Crispy, spicy, and perfectly balanced with fresh toppings, Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner. With crunchy shrimp coated in a creamy bang bang sauce, served in warm tortillas, these tacos are a fun, crowd-pleasing meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Lightly fried in the air fryer, making them healthier than traditional frying.
A delightful mix of crunchy, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs for coating
Olive oil spray for air frying
Corn or flour tortillas

For the bang bang sauce:

Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha
Lime juice

Toppings:

Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
Diced mango or pineapple (optional)
Cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges

The full list of ingredients and measurements is detailed below.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 2: Air Fry the Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spraying lightly with olive oil. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of lime juice. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spread a spoonful of bang bang sauce on each tortilla, then layer with shredded cabbage, crispy shrimp, and optional diced mango or pineapple.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle more bang bang sauce on top, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook the shrimp in batches for even crispiness.
Keep it crispy: Assemble the tacos just before serving to prevent the shrimp from getting soggy.
Heat levels: Add more sriracha for spicier sauce or reduce for a milder flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or cauliflower for a different protein option.
Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
Add pickled onions or jalapeños for an extra tangy kick.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These tacos are perfect with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole or a refreshing corn salad. Pair them with a margarita or a sparkling limeade for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness. Assemble fresh tacos as needed.

FAQs

Q1: Can I bake the shrimp instead of air frying?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q2: Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

Q3: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before breading and cooking.

Q4: How do I prevent the breading from falling off the shrimp?
Ensure the shrimp are dry before dredging, and press the breadcrumbs firmly to adhere.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a perfect blend of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. They’re easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next taco night. Try them and let the vibrant flavors win you over!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-Mexican)

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Description

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and spicy flavors. Juicy shrimp coated in a crunchy breading, air-fried to perfection, and tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. A quick and easy taco recipe that’s sure to impress

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:
1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Bread the Shrimp:
1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each shrimp in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
Air Fry the Shrimp:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble the Tacos:
1. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Add a layer of shredded cabbage, top with bang bang shrimp, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the top.
Serve:
1. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges and optional toppings like diced avocado or jalapeños.

Notes

Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
For extra spice, add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce.
These tacos pair well with a side of Mexican rice or black beans.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 260
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg