Crockpot

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

By Martha

Everyday Kitchen Bliss!

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There’s something so comforting about the perfect taco. For me, tacos symbolize fun, flavor, and memories of summertime gatherings with friends and family. When you combine the light crispiness of shrimp with a zesty, creamy bang bang sauce, and nestle it all into a warm tortilla topped with fresh veggies, you’ve got something truly special. This recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is a match made in foodie heaven—it’s quick, flavorful, and doesn’t require deep frying, making it a healthier yet equally delicious option. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a casual dinner night, or you’re just craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal, these tacos will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Don’t miss out—share and pin this recipe on Pinterest today!

Why do I love this recipe so much? For starters, the air fryer gives the shrimp an irresistibly crispy texture without the mess of frying in oil. Then there’s the bang bang sauce—it’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and utterly addictive. Finally, assembling these tacos is a breeze, so you can enjoy gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details and whip up this crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos come together in under 30 minutes!
  2. Healthier Option: Air frying the shrimp eliminates the need for oil-heavy frying while still delivering that crispy texture.
  3. Customizable: Whether you love extra heat, different toppings, or gluten-free tortillas, this recipe is easily adjustable to suit your preferences.
  4. Packed with Flavor: The bang bang sauce is the star of the show and pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp and fresh toppings.
  5. Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with these unique, restaurant-quality tacos that are surprisingly simple to make.
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Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 avocado (sliced)
  • Lime wedges for serving
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How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prep the Shrimp:
    Start by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful base.
  2. Set Up the Coating Stations:
    Create a coating assembly line. In one bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Coat the Shrimp:
    Dip each shrimp into the flour first, ensuring it’s lightly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
  4. Air Fry the Shrimp:
    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
    While the shrimp cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less sriracha.
  6. Warm the Tortillas:
    To bring out the best flavor, warm your tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side.
  7. Assemble the Tacos:
    Spread a generous dollop of bang bang sauce onto each tortilla. Add a handful of purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and a few crispy shrimp. Top with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.
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Helpful Tips:

  • Shrimp Size Matters: Use medium or large shrimp for this recipe. They’re easier to work with and provide the perfect bite-sized crunch in your tacos.
  • Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha. For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the bang bang sauce.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can bread the shrimp a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to air fry.
  • Tortilla Choices: Feel free to use flour, corn, or even low-carb tortillas, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
  • Extra Crunch: Add some crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions on top for an extra layer of texture.

Recipe Details:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Fusion, American
  • Diet: Pescatarian
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Notes:

  • For an added pop of freshness, try adding a quick lime crema made with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the shrimp in a conventional oven at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
  • Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (2 tacos):
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and coating.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, and use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

3. What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can substitute it with a mix of honey and a splash of rice vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cooked shrimp and assembled tacos separate for best results. Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer and assemble fresh tacos as needed.

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Conclusion:

There you have it—a simple, mouthwatering recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a flavorful meal, these tacos offer the perfect balance of crunch, zest, and creaminess. The best part? They’re easy to make and adaptable to suit your taste. So grab your air fryer, whip up that irresistible bang bang sauce, and get ready to enjoy a plateful of taco perfection. Happy cooking!

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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos


  • Author: Martha

Description

There’s something so comforting about the perfect taco. For me, tacos symbolize fun, flavor, and memories of summertime gatherings with friends and family. When you combine the light crispiness of shrimp with a zesty, creamy bang bang sauce, and nestle it all into a warm tortilla topped with fresh veggies, you’ve got something truly special. This recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is a match made in foodie heaven—it’s quick, flavorful, and doesn’t require deep frying, making it a healthier yet equally delicious option. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a casual dinner night, or you’re just craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal, these tacos will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why do I love this recipe so much? For starters, the air fryer gives the shrimp an irresistibly crispy texture without the mess of frying in oil. Then there’s the bang bang sauce—it’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and utterly addictive. Finally, assembling these tacos is a breeze, so you can enjoy gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details and whip up this crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 avocado (sliced)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

imp Tacos:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prep the Shrimp:
    Start by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful base.
  2. Set Up the Coating Stations:
    Create a coating assembly line. In one bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Coat the Shrimp:
    Dip each shrimp into the flour first, ensuring it’s lightly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
  4. Air Fry the Shrimp:
    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
    While the shrimp cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less sriracha.
  6. Warm the Tortillas:
    To bring out the best flavor, warm your tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side.
  7. Assemble the Tacos:
    Spread a generous dollop of bang bang sauce onto each tortilla. Add a handful of purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and a few crispy shrimp. Top with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • For an added pop of freshness, try adding a quick lime crema made with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the shrimp in a conventional oven at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
  • Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to maintain crispiness.

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