Healthy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp (High Protein, Low Carb)

Bring your favorite restaurant appetizer right to your kitchen counter with this crave-worthy Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Plump, juicy shrimp get

Equipment

• Air Fryer — Circulates dry, high-velocity heat around the shrimp to ensure a golden crunch with negligible oil.
• Tongs — Enables quick, safe flipping inside the hot basket without knocking off the delicate crust.
• Large Mixing Bowls — Provides ample space to evenly toss the shrimp in coating and sauce without damaging them.
• Paper Towels — Essential for absorbing surface water from thawed shrimp to maximize crispiness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) raw large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (thaw completely if frozen)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (provides the light, crispy crust)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Avocado oil cooking spray

• ¼ cup light mayonnaise (or plain 0% Greek yogurt for extra protein)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce for low-carb/keto)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust up or down based on heat preference)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

• 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Dry the Shrimp: Thoroughly pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry using a double layer of paper towels. Any excess surface moisture will create steam and prevent a crisp coating.
2. Season and Coat: Place the dry shrimp into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch (or arrowroot), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the shrimp. Toss until every shrimp is uniformly dusted with a sheer, dry coating.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes to ensure immediate searing upon contact.
4. Arrange and Spray: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Place the shrimp inside in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray to help crisp the dry starch. (Cook in two batches if your basket is small).
5. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, gently shaking the basket or flipping the shrimp with tongs at the 4-minute mark. Look for visual cues: the shrimp should turn bright pink, curl into loose “C” shapes, and have an opaque, golden-crusted exterior.
6. Whisk the Sauce: While the shrimp are air-frying, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
7. Toss and Serve: Transfer the piping-hot shrimp into a clean bowl, drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce, and toss gently to coat immediately before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 240 kcal · Protein: 26g · Fat: s: 8g Cholesterol: 185mg · Carbohydrates: 6g · Fiber: 0.5g · Sugar: 3g · Sodium: 620mg