Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun twist on a classic favorite, featuring crispy shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce, all tucked inside soft tortillas. The shrimp get perfectly crunchy in the air fryer, making these tacos both light and full of flavor. They’re colorful, easy to eat, and just the right amount of spicy and creamy.
I love making these tacos when I want something quick that still feels special. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time and mess, but you still get that great crunch. I usually toss the shrimp in a mix of mayo, sriracha, and a little honey for the sauce—just enough to give it a nice kick without overpowering the shrimp. It’s one of my favorite combos because it’s simple but really delicious.
When I serve these tacos, I like to add a little crunchy cabbage slaw or some fresh avocado slices on top. It adds a cool texture that balances out the sauce and shrimp. Plus, they’re great for casual dinners or even a weekend lunch with friends. These tacos always bring smiles to the table, and I find myself making them again and again because they’re just that good and easy to enjoy.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium peeled and deveined shrimp work best for even cooking and great texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp thawed properly can be just as good.
Panko breadcrumbs: These add a light, crispy coating. You can swap for crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs if needed, but panko gives the best crunch.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a spicy-sweet kick. If you want it less spicy, reduce sriracha or swap for a mild chili sauce. Honey balances the heat nicely but sugar works too.
Cheese: Cotija cheese adds a nice salty touch. Feta is a good substitute if you can’t find cotija. Both crumble well over the tacos.
How Do You Get Crispy Shrimp in the Air Fryer Without Drying Them Out?
Air fryers cook fast and hot, which is perfect for shrimp but can dry them if you’re not careful. Here’s my approach:
- Pat shrimp dry before breading to help the coating stick and crisp up.
- Use a light spray of oil on the breaded shrimp to promote browning and crunch without greasiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed so air can circulate well around each shrimp.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness on all sides.
- Cook just until shrimp turn pink and crispy—about 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Shrimp cook quickly, so check early if your air fryer runs hot.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – perfect for getting the shrimp crispy without deep frying or extra oil.
- Two shallow bowls – one for the egg wash and one for the breadcrumb mixture, to make breading easy and neat.
- Tongs – handy for flipping the shrimp gently and keeping your hands clean.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the bang bang sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Nonstick skillet or grill pan – for warming and slightly charring your tortillas for better flavor and texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for battered chicken strips for a kid-friendly version everyone will enjoy.
- Add sliced avocado or mango for a fresh, creamy contrast to the spicy sauce.
- Mix in shredded carrots or jicama with cabbage for extra crunch and color.
- Try using a smoky chipotle mayo in the sauce to add a deep, smoky heat instead of sweet chili.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp & Coating:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Cooking spray or oil mist for air fryer
Tacos & Toppings:
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 10 minutes to cook the shrimp in the air fryer. You’ll spend a few extra minutes putting together the sauce, warming your tortillas, and assembling the tacos. Overall, you can have these delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Coat the Shrimp:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Then, coat each shrimp by first dipping it in flour, shaking off the excess, then dipping in the whisked egg, and finally coating it well with the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Air Fry the Shrimp:
Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray for a golden crispy finish. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so shrimp crisp evenly, until they are golden and cooked through.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the sauce’s spice or sweetness if you like.
4. Warm the Tortillas and Assemble Tacos:
Lightly toast your tortillas in a dry skillet or over a gas flame until they are warm and have small char marks. To assemble, put a handful of shredded purple cabbage on each tortilla, add 3 to 4 crispy shrimp, drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, then top with crumbled cotija, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy, and flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. Pat them dry thoroughly before breading to ensure the coating sticks well and the shrimp crisps up nicely.
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Keep any leftover shrimp and sauce separate from the tortillas to avoid sogginess. Store shrimp and bang bang sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and tortillas wrapped in foil at room temperature or in the fridge.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.
Can I Bake or Pan-Fry the Shrimp Instead of Air Frying?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes or pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat until crispy and cooked through. The air fryer just makes it quicker and less messy!
