1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat Dry: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will help the breading stick better.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Set up three bowls—one with the flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the Shrimp:
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, making sure they are fully coated.
- Bread in Panko: Press the shrimp into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat on both sides. Repeat for all the shrimp.
3. Air Fry the Shrimp:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange Shrimp: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
- Cook: Air fry the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer, cooking times may vary slightly.
- Crisp It Up: If you want the shrimp extra crispy, add an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: While the shrimp is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice (if using) in a small bowl.
- Adjust Heat: Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more Sriracha if you like it spicier or more sweet chili sauce for a milder taste.
5. Serve the Shrimp:
- Toss or Drizzle: Once the shrimp are cooked, you can either toss them gently in the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top for a lighter coating.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To ensure the shrimp gets crispy, leave some space between each piece. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
- Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Shrimp is best served fresh and crispy. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C) until ready to serve.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the bang bang sauce to your liking. For a tangy twist, add a splash of lime juice to the sauce.
Variations:
- Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the panko breadcrumbs for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Low-Carb/Keto Option: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of flour and panko for a keto-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice or Noodles: Serve the shrimp over steamed rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
- As a Taco Filling: Stuff the crispy shrimp and sauce into soft tortillas with shredded cabbage and avocado for delicious shrimp tacos.
- On a Salad: Place the shrimp on top of a bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots, then drizzle with the bang bang sauce as a dressing.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious, lighter alternative to the fried classic. With its crispy exterior and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, using an air fryer means you can enjoy the crunch without the guilt. Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish—either way, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!