Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and delicious weeknight meal. They’re quick and easy to make, thanks to the air fryer, and they’re packed with flavor. I love how the crispy shrimp are coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and served on warm tortillas with a refreshing slaw. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will have you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Crispy and Flavorful: The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the air fryer. The bang bang sauce adds a delicious creamy and spicy flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
• Quick and Healthy: It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
• Versatile: You can easily customize these tacos with your favorite toppings and sides.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

For the Air Fryer Shrimp:

• Raw Shrimp: I use large shrimp that are peeled, deveined, and have the tails removed.
• Eggs: These help the breading stick to the shrimp.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: I prefer Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs for their extra crispy texture.
• Tapioca Flour: This helps to create a light and crispy coating on the shrimp.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: These spices add flavor to the breading.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: To season the shrimp.
• Cooking Spray: I use olive oil or avocado oil spray to lightly coat the shrimp before air frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy and tangy sauce.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of heat.
• Sriracha: Adds another layer of heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking.

For the Slaw:

• Coleslaw Mix: A pre-shredded coleslaw mix makes this recipe even easier.
• Cilantro and Green Onion: These add freshness and flavor to the slaw.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the slaw.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Sriracha: Adds a hint of spice to the slaw.
• Kosher Salt: To season the slaw.

To Serve:

• Flour Tortillas: I use small flour tortillas for these tacos.
• Chopped Green Onion: For garnish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Shrimp: Add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce or to the shrimp breading for extra heat.
• Different Protein: Try using fish fillets or tofu instead of shrimp.
• Veggie Tacos: Add some grilled or roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to the tacos.
• Different Sauce: Swap out the bang bang sauce for your favorite taco sauce, like salsa verde or mango salsa.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with tapioca flour and seasonings, one with breadcrumbs, and one with beaten eggs. Dip each shrimp in the tapioca flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Air Fry the Shrimp

Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 390°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce and Slaw

While the shrimp is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl to make the bang bang sauce. In another bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, cilantro, green onion, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, and salt to make the slaw.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the shrimp is cooked, toss it with the bang bang sauce in a bowl. Warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos with slaw, shrimp, and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks

• Dry Shrimp: Make sure the shrimp is patted dry before breading to help the coating stick.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the shrimp cooks evenly and gets crispy.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos to make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking.

How to Serve

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:

• Rice: Serve with a side of white or brown rice.
• Beans: Black beans or refried beans would be a great addition to this meal.
• Guacamole: Add a dollop of guacamole to each taco for extra flavor and creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can make the bang bang sauce and slaw ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Storing: Store leftover shrimp and tortillas separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer or oven until warmed through. Warm the tortillas before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give you a crispier texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free tortillas.

Can I bake these shrimp tacos instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the tortillas are crispy.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. I hope you enjoy it!

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