Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that everyone will love, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are just the ticket! This recipe is a favorite in my home because it transforms crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy spicy sauce into mouthwatering tacos. The best part? You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family gathering. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked!

These tacos are not only packed with flavor but also offer a healthier twist on a classic dish. With the air fryer doing all the work to create that perfect crunch, you won’t miss the deep-fried version at all. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe even more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in no time, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Flavorful Combination: The combination of crispy shrimp, zesty slaw, and bang bang sauce creates a delightful explosion of flavors.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy building their own tacos; it’s always fun!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the slaw and sauce earlier in the day to save time when dinner rolls around.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the toppings or proteins to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is super simple! You’ll find that these ingredients are wholesome and easy to work with. Here’s what you need:

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined & tail-off)
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style)
• ½ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch or cornstarch)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Kosher salt & black pepper
• Cooking spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha (more if you like it spicier)

For the Slaw

• 8 oz coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Juice from ½ lime
• Squirt of sriracha
• Kosher salt (to taste)

For Assembly

• 10 flour tortillas
• Chopped green onion

Variations

One of my favorite things about these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is how flexible they are! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try chicken or crispy tofu instead of shrimp for a different take.
• Change up the sauce: Use a yogurt-based sauce for a lighter option or add more spices if you like it extra hot!
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, jalapeños, or avocado slices can add even more flavor and texture.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute corn tortillas for flour ones to make this dish gluten-free.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. This helps them get crispy in the air fryer! Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with tapioca flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; another for breadcrumbs; and the last for whisked eggs mixed with a splash of water. Having everything ready makes coating those shrimp a breeze!

Step 2: Dredge the Shrimp

Dipping each shrimp into the tapioca flour first helps the egg stick better. Then move them to the egg mixture and finally coat them in panko breadcrumbs. I find it useful to use one hand for wet ingredients and another for dry—this keeps things less messy! Once breaded, place them carefully in your air fryer basket and give them a light spray of cooking oil.

Step 3: Air Frying

Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook those shrimp for about 7 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking so they brown evenly. Don’t forget to spray them again after flipping! The result will be beautifully crispy shrimp that are sure to impress.

Step 4: Make the Sauces

While your shrimp cooks, whisk together all of the bang bang sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. Then toss together all slaw ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. This step adds freshness to your tacos!

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Once cooked, transfer your crispy shrimp into a large bowl and pour over most of that luscious bang bang sauce (saving some for garnish if desired). Gently toss everything together until every piece is coated in that creamy goodness.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas over an open flame or in a pan until soft and pliable. Now comes the fun part! Start by layering some slaw on each tortilla followed by your saucy shrimp. Drizzle any remaining bang bang sauce on top and finish off with sliced green onions. Enjoy every bite of these delightful tacos!

This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a cozy night in—no matter when you make it, it’s bound to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be a breeze with just a few extra tips!

• Prep Ahead: Consider marinating the shrimp in your favorite seasonings for about 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor and ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.

• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can always add more later to suit your taste!

• Crispy Texture: Make sure to spray your breaded shrimp generously with cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior that makes these tacos irresistible.

• Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows the shrimp to crisp up perfectly without steaming each other, giving you that ideal texture.

• Customizable Slaw: Feel free to add additional vegetables like shredded carrots or bell peppers to your slaw mix for extra crunch and nutrition!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Serving your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos creatively can make a big difference! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance out the spicy flavors beautifully.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime over the tacos brightens up the entire dish, adding a refreshing zing.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant mix of corn, lime, cilantro, and spices that complements the flavors of the tacos perfectly.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: The creamy guacamole paired with crunchy chips offers a great contrast to your spicy tacos.
• Black Bean Salsa: A zesty salsa made with black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brings an extra layer of flavor and protein.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro makes for a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with shrimp.

Enjoy putting together this delightful meal! Your family or guests will surely love these vibrant tacos bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make components ahead of time, ensuring a quick and delicious dinner is always within reach. Here’s how to store and reheat them effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Store unused shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the bang bang sauce in a separate container, also sealed tightly, and it will last for about a week.
• The coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time but is best mixed just before serving to keep it crunchy.

Freezing

• You can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped in freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn.
• Do not freeze the slaw or sauce, as they may lose their texture upon thawing.

Reheating

• For reheating, place the shrimp back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• If you prefer the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may not retain crispiness.
• Always serve with fresh slaw and sauce after reheating for the best flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before following the recipe instructions to ensure even cooking.

How spicy are Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference! The recipe includes sriracha; feel free to add more or less according to your taste.

Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of tapioca flour if needed.

What toppings can I add to my Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

You can get creative! Try adding avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or even pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen as much as it does mine! These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that come together so quickly. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I’m sure you’ll love making and sharing them. Enjoy every bite!