4.86 from 7 votes

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is crispy breaded shrimp air-fried to perfection and tossed in a creamy, spicy chili-based sauce. This easy and delicious appetizer is perfect game day party food.

A plate of bang bang shrimp on a bed of lettuce.


I love easy air fryer recipes like this famous shrimp appetizer from Bonefish Grill restaurant. It’s also perfect for weeknight dinners that the whole family can enjoy. I’m a fan of a good copycat recipe!

Everyone loves the crispy shrimp smothered in the spicy sauce. Using your air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying but still brings the same amazing taste and texture.

Serve as a main dish with pasta and rice or as the perfect appetizer for your party. Either way, it’s a great recipe that always receives rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It has the most delicious sauce.
  • You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make—the best appetizer for parties and gatherings.
  • Perfect for fans of Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp to enjoy at home.
  • It can also serve as a main course for your family.
  • Ready to eat in 20 minutes.
  • Easy to make in the air fryer with little effort.

Ingredients

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    The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

    • Large raw shrimp – Peeled and deveined, and tails removed.
    • Cornstarch
    • Buttermilk
    • Panko breadcrumbs
    • Chives – As an optional garnish

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • Mayonnaise
    • Sriracha sauce
    • Sweet chili sauce
    • Honey
    • Lime juice
    Ingredients on a grey surface.

    How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

    Follow along to learn how to make air fryer Bang Bang shrimp!

    • Step One: Add all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until combined. Set aside.
    Collage of making the sauce in a bowl.
    • Step Two: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with an oil sprayer.
    • Step Three: Add the cornstarch to a bowl. Add the buttermilk to another bowl. Add the panko breadcrumbs to another bowl. 
    • Step Four: Place one shrimp in the cornstarch bowl and toss to cover. Then add the shrimp to the buttermilk and toss to cover. Then, place the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs and cover it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat for the remaining shrimp.
    Collage of breading the shrimp.
    • Step Five: Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket. Make sure the shrimp are not touching each other. You may need to make a few batches. 
    • Step Six: Spray the shrimp with oil spray. Air fry for 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and add to a mixing bowl. 
    • Step Seven: Toss the shrimp in ½ of the bang bang sauce. Save the rest of the bang bang sauce to drizzle on once the shrimp is ready to serve. 
    • Step Eight: Plate shrimp and top with the remaining bang bang sauce and fresh chives.
    Collage of air frying the shrimp and mixing in the sauce.

    What to Serve with It

    The recipe on a bed of lettuce.

    Variations and Substitutions

    • Use plain Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise for the bang bang sauce.
    • Add some spices to the shrimp breading, like onion powder or garlic powder.
    • Make your own buttermilk by adding 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar to milk. Stir to combine and let sit 5 to 10 minutes before adding to the recipe.

    Storage Instructions

    You can make the bang bang sauce ahead of time if you like. Store it in an airtight container for 7 days in the fridge.

    The shrimp is best served right away. It does not store well in the fridge and gets soggy.

    The recipe on a plate with lettuce and lime wedges.

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. The shrimp should not be touching in the air fryer basket.
    • Don’t use aerosol cooking spray in your air fryer. You could damage the finish. I use an oil sprayer filled with a high-heat oil like grape seed oil.
    • Cooking time can vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the shrimp so you know how long your air fryer takes to cook the recipe.
    • Use frozen shrimp that has been thawed. Fresh shrimp can be hard to find, depending on where you live.
    The recipe on a plate.

    What is It?

    The memorable name “Bang Bang” comes from combining Sriracha sauce and Thai sweet chili sauce for a deliciously sweet and spicy experience.

    The sauce covers breaded shrimp made from panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and buttermilk. 

    It’s a popular item on the menu at the American seafood restaurant Bonefish Grill.

    Can I Make It in a Skillet?

    Yes, you can. Prepare the recipe as directed until you cook it in the air fryer. Instead, fill a large, heavy bottom pan with 3 inches of canola oil heated to 375°F. 

    Fry the shrimp in the oil for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. 

    Can I Make It in an Oven?

    Yes, you can also make Bang Bang shrimp in the oven. Prepare as directed up until it’s ready to be cooked. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F.  Then flip the shrimp over and bake for an additional 6 minutes.

    The recipe on a bed of lettuce.

    Air Fryer Appetizers

    You’ll also like Air Fryer Shrimp and Air Fryer Cheez It Chicken Tenders.

    Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

    4.86 from 7 votes

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 5
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Crispy breaded shrimp air fried to perfection and tossed in a creamy spicy chili-based sauce. This easy and delicious appetizer is perfect game day party food.

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    Ingredients
     
     

    Shrimp

    • 1 pound large raw shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • ½ cup buttermilk
    • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • chives chopped, for garnish, optional

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
    • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • Juice from ½ lime

    Instructions

    • Add all the bang bang sauce ingredients to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until combined. Set aside.
    • Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray the air fryer basket with an oil sprayer.
    • Add the cornstarch to a bowl. Add the buttermilk to another bowl. Add the panko breadcrumbs to another bowl.
    • Place one shrimp in the cornstarch bowl and toss to cover. Then add the shrimp to the buttermilk and toss to cover. Then place the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs and cover in breadcrumbs. Repeat for the remaining shrimp.
    • Add the shrimp to the air fryer basket. Make sure the shrimp are not touching each other. You may need to make a few batches.
    • Spray the shrimp with oil spray. Air fry for 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and add to a mixing bowl.
    • Toss the shrimp in ½ of the bang bang sauce. Save the rest of the bang bang sauce to drizzle on once the shrimp is ready to serve.
    • Plate shrimp and top with the remaining bang bang sauce and fresh chives.
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 496kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 20g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 1133mg | Potassium: 166mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Keyword air fryer, air fryer shrimp, shrimp

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    4.86 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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