Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Healthy Twist: Air frying reduces oil while keeping the shrimp crispy.
- Crispy and Flavorful: Shrimp is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, with no greasy mess.
- Easy to Make: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Incredible Sauce: The creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce takes these tacos to the next level.
Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
There’s nothing like the crispy, spicy, and creamy goodness of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. With perfectly seasoned shrimp cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer and topped with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, these tacos are a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers!
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Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk (for soaking the shrimp)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps the breading stick and keeps the shrimp tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Bread the Shrimp
3. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess.
Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp
4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
6. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with olive oil.
7. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are crispy and golden.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
8. While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
9. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
10. Spread a small amount of the bang bang sauce onto each tortilla. Add a layer of shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix.
11. Top with the crispy shrimp, drizzle with more bang bang sauce, and sprinkle with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro.
12. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of citrus.
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even crisping.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha or chili sauce. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Keep the Shrimp Crispy: Assemble the tacos right before serving to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze: Avoid freezing cooked shrimp, as they may become soggy when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and proceed with the recipe.
Q2: Can I bake the shrimp instead of air frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q3: Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Taco Night Winner!
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos deliver the perfect combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. They’re quick to make, full of bold flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether for a casual weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, these tacos are always a crowd-pleaser.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your delicious creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every bite of these crispy, creamy, and spicy tacos, and share the love with your family and friends!
