Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Air Fryer: A Simple Delight

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had a late-night craving for something crispy, creamy, and just a little spicy. That’s where this bang bang shrimp recipe in the air fryer comes to the rescue. From the first bite, you’re hit with a crispy shell, tender shrimp inside, and that addictive creamy-sweet chili sauce that makes your taste buds dance. It’s no wonder this dish has earned a cult following at restaurants like Bonefish Grill, but the best part? You can recreate it at home in less than 25 minutes!

This bang bang shrimp recipe is my go-to when I need a crowd-pleaser or a fun appetizer that doubles as a main dish. Whether you’re planning a game-day feast, a casual weeknight dinner, or a light but satisfying seafood meal, this air fryer version hits every note. No deep frying, no splattering oil, and zero compromise on flavor. Just wholesome ingredients, big taste, and all the crunch without the grease.

I’ve tried dozens of shrimp recipes for dinner, but this one stands out every single time. It’s a top contender on my list of best seafood recipes because it delivers restaurant-style results with a healthier twist. And if you’re a fan of shrimp recipes easy enough for a beginner, this is your ticket to success.

We’ll be coating the shrimp in a seasoned cornstarch mixture, air frying them to golden perfection, and tossing them in the famous bang bang sauce made with mayo, Thai chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. It’s bold, creamy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.

This is one of those easy seafood dishes that never gets old. You can serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb version, or pile it into tacos for a flavor-packed dinner. However you serve it, one thing’s for sure, you’ll be making this bang bang shrimp recipe on repeat.

Why this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe in Air Fryer Works

This bang bang shrimp recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for one simple reason: it works every single time. Let’s break down why.

1. Healthier Without Losing the Crunch

Traditional bang bang shrimp is deep-fried, which, while delicious, adds a heavy grease factor and more cleanup. Using the air fryer gives us that signature crunch with just a fraction of the oil. The key is a light coating of cornstarch or a cornstarch-flour blend, which crisps up beautifully at high air fryer temps. If you’re looking for shrimp dishes that balance indulgence with health, this hits the sweet spot.

2. That Signature Sauce is Everything

Let’s talk about the soul of the dish: the bang bang sauce. It’s a simple mix—mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. The result is creamy, sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive. You can tweak the heat to suit your taste, which makes it perfect for families or spice lovers alike.

3. Fast, Fuss-Free Cooking

We’re talking 10 minutes of prep, 10 minutes in the air fryer, and a couple of minutes to toss the shrimp in sauce. That’s it. If you’re new to shrimp recipes easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests, this one’s a game changer. And because it uses common pantry ingredients, you don’t have to make a special trip to the store.

4. Versatile and Customizable

This shrimp recipe is endlessly adaptable. Want it gluten-free? Swap in a gluten-free flour blend or stick to pure cornstarch. Watching your calories? Use light mayo and serve over salad greens. Want a party platter? Serve them as skewers or alongside other delicious seafood recipes. You can even sub in chicken or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.

Recipe Card

Tips for a juicy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe:

• Pat the Shrimp Dry First: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before tossing your shrimp in the coating, use paper towels to pat them completely dry. This helps the cornstarch stick better and ensures the air fryer works its magic to get that signature crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: This is one of the biggest mistakes people make with air fryers. If your shrimp are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Lay them out in a single layer with some space between each piece. You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Toss in Sauce Just Before Serving: Bang bang shrimp are all about contrast—crispy shrimp and creamy sauce. So don’t let your shrimp sit too long after saucing or they’ll lose their crunch. I recommend tossing the shrimp in the sauce just before serving for the best texture. Or serve the sauce on the side as a dip if you prefer ultra-crispy results.
• Customize Your Sauce Heat Level: Everyone’s heat tolerance is different, so taste your sauce before adding it to the shrimp. Want more kick? Add extra sriracha or even a touch of cayenne. Prefer it milder? Use less chili sauce or swap it for honey for a sweet alternative. This flexibility makes it one of the best seafood recipes for families or parties.

Variants of the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe (Air Fryer Approved!)

1. Low-Carb Bang Bang Shrimp (Keto-Friendly)

If you’re cutting back on carbs but still want that crunch, swap out the cornstarch coating for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. You’ll still get a golden crisp from the air fryer, and the sauce can be easily made keto by using a sugar-free Thai chili sauce and a low-carb mayo like avocado oil-based options. Serve in lettuce wraps or over spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb shrimp dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

2. Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp

This one’s easy! Simply replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or rice flour. Most cornstarch brands are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the label to be safe. And don’t worry, the air fryer still delivers that signature texture, making this a dream option for gluten-sensitive seafood lovers.

3. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

This is one of my personal favorites for summer dinners or when entertaining friends. Fill warm corn tortillas with the crispy shrimp, then top with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of bang bang sauce, and a squeeze of lime. Add some sliced avocado or mango salsa, and you’ve got one of the most crowd-pleasing shrimp recipes for dinner ever invented.

FAQ about Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Air Fryer

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about this bang bang shrimp recipe that makes it irresistible. It’s crispy, creamy, spicy, and just a little sweet, the kind of dish that has everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re looking for shrimp recipes for dinner that break the weeknight boredom or you want a dish that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night, this one checks every box.

What really makes it a standout among the best seafood recipes is how accessible it is. No deep fryer, no hard-to-find ingredients, and yet it delivers bold, restaurant-worthy flavor that feels like a special occasion. And with the air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting, cleanup is a breeze. It’s one of those easy seafood recipes that gives maximum reward with minimum effort.

This dish also opens the door to endless creativity. You can go classic with the sauce-drenched version, or mix it up with tacos, bowls, or even a party platter. It adapts beautifully to different diets and preferences, which is why I always say: once you try it, you’ll start seeing bang bang shrimp as a go-to solution for nearly any mealtime situation.

If you are looking for another delicious bang bang recipe, I suggest you check the Bang Bang Chicken Recipe!