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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe with Spicy Mayo Easy and Perfect

crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, spicy bang bang shrimp made in the air fryer, paired with a creamy and tangy homemade spicy mayo. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off, your choice)
  • ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil for air fryer crisping
  • ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp.
  2. In one bowl, whisk 2 large eggs.
  3. In another bowl, combine ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Dip each shrimp first in the egg, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated. Lay them on a plate or tray without stacking.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run empty for about 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange shrimp in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry the shrimp for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden-brown and opaque inside.
  8. While shrimp cooks, whisk together ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and a pinch of garlic powder until smooth.
  9. Transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl and gently toss with the spicy mayo, starting with half the sauce and adding more if desired.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before breading to ensure crispiness. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Use light cooking spray to achieve a golden crust without deep frying. Flip shrimp halfway through cooking. Toss shrimp gently in spicy mayo to keep coating intact. Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free mayo, use coconut or avocado-based mayo. Reheat leftovers in air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bang bang shrimp, air fryer shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy mayo, quick shrimp recipe, easy appetizer, seafood appetizer