Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Bonefish Grill Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever tried the famous Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill, you know exactly what all the fuss is about: crispy, golden shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet-heat sauce that hits every flavor note just right.

This copycat recipe brings that crave-worthy experience home, with a healthier twist, thanks to the air fryer. No deep-frying, no mess, just big flavor and serious crunch.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step of making air fryer bang bang shrimp, including how to make the original sauce, plus two bonus variations that I love just as much: a comforting bang bang shrimp pasta and a fresh, wholesome shrimp bowl you’ll feel great about devouring.

And yes, we’ll touch on how Bonefish Grill turned this once-humble appetizer into an iconic dish you can now recreate anytime the craving strikes.

Scroll down to use the “Jump to Recipe” button or the Table of Contents if you’re in a hurry, or stick with me and let’s break down how to bring this restaurant-style flavor into your home kitchen.

(Spoiler: it all starts with the sauce.)

Table of Contents

Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce (The Star of the Dish)

Before we even get into the shrimp, let’s talk about what really makes this dish unforgettable: the sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and just a touch sweet, the kind of flavor combo that makes your taste buds light up.

Bonefish Grill nailed it with their bang bang shrimp sauce, and this homemade version is a spot-on copycat (with room to tweak it to your liking).

Quick note: We will use this sauce in our Air Fryer Bang Bang shrimp recipe later, so it’s better to make it first.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Mayonnaise – the creamy base; use full-fat for best texture
• Thai sweet chili sauce – brings sweetness and mild heat
• Sriracha – for a bold, garlicky spice kick
• Optional: honey – adds a little extra balance if your chili sauce is on the tangy side
• Optional: rice vinegar or lime juice – for added brightness

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayo, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, and 1–2 teaspoons Sriracha.

2. Taste it, then decide if you want to stir in ½ teaspoon of honey or a splash of vinegar or lime juice.

3. Keep mixing until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.

4. Transfer to a jar or airtight container until ready to use.

Pro Tips

• Adjusting the spice: Start with less Sriracha and build up if you like it hotter.
• Want it thicker? Chill it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before tossing.
• Low-carb version? Use a sugar-free chili sauce or homemade keto version.

Storage

You can store leftover sauce in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s great drizzled over grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even roasted veggies. But hey! We’re gonna use it in our air fryer bang bang shrimp, so keep it fresh.

Fast Fact: Bonefish Grill’s original bang bang shrimp gained so much popularity that it’s been trademarked, and inspired dozens of DIY versions like this one.

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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

And now, let’s talk about the heart of the dish, a crispy, juicy shrimp coated in that sweet-heat sauce that made Bonefish Grill famous.

But instead of deep frying, we’re using the air fryer to get that golden crunch with way less oil and none of the mess. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp – peeled and deveined. I like to leave the tails on for looks (and easy grabbing), but it’s optional.
• ½ cup cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs – cornstarch gives you a light, crisp shell that lets the sauce shine, while panko adds crunch. You can even use a mix for texture.
• ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper – just enough to season the shrimp before coating.
• Oil spray – avocado or canola works best for high-heat cooking. A quick mist helps the coating crisp up.
• ½ cup bang bang sauce – prepped and chilled from earlier.
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry and season the shrimp
After peeling and deveining, lay your shrimp on a paper towel and pat them dry. This step’s key, too much moisture and the coating won’t stick. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Coat the shrimp evenly
Pour your cornstarch or panko into a shallow bowl. Working in batches, toss the shrimp in the coating, pressing gently so it adheres. Shake off any excess, too much breading can burn in the air fryer.

3. Preheat the air fryer
Turn it to 400°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a head start on crispiness.

4. Air fry in a single layer
Spray the basket lightly with oil. Lay the shrimp in a single layer (no overlapping!), then spray the tops too. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should be pink and firm with a golden crust, check that internal temp hits 145°F if you want to be precise.

5. Sauce and toss
As soon as the shrimp are done, transfer them to a large bowl while they’re still hot. Pour on the bang bang sauce and toss gently to coat. The warmth helps the sauce cling to every bite.

6. Garnish and serve
Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges on the side. These are best enjoyed immediately while the coating is still crisp.

Warning: once these hit the table, they tend to disappear faster than you think.

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Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta (Variation)

And now… let’s talk about the pasta version, because sometimes, comfort food calls for something creamy, carby, and absolutely crave-worthy.

This variation takes your Bang Bang shrimp and turns it into a full-on dinner bowl that’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull together.

How to Make It

1. Cook your pasta – Go with spaghetti, linguine, or even penne. Cook until just al dente, then drain.

Add the sauce – While the pasta’s still warm, toss it with extra bang bang sauce. You want it to coat the noodles like a spicy Alfredo.

Top with shrimp – Arrange your crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp right on top.

Optional veggies – Stir in peas, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach if you want to sneak in a little green.

Serve hot – Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or an extra drizzle of sauce.

Pro Tip: This is also delicious cold, served pasta-salad style, just chill your noodles first and toss everything together before adding the shrimp.

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Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl (Variation)

Let’s shift gears. Maybe you’re craving something lighter, fresher, the kind of meal that leaves you feeling good but still hits every flavor note. That’s where this bang bang shrimp bowl shines. It’s got crunch, creaminess, spice, and all the color your lunch (or dinner) has been missing.

How to Build It

Start with a base:

• Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa all work beautifully.

Pile on your toppings:

• Bang bang shrimp (obviously!)
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded carrots
• Cucumber ribbons or diced
• Red cabbage (thinly sliced for that perfect bite)
• Optional extras: edamame, pickled onions, or crispy wonton strips

Finish strong:

• Drizzle extra sauce over the top
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions
• Serve with lime wedges for brightness

This bowl has all the satisfaction of a takeout favorite, but you’re in full control of the ingredients, and that’s a win any day of the week.

Did You Know? Shrimp is one of the highest-protein, lowest-calorie seafoods you can eat, a perfect fit for power bowls like this.

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FAQs

Can I make the shrimp ahead of time?
You can air fry the shrimp ahead, but for the best texture, wait to toss them in sauce until right before serving. Reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F.

Can I freeze the sauce?
Not recommended, mayo-based sauces tend to separate when frozen. You can, however, prep the sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely, just thaw completely and pat dry before coating and air frying. Too much moisture will prevent that crispy finish.

What protein alternatives work with Bang Bang Sauce?
Tofu, crispy baked chicken, and even roasted cauliflower all pair beautifully with bang bang sauce. It’s flexible, flavorful, and fun to experiment with.

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Final Thought

Whether you’re in the mood for crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp just like Bonefish Grill’s, a creamy pasta that feels like comfort in a bowl, or a bright, build-your-own shrimp bowl packed with color, you’ve now got all three versions at your fingertips.

Not sure where to start? Go classic if you’re craving crunch, pasta if you need cozy, and the bowl if you’re after something fresh and balanced. Honestly, you can’t go wrong.

You may also like:
– Simple Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
– Creamy Shrimp Pasta Carbonara
– Smoked Shrimp Recipe
– Chirashi Bowl Recipe

If you try this recipe (or one of its twists), I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below, snap a photo, or tell me your personal spin. Cooking should always feel a little personal, so make it yours.

Now go make something delicious. You’ve got this.