Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Pat Dry: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will help the breading stick better.
  2. 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:

  1. Dredge in Flour: Coat each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Dip in Egg: Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, making sure they are fully coated.
  3. 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:

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!

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