Air fried Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
* 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 tsp garlic salt
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 egg
* Coconut oil spray
* Jasmine rice
* Mini cucumbers
For the Bang Bang sauce:
* 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
* 2 tbsp zero sugar sweet chili sauce
* 1 tbsp sriracha (more if you like heat)
* 1 tsp honey
* Squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
1. Make the sauce
* Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice.
* Set aside.
2. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice and add 2 cups of water. Cook covered on medium low heat for 20 mins.
3. Cook the shrimp
* Pat shrimp dry.
* Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
* Dip shrimp in beaten egg, then coat in flour mixture.
* Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, make sure to spray with coconut oil before cooking. Flip shrimp half way through and spray with oil again.
4. Sauce the shrimp
* Toss the cooked shrimp with about half of the Bang Bang sauce.
5. Cut cucumber and lightly season with pink salt and black pepper
Air frying shrimp is a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy texture without the excess oil of deep frying, making this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe both healthier and easier to prepare. In my experience, air frying at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes gives the shrimp a perfectly crunchy coating thanks to the combined use of flour and cornstarch in the breading mixture. The combination of garlic salt and paprika in the coating adds a savory depth that complements the sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce beautifully. The sauce itself is a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Using light mayonnaise as a base keeps the sauce lighter, while the zero sugar sweet chili sauce and sriracha bring in the heat and sweetness without added sugars. The touch of honey and fresh lemon juice rounds out the sauce with a subtle brightness that wakes up the dish. For a complete meal, serving the shrimp alongside fluffy jasmine rice and lightly seasoned mini cucumbers adds refreshing contrast and texture. Seasoning cucumbers with pink salt and black pepper enhances their natural flavor and adds a touch of sophistication. This recipe is also very customizable: you can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the sriracha, and substitute coconut oil spray with any preferred cooking spray. Plus, the air fryer method reduces cooking time and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Overall, this Air Fried Bang Bang Shrimp offers a delicious, protein-rich dish that's easy to make and perfect for those aiming to enjoy flavorful meals without heavy frying.
