There’s something truly magical about tacos. They’re the ultimate food: portable, versatile, and packed with flavor in every bite. But when you add crispy, golden shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, you elevate taco night to an entirely new level. These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a perfect balance of crispy and creamy, spicy and sweet, and they’re surprisingly easy to make!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together two of my favorite things: the fresh, coastal flavors of shrimp and the convenience of the air fryer. It’s also a fantastic way to bring some brightness to the dinner table, especially on those busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, there’s just something so fun about assembling tacos with family or friends—it’s like a mini taco bar at home! Whether you’re serving these up for a casual dinner or as part of a weekend get-together, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve that perfectly crispy texture without the mess (or calories) of deep-frying. It’s a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
- Bold Flavors: The bang bang sauce brings the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and spicy, making every bite unforgettable.
- Customizable: These tacos can easily be tailored to your taste preferences—add your favorite toppings, switch up the tortilla type, or adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These tacos are a crowd-pleaser and can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn, your choice)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage (for crunch)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the coating sticks properly. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Bread the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour, shaking off any excess, then coat it in the beaten egg, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated with breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a couple of minutes. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed—if you like more heat, add an extra dash of sriracha.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm your tortillas either in the microwave, on a skillet, or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds until they’re pliable. Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce or cabbage, a few crispy shrimp, a drizzle of bang bang sauce, and your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure your shrimp turn out perfectly crispy, arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each piece. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in batches.
- Customize the Sauce: If you’re not a fan of sriracha, you can substitute it with a milder hot sauce or leave it out entirely for a sweeter sauce.
- Prep Ahead: You can bread the shrimp in advance and store them in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just air fry them when you’re ready to eat.
- Warm Tortillas for Maximum Flavor: Heating your tortillas brings out their flavor and makes them softer, making it easier to wrap around the shrimp.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per person)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Mexican
- Diet: Pescatarian
Notes:
- For gluten-free tacos, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tortillas.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
(Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before breading and cooking. You can do this by running them under cold water for a few minutes or leaving them in the fridge overnight.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness. Assembled tacos are best enjoyed fresh.
3. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but still delicious!
Related Recipes
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Conclusion:
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the perfect marriage of crunchy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings—all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re a seasoned taco lover or looking to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to the taco night of your dreams! Don’t forget to add your own creative spin and share your version with friends and family. After all, food tastes even better when it’s shared!
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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Flavorful Twist on Taco Night
Description
There’s something truly magical about tacos. They’re the ultimate food: portable, versatile, and packed with flavor in every bite. But when you add crispy, golden shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, you elevate taco night to an entirely new level. These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a perfect balance of crispy and creamy, spicy and sweet, and they’re surprisingly easy to make!
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together two of my favorite things: the fresh, coastal flavors of shrimp and the convenience of the air fryer. It’s also a fantastic way to bring some brightness to the dinner table, especially on those busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, there’s just something so fun about assembling tacos with family or friends—it’s like a mini taco bar at home! Whether you’re serving these up for a casual dinner or as part of a weekend get-together, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn, your choice)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage (for crunch)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the coating sticks properly. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Bread the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour, shaking off any excess, then coat it in the beaten egg, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated with breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a couple of minutes. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed—if you like more heat, add an extra dash of sriracha.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm your tortillas either in the microwave, on a skillet, or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds until they’re pliable. Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce or cabbage, a few crispy shrimp, a drizzle of bang bang sauce, and your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Notes
- For gluten-free tacos, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tortillas.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein option.