy again.
- You can reheat in the microwave, however, it won’t crisp the shrimp up.
- It is not recommended to freeze the cooked shrimp as the texture changes once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when shrimp is done cooking?
When an internal thermometer reaches 120 degrees F, your shrimp is ready to serve!
What is the best way to serve this shrimp?
You can enjoy it as an appetizer, snack, over rice for a dinner, in tacos and wraps, or as a taco bowl. So many great options to enjoy this sweet and spicy recipe!
How can I make this gluten free?
Using gluten free breadcrumbs, you can fit this recipe into your diet by simply swapping out ingredients. There are so many great gluten free alternatives on the market, this recipe is easily adaptable.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Have a craving for more delicious recipes you can make quickly? Check out these easy air fryer recipes and let me know what you think!
- Crispy Air Fried Onion Rings– take simple onions and turn them into a flavor packed recipe everyone will enjoy! Perfect to enjoy on game day, as an appetizer, snack, or anytime of the day!
- Air Fried Frozen French Fries– super crispy and ready in under 15 minutes, you’ll never cook them any other way!
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts– ready in no time and packed with flavor! Add these tasty greens to any meal or enjoy as a healthy snack option!!
- Cheesy Mozzarella Sticks– a simple recipe that is packed with flavor and ready in no time using the air fryer!
- Air Fried Ranch Chicken Tenders– crispy, simple to prepare, and much healthier than the fried alternative. Family friendly and kid approved, these are ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes!
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Donuts– an incredibly easy shortcut way to enjoy donuts anytime that craving hits! Using canned biscuits, these donuts are deep fried and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar combination!
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Air Fried Bang Bang Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp medium, de-veined, peeled
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- cooking spray avocado oil or olive oil
- green onions sliced
SAUCE
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoon sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Add buttermilk and shrimp to a bowl, ensuring shrimp is submerged. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add cornstarch to a separate shallow bowl.
- Remove a few shrimp at a time from the buttermilk. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang Sauce. Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with rice, if desired. Enjoy!
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