Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: combine flour with pepper and salt in the first bowl, pour buttermilk into the second bowl, and place panko crumbs in the third bowl. While your breading station is ready, place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a separate bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. I always make sure every shrimp is fully submerged in the buttermilk—this tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere beautifully. Let this soak while you prep the rest of your ingredients, or if you have time, marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Working with one shrimp at a time, remove it from the buttermilk and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk, then immediately press it into the panko crumbs, making sure all sides are well covered for maximum crispiness. I like to use the panko from King Arthur or a premium brand—it gives a noticeably crunchier texture than standard breadcrumbs. Place each breaded shrimp on a plate as you finish, and try not to stack them so the coating stays intact.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding—they should have space between them for air to circulate. Spray the tops of the shrimp generously with cooking spray; this helps them crisp up beautifully. Cook for 5 minutes at 390°F, then flip each shrimp carefully, spray the other side, and cook for another 5 minutes until they're golden and crispy.

While the shrimp is air frying, combine the mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl, stirring until smooth and well blended. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to your preference. I prefer using Hellmann's mayo for its creaminess and Thai Kitchen sweet chili sauce for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy—this combination really makes the bang bang sauce shine.

Transfer the crispy shrimp from the air fryer to a serving bowl while they're still warm. Pour the bang bang sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat everything evenly, or serve the sauce on the side if you prefer. Serve immediately while the shrimp is at its crispiest, and enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy coating and creamy, spicy sauce.