Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo

If you’re after a lighter, healthier version of bang bang shrimp, this recipe is a keeper. Crispy, gluten-free shrimp are air-fried for minimal oil and a satisfying crunch, then served over rice or a bed of fresh vegetables. The dish is finished with a creamy, dairy-free bang bang sauce made with full-fat coconut yogurt (no mayonnaise), honey, sriracha, and bright lime—sweet, mildly spicy, and full of flavor.

These shrimp make a versatile meal: serve them as an appetizer with the sauce on the side, toss them into a salad for a quick lunch, or build colorful shrimp bowls for an easy high-protein weeknight dinner. The recipe is simple to customize and works well for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

This version keeps everything you love about the classic bang bang shrimp but trims the added oil and swaps mayonnaise for coconut yogurt to make the sauce dairy-free. Air frying crisps the shrimp without deep frying, and pairing the shrimp with vegetables, avocado, and edamame creates a balanced, satisfying plate with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The result is fresh, flavorful, and simple to prepare.

A Versatile High-Protein Air Fryer Dinner

The crispy air-fryer shrimp are extremely adaptable. Build a shrimp rice bowl with shredded cabbage, cucumber, carrots, edamame, and avocado, or serve the shrimp over a leafy salad. They’re also perfect served plain with the bang bang sauce as a shareable appetizer. This recipe is quick enough for weeknights but attractive and flavorful enough for guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Plain full-fat coconut yogurt, unsweetened
• Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• Sriracha (adjust for heat)
• Rice vinegar
• Fresh garlic, grated or minced
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Fresh lime juice
• Toasted sesame oil
• Water, only if needed to thin

For the Crispy Air‑Fryer Shrimp:

• Frozen wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined, thawed and patted very dry
• Arrowroot or cornstarch
• Black pepper
• Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs (or regular panko)
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Eggs, lightly beaten
• Neutral oil spray or a light brush of avocado/olive oil

To Serve:

• Cooked white rice (optional) or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or greens
• Avocado
• Mini cucumbers
• Shelled edamame
• Shredded red cabbage
• Carrot ribbons or shredded carrots
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

How To Make Healthy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

These components come together quickly: a simple homemade sauce, crispy gluten-free shrimp from the air fryer, and fresh, crunchy toppings to assemble bowls or salads.

1. Make the sauce. Whisk coconut yogurt with honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, garlic powder, salt, lime juice, and sesame oil until smooth. Adjust sweetness and heat to taste. If the sauce is too thick for drizzling, thin with 1–2 tablespoons of water. Chill while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Prep the shrimp. Toss thawed, very dry shrimp with arrowroot (or cornstarch), salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
3. Mix the crumbs. In a shallow bowl, combine panko with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bread the shrimp. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, let excess drip off, then press into the seasoned panko so crumbs adhere well. Arrange on a tray and lightly spray or brush with oil.
5. Air fry until golden. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and arrange shrimp in a single layer. Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying once more if needed, until golden and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
6. Assemble bowls. Divide rice or greens into bowls, add cabbage, carrot ribbons, edamame, cucumber, and avocado. Top with warm shrimp and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce.
7. Garnish and serve. Finish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm and crunchy.
8. Store leftovers. Keep shrimp, sauce, rice, and vegetables separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp them again. Stir the sauce before using; add a splash of water if it has thickened.

Recipe Substitutions & Questions

Here are easy swaps to adapt the recipe for taste or dietary needs:

• Coconut yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt if dairy is not an issue.
• Honey: Adjust for sweetness or swap with maple syrup for a vegan sauce.
• Sriracha: Increase or decrease for heat, or use a different hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Shrimp size: Large shrimp work well for bite-sized pieces; medium or jumbo shrimp are fine—adjust air-fry time as necessary.
• Arrowroot: Substitute cornstarch 1:1 if preferred.
• Panko: Regular panko is a suitable alternative if gluten is not a concern.
• Rice/base: Serve over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a bed of greens to suit your preference.
• Veggies: Mix in other crunchy veggies such as bell peppers, snap peas, shredded lettuce, or radishes.

FAQs

What is bang bang shrimp made of?

Bang bang shrimp typically consists of crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. This healthier take uses air-fried, breaded shrimp and a sauce made from coconut yogurt, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic, lime, and sesame oil for a dairy-free, lighter version that’s delicious over rice or in a bowl with vegetables.

Is this recipe actually healthy?

Compared with deep-fried versions, this recipe reduces added oil by air frying and uses a coconut-yogurt-based sauce instead of mayonnaise. Shrimp provide high-quality protein, and serving them with vegetables, avocado, and edamame adds fiber and healthy fats for a balanced meal.

Can I make bang bang shrimp without mayonnaise?

Yes. This recipe replaces mayonnaise with full-fat coconut yogurt to create a creamy, tangy sauce that keeps the flavor profile but makes the dish dairy-free.

How do you keep air fryer shrimp crispy?

Dry the shrimp thoroughly before breading, use a light coating of arrowroot or cornstarch, and spray or brush with a little oil before air frying. Cook shrimp in a single layer so they crisp instead of steam. To re-crisp leftovers, reheat them briefly in the air fryer rather than the microwave.

Can I meal prep bang bang shrimp bowls?

Yes. Store shrimp, sauce, rice, and vegetables separately in airtight containers. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer to restore crispness, assemble the bowls, and drizzle with sauce just before serving.

What can I serve with bang bang shrimp?

This shrimp pairs well with white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. Add fresh, crunchy vegetables like cucumber, cabbage, and carrots, and finish with avocado and lime for brightness.

More High-Protein Seafood Recipes You’ll Love

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• Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls
• Easy Shrimp & Vegetable Stir Fry
• BBQ Salmon Bowls
• Miso-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Coconut Rice
• Baked Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus