Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and tasty twist on the classic shrimp taco. The shrimp get a crispy coating thanks to the air fryer, making them perfectly crunchy without all the extra oil. Then, they’re tossed in a spicy bang bang sauce that’s creamy with just the right kick. Serve it all in soft tortillas with fresh slaw or your favorite taco toppings for a bright and satisfying bite.
I love making these tacos on a busy weeknight because they come together quickly and feel special without a lot of fuss. Using the air fryer means the shrimp cook up so nicely crispy, and the sauce brings a little heat and sweetness that everyone in my family goes crazy for. I like to add a squeeze of lime on top to brighten the flavors even more.
These tacos are great for gathering friends or just shaking up your routine. I often pair them with a simple side like black beans or a crunchy salad, and it always feels like a meal worth sharing. If you’re like me, you might find yourself sneaking an extra shrimp or two before they even make it into the taco!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium peeled and deveined shrimp work best for even cooking. If you can’t get fresh shrimp, frozen is fine—just thaw them well before cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the shrimp a light, crispy crust. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work but may change the texture slightly.
Bang Bang Sauce: The combo of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice creates a creamy, tangy, and spicy flavor. For a lighter sauce, swap mayo for Greek yogurt.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas add a classic taco flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold. Both work well here, so pick your favorite.
Purple Cabbage: It adds crunch and color. Green cabbage or shredded lettuce would be good alternatives if purple cabbage isn’t available.
How Do You Get Crunchy, Air-Fried Shrimp Without Oil Sogginess?
The trick is to get the shrimp dry and coated well, then use the air fryer’s hot airflow to crisp them up. Here’s how:
- Pat shrimp dry before dipping in egg and breadcrumbs to help the coating stick better.
- Use seasoned panko mixture for a crunchy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space so air circulates well.
- Spray the breaded shrimp lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up without deep-frying.
- Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning.
These steps help you get that perfect crispy shell without any oil mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – perfect for cooking shrimp quickly and getting them crispy without deep frying.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a few for dredging shrimp and making the bang bang sauce.
- Tongs – helpful for flipping shrimp in the air fryer and assembling tacos neatly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the seasoning and sauce just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for shredding cabbage and chopping cilantro.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for crispy tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist that still offers great texture.
- Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast that pairs well with the spicy bang bang sauce.
- Top tacos with crumbled cotija or feta cheese for added creaminess and a salty kick.
- Mix shredded carrots or jalapeños into the slaw for extra crunch and mild heat.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp and Coating:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
Tacos and Garnishes:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare your ingredients in about 10 minutes. Cooking the shrimp in the air fryer takes around 7-9 minutes. Assembling the tacos will take another 5 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy your tacos in less than 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then coat well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to stick.
2. Cook the Shrimp in the Air Fryer:
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure to leave some space for air to circulate. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray as well. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping each shrimp halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce and Assemble the Tacos:
While the shrimp cooks, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Warm the tortillas until soft and pliable. To build each taco, add a handful of shredded purple cabbage on the tortilla, place 3-4 crispy shrimp on top, and drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for These Tacos?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them dry before breading to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp and Sauce?
Store leftover shrimp and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp gently in the air fryer or oven to keep them crispy. Stir the sauce before using.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld. Prepare it up to 1 day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, try mixing honey or maple syrup with a little chili garlic sauce or sriracha for similar sweetness and heat. Adjust quantities to taste!
