Air fried dishes have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their healthier cooking method and delicious outcomes. One dish that stands out among the rest is bang bang shrimp. Known for its crispy texture and flavorful profile, bang bang shrimp has become a favorite appetizer at many restaurants. The best part is, you can now recreate this mouth-watering dish at home with the help of an air fryer. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and easy recipe to make bang bang shrimp in an air fryer.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make bang bang shrimp in an air fryer, you will require the following ingredients:
1. 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 1 cup of mayonnaise
3. 1/4 cup of Thai sweet chili sauce
4. 2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce
5. 1 cup of panko bread crumbs
6. 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
7. 2 eggs, beaten
8. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
9. 1 teaspoon of onion powder
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Cooking spray
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by preparing the bang bang sauce, which gives the shrimp its distinctive flavor. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Set it aside to let the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp
Next, prepare the shrimp for cooking. In a shallow dish, mix the panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In separate bowls, place the all-purpose flour and beaten eggs. Dip each shrimp into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko bread crumb mixture. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated for a crispy finish.
Step 3: Air Frying the Shrimp
Now it’s time to air fry the shrimp to perfection. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Once preheated, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
Step 4: Cooking Time
Cook the shrimp for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook and become rubbery. The shrimp should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Serving
Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a moment. Serve them with the prepared bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with some chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
– To achieve maximum crispiness, it is important to evenly coat the shrimp with flour, eggs, and panko bread crumbs.
– Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate effectively, resulting in evenly cooked shrimp.
– Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the shrimp. Larger shrimp may require a slightly longer cooking time, while smaller ones will cook faster.
– If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce in the bang bang sauce recipe. You can always adjust the spiciness according to your taste.
Health Benefits of Air Fried Bang Bang Shrimp
By opting for the air fryer method instead of deep frying, you can enjoy bang bang shrimp with reduced guilt. Air frying requires little to no oil, significantly decreasing the overall fat content of the dish. Additionally, using an air fryer eliminates the need for excessive amounts of oil, making it a healthier alternative with fewer calories. So indulge in this crispy and flavorful dish without worrying about your waistline.
Conclusion
Making bang bang shrimp in an air fryer is a simple and quick process that delivers outstanding results. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining the succulent texture of the shrimp within. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy this popular appetizer in the comfort of your home. So gather the ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of bang bang shrimp.