As I bit into the first taco, my taste buds danced with delight at the perfect crunch of the shrimp and the creamy kick of the sauce! These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring a healthier twist to the restaurant classic, providing an indulgent taste with far less guilt. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for Taco Tuesdays or any weeknight dinner when you crave something special without the fuss. This recipe not only satisfies those comforting cravings but also makes use of the air fryer to keep things light and crispy. With flavorful shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas and a refreshing slaw, who could resist? Are you ready to make taco night truly unforgettable?
Why Are These Tacos So Irresistible?
Crispy Delight: The air fryer ensures each shrimp is perfectly crispy without the excess oil, making these guilt-free tacos truly delightful.
Rich, Spicy Sauce: The creamy bang bang sauce adds a zesty kick, turning a simple taco into an explosion of flavor.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these tacos are ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up proteins or toppings—try adding avocado or cabbages for added crunch! Pair them with a refreshing salad or chips for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for Taco Tuesdays, your family and friends will be begging for seconds! Get ready for an unforgettable taco night that’ll rival your favorite restaurant—spare just a bit of space for these Crunch Cheesecake Tacos!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Large Raw Shrimp – Ensure they are peeled, deveined, and tail-off for the best texture.
• Eggs – Binds the breadcrumbs to the shrimp, keeping them crispy.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides a light, crispy coating; Japanese-style works best for this recipe.
• Tapioca Flour – Used for dredging; arrowroot starch or cornstarch can be substituted easily.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder – Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Crucial for balancing taste in your air fryer bang bang shrimp tacos.
• Cooking Spray – Ensures shrimp crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise – Serves as the creamy base for the sauce; low-fat mayo can be used for a lighter option.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds the perfect hint of sweetness; Heinz Thai Inspired Sweet Chili Sauce is a fine substitute.
• Sriracha – Adds a customizable level of heat to your bang bang sauce based on preference.
For the Slaw
• Coleslaw Mix – Provides a refreshing crunch and a veggie component to the tacos.
• Chopped Cilantro & Green Onion – Optional garnishes that enhance presentation and taste; full of freshness!
For the Tacos
• Flour Tortillas – The base for the tacos; swap with gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary needs.
Get ready to indulge in these delightful Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that promise a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Prepare Shrimp
Begin by patting the large raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Set up your dredging station including a bowl of tapioca flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together eggs with a splash of water. This prep ensures your shrimp will be well-flavored and coated for the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
Step 2: Bread Shrimp
Take each shrimp and first dip it into the seasoned tapioca flour, shaking off any excess. Next, transfer the shrimp to the egg mixture, coating it fully, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until completely covered. This process gives the shrimp a crispy coating that will turn golden in the air fryer, enhancing the flavor and texture of your tacos.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Once hot, arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it; cook in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray to encourage crispiness. Air fry for 7 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through and re-spraying oil to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Make Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp cook, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The creamy, spicy flavor of this sauce will perfectly complement your crispy air fryer shrimp and elevate your tacos to the next level.
Step 5: Prepare Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, green onion, and a few spoonfuls of the bang bang sauce. Squeeze in lime juice to taste and add salt if needed. Mix well to ensure everything is coated, creating a crunchy, flavorful slaw that adds a refreshing contrast to the warm shrimp in your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Warm your flour tortillas gently, either on a skillet or in the microwave. Begin assembling your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos by laying down a layer of the slaw first, followed by several pieces of crispy shrimp. Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over the top and garnish with extra green onions, if desired, for a burst of color and flavor in every delicious bite.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations to make your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos even more enjoyable!
- Chicken Swap: Replace shrimp with diced chicken breast for a different protein option that’s equally delicious. Use the same breading technique for crispy results.
- Tofu Delight: For a plant-based twist, substitute shrimp with firm tofu. Press and cut tofu into bite-sized pieces, then follow the original breading method for a satisfying crunch.
- Avocado Upgrade: Add ripe avocado slices into your tacos for a creamy texture that complements the spiciness of the bang bang sauce. Avocado elevates the flavor while providing healthy fats, making each bite luscious.
- Heat It Up: Adjust the heat level of your bang bang sauce by adding more sriracha or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Spice lovers will appreciate this fiery twist!
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in sautéed bell peppers and onions for added flavor and color; they bring sweetness and a delicious crunch. This veggie addition enhances the nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
- Crunchy Cabbage: Swap out the coleslaw mix for finely shredded cabbage or Brussels sprouts for a unique textural twist. The added crunch offers a refreshing contrast to the crispy shrimp.
- Rice Bowl Variation: Transform your shrimp into a poke bowl by serving over rice instead of in tortillas. Top with a drizzle of bang bang sauce and fresh veggies for a nourishing twist!
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint for a fresh flavor boost that lightens up the dish. Add just before serving to keep them vibrant and fragrant.
Get ready to savor these customizable taco ideas, and don’t miss out on pairing them with a colorful side salad or some homemade tortilla chips for a delightful meal experience. Looking for more scrumptious seafood ideas? Check out these Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo or try delicious Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw for variety!
Make Ahead Options
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance by seasoning and breading them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bang bang sauce can also be made ahead—just keep it chilled for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture. For optimal quality, store the slaw separately to keep its crunch intact. When you’re ready to indulge, simply air fry the prepped shrimp for 7 minutes, assemble your tacos, and enjoy restaurant-quality deliciousness without the hassle!
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Separate Breading Hands: Use different hands for wet and dry ingredients while breading shrimp to keep things neat and minimize mess.
Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures each shrimp cooks evenly and gets perfectly crispy for your bang bang shrimp tacos.
Crunchy Slaw: To keep the coleslaw mix fresh, prepare it just before assembling your tacos; this way, you enhance the texture and flavor contrast.
Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the bang bang sauce by adjusting the sriracha amount; a little more heat can elevate these air fryer bang bang shrimp tacos.
Prep-Ahead Trick: For meal prep, store the sauce and slaw separately from the shrimp, keeping everything crispy and fresh until you’re ready to serve.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
When it comes to tacos, the joy of crafting a full meal is just as delightful as the tacos themselves!
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Crispy Corn Fritters: These golden bites add a satisfying crunch and a lovely sweetness that balances the spiciness of the tacos. Their texture plays nicely against the crispy shrimp.
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Zesty Guacamole: Creamy and rich, this classic avocado dip brightens the entire meal and adds a refreshing element that pairs well with the bold flavors of your tacos.
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Mango Salsa: Sweet, tangy, and bursting with fresh fruit, a mango salsa offers a tropical twist that complements the spicy bang bang sauce perfectly.
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Chilled Mexican Street Corn Salad: Packed with fresh corn, herbs, and a touch of lime, this salad brings a sweet crunch, echoing the fresh coleslaw in your tacos.
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Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice fragrant with cilantro and lime acts as a mild side that soaks up all the delicious flavors, making each bite even more pleasurable and cohesive.
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Classic Margaritas: A refreshing drink that adds a zesty zing to your taco night, perfectly cooling down the spice and elevating the entire experience.
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Chilled Watermelon Wedges: These juicy, hydrating bites are ideal for cleansing the palate between the savory bites of your air fryer bang bang shrimp tacos, leaving your taste buds wanting more.
These delightful pairings will ensure your taco night is not just good but truly memorable!
How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Fridge: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze breaded shrimp before cooking. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container after freezing for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To re-crisp the shrimp, air fry for 3–5 minutes at 390°F until heated through, ensuring your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos remain delicious.
Sauce & Slaw Storage: Keep the bang bang sauce and slaw in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to preserve flavor and texture.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for the recipe?
Absolutely! For this recipe, it’s best to use large raw shrimp that are peeled, deveined, and tail-off. Freshness is key, so if you can get shrimp that smell sweet and ocean-like, go for it! If using frozen shrimp, allow them to thaw before preparing them for the air fryer.
How do I store leftover shrimp tacos?
To store, place any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy them again, air fry them for 3–5 minutes at 390°F to re-crisp, ensuring that they retain that delightful crunch!
Can I freeze breaded shrimp for later use?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the breaded but uncooked shrimp. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, you can air fry them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I do if my shrimp isn’t crispy after air frying?
Very! If your shrimp turns out less crispy than expected, it could be due to overcrowding in the air fryer. Ensure each shrimp is in a single layer and not touching during cooking. Also, don’t forget to spray them with oil before and halfway through cooking for an optimal golden finish!
Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Definitely! You can make these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos gluten-free by substituting the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and using gluten-free tortillas as the base for the tacos. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry!
Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos You Can't Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare shrimp by patting them dry and setting up a dredging station with tapioca flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the shrimp by dipping them into the seasoned tapioca flour, then the egg mixture, and finally rolling them in panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F and arrange breaded shrimp in a single layer; air fry for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl until smooth.
- Prepare slaw by mixing coleslaw mix, cilantro, green onion, a few spoonfuls of bang bang sauce, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Warm tortillas and assemble tacos by layering slaw and crispy shrimp, drizzling more bang bang sauce on top.
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