Description
A lighter, crispy version of the classic takeout appetizer made in an air fryer. These shrimp are coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce, offering the perfect balance of texture and flavor without the heavy oil.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Thaw frozen shrimp if necessary, rinse under cold water, and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Place dried shrimp in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let soak for 10-15 minutes to tenderize.
- While shrimp soak, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning, then set aside.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat, and shake off excess.
- Place coated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
- Lightly spray shrimp with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until pink, opaque, and crispy.
- Transfer cooked shrimp to a large bowl and toss gently with the bang bang sauce.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional garnishes.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunch; do not microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-6 sh
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 18
Keywords: air fryer shrimp, bang bang shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy shrimp, healthy appetizer, quick dinner, seafood recipe, air fryer recipes