As I was rushing to prep dinner the other night, it suddenly hit me: why not turn our favorite shrimp dish into tacos? The result was nothing short of genius—Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! This delightful recipe combines crispy, air-fried shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce, all cradled in warm tortillas. It’s a healthier twist on a beloved classic, and the best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or Taco Tuesday festivities. Not only are these tacos gluten-free and dairy-free (if you choose), but they also pack a flavorful punch that’ll have your family begging for seconds. Are you ready to dig in and elevate your taco game?
Why Are These Tacos a Must-Try?
Crispy Delight: Air frying gives the shrimp a crunchy texture without all the oil, making for a lighter yet satisfying bite.
Flavor Explosion: The creamy Bang Bang sauce combines sweet and spicy notes, transforming your taco experience into something utterly irresistible.
Quick & Easy: Whip these up in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend taco party!
Customizable: With gluten-free tortilla and slaw options, you can easily adapt this dish to meet dietary needs like Louisiana Shrimp Corn.
Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are sure to impress friends and family alike, offering a fun and trendy spin on a restaurant favorite.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make your shrimp ahead of time and simply warm them when you’re ready to enjoy; it’s a game-changer for busy lifestyles!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- Large Raw Shrimp – Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and tail-off for easy enjoyment.
- Eggs – These help bind the breading to the shrimp for a perfect crispy coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Ideal for a light, crunchy texture; Japanese-style works best!
- Tapioca Flour – Creates a gluten-free dredging base; arrowroot starch or cornstarch can be used as substitutions.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder – Fresh spices enhance the flavor; don’t skimp on the seasoning!
- Cooking Spray – Necessary for achieving that crispy air-fried texture without excess oil.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Provides a creamy base for the sauce; vegan mayo can be used for a dairy-free option.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – The star component that adds sweetness and spice; Heinz Sweet Chili Sauce is a great alternative.
- Sriracha – For that spicy kick; feel free to adjust to your preference!
For the Tacos
- Coleslaw Mix – Adds a fresh crunch; buying pre-mixed saves time.
- Chopped Cilantro & Green Onion – Enhances flavor and freshness as a garnish.
- Lime Juice – Brightens the overall dish; crucial for the slaw preparation.
- Flour Tortillas – The perfect wrap for your tasty filling; easy to replace with gluten-free options!
Now that you have all the ingredients handy, you’re just a few simple steps away from whipping up these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that your family will absolutely love!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Prepare Shrimp
Begin by patting the large raw shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, set up a dredging station with three bowls: one filled with tapioca flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder; the second with two whisked eggs; and the third with panko breadcrumbs for a perfect crunchy coating.
Step 2: Dredge Shrimp
Take a shrimp and dip it first into the seasoned tapioca flour, thoroughly coating it to ensure the flavors stick. Next, transfer the shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off before finally rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs. Using one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry will keep this process clean and efficient.
Step 3: Air Fry Shrimp
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for optimal crispiness. Once preheated, arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray, then air fry for 7 minutes. At the halfway point, flip the shrimp over, spray again with oil, and continue cooking until golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare Sauces
While the shrimp cooks, whisk together the ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce—mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha—in a small bowl until smooth. In a separate large bowl, mix the coleslaw ingredients, including the coleslaw mix and lime juice, combining them well. This vibrant slaw will add a refreshing crunch to your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Once the shrimp are cooked, toss them gently with the prepared Bang Bang sauce until well coated. Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave. To assemble, layer the slaw on each tortilla, followed by a generous portion of the shrimp mixture. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onion for an extra burst of flavor and serve immediately, savoring every bite of these delightful tacos!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Looking to create a complete and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with these flavorful tacos?
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness complements the spicy tacos, adding a delightful crunch to your plate.
- Fresh Mango Salsa: This vibrant blend of ripe mango, red onion, and lime adds a sweet zing that balances the flavor profile beautifully.
- Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime and cilantro brightens up the meal and offers a soft texture contrast to the crunch of the tacos.
- Simple Black Bean Salad: Packed with protein and dressed lightly, this salad brings a fresh and hearty element to your dinner table.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: The charred sweetness of corn adds a seasonal touch, perfect for warm summer evenings.
- Classic Margaritas: Chill out with a refreshing margarita; its citrus notes enhance the flavors of your tacos.
- Coconut Lime Sorbet: For a light dessert, this creamy sorbet cleanses the palate after a spicy meal, perfect for a tropical finish.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
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Perfect Dredging: Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry. This keeps things neat and prevents clumping of the shrimp, ensuring a beautiful coating.
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Dry Before Dredging: Pat shrimp thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that irresistibly crispy texture when air frying.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in some shrimp being less crispy than others.
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Meal Prep Magic: Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate until it’s time to eat. This prevents the tacos from getting soggy, allowing you to enjoy the full textures and flavors.
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Spice Adjustments: Customize the heat of the Bang Bang sauce by adjusting the amount of sriracha. Your family may love a little extra kick, so feel free to experiment with spice levels!
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Gluten-Free Swap: For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tortillas, allowing everyone to enjoy these flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you valuable time during hectic weeknights! You can prepare the shrimp by dredging and coating them up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Bang Bang sauce can also be made ahead and kept separate for up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful flavor without sogginess. When you’re ready to serve, air fry the prepped shrimp as per the recipe, then assemble the tacos by warming tortillas and adding slaw and the shrimp mixture. You’ll have a delicious, fresh meal ready with minimal effort!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Variations
Feel free to get creative with these tasty tacos, and tailor them to your palate and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tortillas for a deliciously inclusive meal. Your friends won’t even notice the difference!
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Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick. This will elevate your shrimp tacos to a new level of heat.
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Bowl Meal: Serve the shrimp and slaw over a bed of rice or quinoa for a satisfying bowl meal. Drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce to tie it all together.
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Crispy Topping: Add crushed tortilla chips or crushed peanuts on top of the assembled tacos for an added crunch. It’s a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce!
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Zesty Slaw: Experiment with a citrus slaw by adding orange or grapefruit segments to your coleslaw mix. The fruity burst pairs well with the spicy shrimp.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or basil into the slaw for a unique flavor profile. Each bite will be packed with fresh, vibrant tastes.
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Creamy Vegan: Substitute the mayonnaise with avocado or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free Bang Bang sauce. It’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
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Sweet & Savory: Combine some mango or pineapple chunks into the slaw. The sweetness complements the spicy shrimp beautifully, creating a tropical twist.
As you explore these variations, consider pairing your tacos with a light side dish, like Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Creamy Sauce or a zesty Fried Chicken Street Corn salad for a complete meal that celebrates flavor and freshness! Enjoy customizing your taco experience!
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Fridge: Store assembled tacos without sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce separate prevents sogginess, preserving the delightful crunch.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp separately in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Warm tortillas separately before assembling again for the best taste.
- Meal Prep: You can prepare the shrimp and Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Just store ingredients separately, assembling the tacos fresh when ready to serve.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for the tacos?
Absolutely! It’s best to use large raw shrimp that are peeled, deveined, and tail-off to ensure easy eating. Fresh shrimp works wonders, but frozen shrimp can be convenient as well—just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture!
How should I store any leftovers?
You can store assembled Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos without the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce separate prevents sogginess, preserving that delightful crunch of the shrimp. When you’re ready for a bite, just reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze the shrimp for later use?
Very! To freeze the cooked shrimp, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. For the best results, reheat the shrimp directly from the freezer in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. This way, you’ll regain that crispy texture and enjoy them as if they were just made!
What do I do if my shrimp aren’t crispy after air frying?
If your shrimp aren’t turning out crispy, it could be due to excess moisture. Ensure the shrimp are patted dry thoroughly before dredging. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can trap steam and lead to less crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary, to let the air circulate properly around each shrimp.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! You can easily make these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tortillas. Just check the labels on all the sauces and ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. Your gluten-free family members will appreciate the delicious flavors just as much!
Can my pets eat the shrimp?
Be cautious! While shrimp is safe for pets in small amounts, it’s important to avoid seasoning, especially salt and spices, which can be harmful. If you do want to share a bite, simply cook two or three without any seasoning just for your furry friends!
Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Set up a dredging station with bowls for tapioca flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each shrimp in tapioca flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer and lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Whisk the mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha together for the Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, mix coleslaw with lime juice.
- Toss cooked shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce. Warm tortillas and assemble the tacos with the slaw and shrimp. Garnish with cilantro and green onion.
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