Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is a lighter take on the classic creamy, spicy favorite. Instead of deep frying, this version uses the air fryer to achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy. Simple seasoning—salt, garlic powder, and white pepper—combined with a tangy, slightly sweet bang bang sauce gives every bite big flavor without extra oil or breading.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
This air fryer version delivers the same bright, creamy sauce and satisfying texture as the traditional dish, but with less oil and a shorter cook time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or as an appetizer for a party. The recipe is easy to scale, quick to prepare, and versatile—adjust the spice or sauce to match your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: Air frying reduces oil while still producing a crispy, flavorful shrimp—no breading required.
- Fast and Simple: Minimal prep and a short cook time make this a great last-minute option.
- Customizable Heat: Control the spice by adjusting the amount of bang bang sauce or mixing in extra sriracha or chili paste.
- Big Flavor: Garlic, white pepper, and the sweet-spicy sauce combine for an addictive finish.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Recipe Shopping List
Grab these pantry and fresh ingredients. Exact quantities are shown in the ingredients section below.
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- White pepper
- Bang bang sauce (store-bought or homemade spicy mayo-style sauce)
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a clear, step-by-step overview. Read through the full instructions before you start so the process is smooth. Keep shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Preparation: Thaw shrimp if frozen, then peel and devein if needed. Pat dry with paper towels so the sauce adheres well.
- Seasoning: Evenly season the shrimp with salt, garlic powder, and white pepper.
- First Coat of Sauce: Lightly brush or toss the shrimp with about half of the bang bang sauce to coat.
- Air Frying: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 4–6 minutes, depending on shrimp size.
- Finish: Brush with the remaining bang bang sauce and return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or greens and garnish with sliced scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds if desired.
Ginger Scallion Shrimp Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best texture, reheat briefly rather than storing in extra sauce for long periods.
Yes. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness without drying the shrimp.
You can season and lightly sauce the shrimp ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until cooking, but they are tastiest when cooked fresh.
Yes. Use any spicy mayo, sriracha mixed with mayonnaise, or a sweet chili-mayo blend. Adjust sweetness and heat to your preference.
Try this with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce for a different flavor profile.
Serve This With
- Jasmine rice or steamed rice
- Vegetable yakisoba or stir-fried noodles
- Any favorite fried rice or simple greens for a lighter meal
More Shrimp Ideas
- Spicy Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
- Sweet Chili Shrimp
- Shrimp Udon with Miso Brown Butter
- Shrimp Scampi made in the air fryer
- Coconut Pecan Shrimp for a sweeter crunch
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ cup bang bang sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and remove tails or shells as desired.
- Toss or sprinkle shrimp with salt, garlic powder, and white pepper until evenly seasoned.
- Lightly coat shrimp with about half the bang bang sauce.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
- Cook at 400°F for 4–6 minutes, depending on size.
- Brush with remaining sauce and cook an additional 2–3 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
- Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or greens with an optional drizzle of soy sauce or extra sauce on the side.
Notes
Cook until shrimp are no longer translucent in the center. The safe internal temperature for cooked shrimp is 145°F. Avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in batches if necessary. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for extra color and flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 419 · Total Fat: 25g · Saturated Fat: 4g · Trans Fat: 0.03g · Unsaturated Fat: 19g · Cholesterol: 131mg · Sodium: 1352mg · Carbohydrates: 0.4g · Fiber: 0.1g · Sugar: 0.1g · Protein: 45g