Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp are truly addicting and the good news is that they are easy to make too. This is one air fryer recipe you will be making time and time again because homemade breaded shrimp dipped in bang bang sauce are so so good!
Shrimp turn out so crispy and crunchy after you bread them with seasoned panko bread crumbs and cook them in the air fryer. Plus you are using only a tiny fraction of the oil that is normally required for fried shrimp. WIN WIN!
Table of Contents
WHAT ARE BANG BANG SHRIMP?
If you are not familiar with Bang Bang Shrimp…no worries. I was only introduced to them myself a year or two ago.
Bang Bang Shrimp are basically fried shrimp dipped in a fantastic and flavorful dipping sauce called bang bang sauce.
This sauce is outstanding if you like bold and spicy flavors. It is a mix of sweet chili sauce and sriracha plus the dip base.
I have changed up the usual bang bang recipe to make it healthier and lighter for people hoping to watch their calories.
WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE
This is a great “replica” recipe of something we like to order at restaurants. You will find bang bang shrimp on many appetizer and dinner menus.
- This is a healthier version of the ones you will find in restaurants!
- Using the air fryer creates ultra crispy shrimp.
- We save money by eating at home.
- I can make this anytime I get a craving for something spicy.
INGREDIENTS
These ingredients have been chosen to minimize calories and maximize flavors and taste.
- Large shrimp
- Eggs
- Panko Bread crumbs
- Salt and Pepper
- Non-fat Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce
SUBSTITUTIONS
There are some simple substitutions that can be made for this recipe to meet your own individual needs or desires.
- I use whole-wheat panko bread crumbs, but you can swap those for regular panko or gluten-free panko as needed. Same quantity will be used.
- If you don't want to make a healthier bang bang sauce then swap out the non-fat Greek yogurt for all mayonnaise.
- If you don't have Sriracha sauce on hand you can use any type of hot sauce instead.
EQUIPMENT
This recipe uses an air fryer. I used a traditional air fryer with a basket to cook the shrimp, but I think the air fryer ovens would work too.
Here are a few things that will help make this easy to cook.
- Air Fryer
- Silicone Tipped Tongs for turning shrimp.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER BANG BANG SHRIMP
Get ready to fall in love with this easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. It will be on your menu rotation in no time.
STEP ONE: COAT SHRIMP
I like to buy shrimp that are already shelled and deveined. If you didn't then you need to do that first.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
Whisk the eggs with a teaspoon of water in a small bowl.
Mix some salt and pepper, to taste, with the panko bread crumbs in a shallow bowl.
Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture and then dredge in the panko bread crumbs to evenly coat.
STEP TWO: AIR FRY
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F and spray the basket lightly with olive oil.
Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, be sure not to overcrowd the shrimp. Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with olive oil.
Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to redistribute and evenly cook.
You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
STEP THREE: MAKE SAUCE
While the shrimp are cooking you can whip up the bang bang sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayo, sweet chili sauce and the sriracha. Whisk these together so they are well combined.
When the shrimp are done cooking you can toss the shrimp in the sauce or you can use the sauce to dip the shrimp.
TIPS FOR THE BEST BANG BANG SHRIMP
There are some things you can do to help ensure you get the best Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp possible.
- Check the shrimp as they are cooking. EVERY air fryer cooks differently and cooking times will vary depending on make, model and size of air fryer. My cooking times are based on MY air fryer!
- Don't overcrowd the basket. The shrimp need some room so the air can circulate around them for the best crunch.
- If you want even more crunch then spray a little more olive oil on the shrimp. This is still MUCH better than deep-fat frying!!
- Serve these up immediately.
- Don't forget to refrigerate any leftover bang bang sauce.
WW POINTS
If you are following the WW program this is a very good recipe for you to add to your meal rotation.
The recipe divides equally into 4 servings.
Each serving is 2 points on blue and purple and 4 points on green.
On the current WeightWatchers Program (2023) it is 2 points per serving.
AIR FRYER BANG BANG SHRIMP RECIPE
You can print off the complete ingredients and instructions for this delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp via the recipe card below.
If you make this recipe and love it be sure to leave a 5 star rating and comment!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp turn out crispy and wonderful and with a lighter bang bang sauce you will save some calories too.
- 1 pound large shrimp shelled, deveined
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Non-aerosol olive oil spray
- 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
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Season shrimp with salt and pepper, to taste.
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Whisk eggs and 1 teaspoon of water, in a small bowl.
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Combine panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl with salt and pepper, to taste.
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Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, then dredge in the bread crumbs to evenly coat.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F and spray basket lightly with olive oil.
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Place coated shrimp in basket in a single layer. Spray shrimp lightly with olive oil. Air Fry for 10 minutes, shaking basket every few minutes to redistribute for even cooking.
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While the shrimp are cooking make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayo, sweet chili sauce and the sriracha.
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When the shrimp are done cooking, toss with the bang bang sauce or use it to dip the shrimp in. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftover sauce.
If you are on the WW plan this recipe is 2 points for Blue and Purple and 4 points for Green. Divide the shrimp and sauce evenly into 4 servings.
Please note that all air fryers cook differently and cooking times may vary depending on model and size of your air fryer. The key to air frying is to keep a close eye on your food!
On the current WeightWatchers Program (2023) it is 2 points per serving.
If you enjoyed this delicious air fryer recipe be sure to check out these other great recipes:
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