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My Favorite Quick Weeknight Dinner: Bang Bang Shrimp

As a busy mom, I'm always looking for quick and easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will enjoy. This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s surprisingly simple to make, even on a busy Tuesday after a long day of work and school runs! The crispy, flavorful shrimp is a hit with everyone, and the lettuce wraps make it feel a little bit fancy, even though it's ready in under 30 minutes. The best part? Cleaning up is a breeze! It's rare to find a dish that's delicious, quick, and easy to clean—but this one delivers on all fronts.

I love how versatile this recipe is too. Sometimes I'll swap out the sweet chili sauce for a different kind of chili sauce to add a bit of a kick. Or, if I'm feeling particularly creative, I might even add some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch. The beauty of this recipe is that it's a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to adjust the spiciness to your liking—just remember to taste-test as you go! For those who prefer a milder flavor, you can easily reduce the amount of sriracha. But be warned: once you've tasted the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, you might find yourself making this recipe repeatedly!

The shrimp cooks up beautifully in the air fryer, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior. I find the air fryer creates the most amazing texture, leaving the shrimp light and airy, far superior to deep frying. The key is to not overcrowd the basket; ensure that the shrimp has enough space to cook evenly. If you’re short on time, you can definitely make this recipe with frozen shrimp as well - just increase the cooking time slightly. No matter how you adjust it to your tastes, this Bang Bang Shrimp is a guaranteed winner for a busy weeknight meal or a fun and easy weekend gathering.

I usually serve this with a side of rice or some steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. The kids love using the lettuce wraps – it’s a fun way to get them to eat their greens! Even my husband, who isn't typically a fan of lettuce wraps, enjoys this recipe! If you're looking for a new go-to dish for your family, look no further. This recipe has quickly become one of my personal favorites, and I know it will become one of yours, too.

Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe is also incredibly adaptable for parties and gatherings. Imagine serving this as an appetizer at your next get-together – it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Simply double or triple the recipe, and you’ll have enough bang bang shrimp to feed a crowd. The individual lettuce cups make it a convenient and elegant way to serve appetizers or a delightful starter course. Plus, it's far less messy than some other appetizer options, a definite plus!

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: This is crucial for even cooking. Work in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the spice level to your liking: Start with less sriracha and add more to taste.
• Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like peanuts, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro.
• Serve immediately: Bang bang shrimp is best served fresh and crispy.

I hope you enjoy this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out! Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Set an air fryer for 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, and sriracha sauce in a bowl until smooth. Reserve some bang bang sauce in a separate bowl for dipping, if desired.
• Place flour on a plate. Place panko on a separate plate.
• Coat shrimp first with flour, followed by mayonnaise mixture, then panko. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet.
• Place shrimp in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
• Cook for 12 minutes. Repeat with remaining shrimp.
• Serve in lettuce wraps garnished with green onions.