Crispy, juicy, and absolutely addictive, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight into your kitchen—without the deep fryer mess! The shrimp are coated in a light panko batter, air-fried until golden and crisp, then tossed in the irresistible bang bang sauce—creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once. You’re going to want to drizzle this sauce on everything.
Whether you’re hosting game night, prepping appetizers for a party, or craving a bold weeknight dinner, this dish delivers crunch and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or use milk + 1 tsp vinegar as a substitute)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray (or any neutral oil spray)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (for brightness)
Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended):
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Shredded cabbage or romaine (for serving)
- Lime wedges