These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fantastic mix of crispy shrimp, spicy and creamy sauce, and fresh taco toppings all wrapped in a warm tortilla. The shrimp get perfectly crunchy in the air fryer, which makes them super satisfying without needing tons of oil. The bang bang sauce adds that zingy kick that everyone loves, making each bite full of flavor and fun textures.
I love making these tacos because they come together quickly, and the air fryer means less mess and less fuss. The best part is how easy it is to customize – I usually pile on some crunchy cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to brighten everything up. Honestly, these tacos turn any regular weeknight into a mini celebration at home.
Whenever I serve these tacos at a get-together, they disappear fast! They’re such a crowd-pleaser because the shrimp are light yet flavorful, and the sauce ties everything together so nicely. If you’re looking for a quick, tasty meal that feels a little special, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are definitely the way to go.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work great here because they hold their shape and cook quickly. If you can’t find medium, large shrimp are fine too. Just adjust cooking time slightly. For a budget option, frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined work well.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the shrimp a light, crispy crust when air fried. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used but the texture might be less crunchy. For a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce combines mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for the perfect spicy-sweet balance. If you want it less spicy, reduce or omit the sriracha. Dairy-free mayo or vegan mayo substitutes work well for a dairy-free version.
Cabbage: Red cabbage adds crunch and color. You can swap it with green cabbage or even shredded lettuce if preferred. It keeps the tacos fresh and gives a nice contrast to the crispy shrimp.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and add a nice flavor. Flour tortillas work too if you prefer a softer tortilla. Just warm them up so they’re pliable and won’t break.
How Can I Get Crispy Shrimp in the Air Fryer Without Drying Them Out?
Getting shrimp crispy but juicy is all about coating and timing.
- Make sure to pat shrimp dry before dipping in flour and coatings. This helps the coating stick and prevents sogginess.
- Coat shrimp with flour first, then egg, and finally panko. Each layer helps build a crispy crust.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook shrimp in a single layer so the hot air can circulate and crisp evenly.
- Spray or brush lightly with oil to help the breadcrumbs brown nicely but avoid too much oil to keep them light.
- Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Keep cooking time tight—usually 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F is enough for medium shrimp; overcooking will dry them out.
With these steps, you get crunchy shrimp that stay tender inside, perfect for your bang bang tacos!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – crisps the shrimp quickly with less oil and mess than frying.
- Three shallow bowls – makes dredging shrimp in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs easy and organized.
- Tongs – help you flip shrimp and assemble tacos without crushing them.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – great for warming and lightly charring tortillas for soft, flexible tacos.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for bite-sized chicken strips for less seafood flavor but still great texture and bang bang sauce taste.
- Add sliced avocado or mango for a creamy or sweet twist that balances the spicy sauce nicely.
- Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or feta instead of sour cream for a tangy, salty kick.
- Mix in sliced jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika to add extra smoky heat if you like it spicier.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
For The Tacos:
- 6 small corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: drizzle of sour cream or crema
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation plus 6-8 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the sauce and coating the shrimp before air frying. Warming tortillas and assembling tacos is quick, so the whole process can be done in about 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make The Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Prepare The Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Coat The Shrimp:
One by one, dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off any extra. Then dip in the egg, followed by pressing it gently into the panko breadcrumbs so they stick well. This triple coating helps create a crunchy crust in the air fryer.
4. Air Fry The Shrimp:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket and spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
5. Warm The Tortillas:
While the shrimp cooks, warm your corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat each side for about 30 seconds until they’re warm and develop some light char marks. This makes them soft and flexible for tacos.
6. Assemble The Tacos:
Place a handful of shredded purple cabbage on each warmed tortilla. Add a few crispy shrimp on top, then drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. If you like, add a little sour cream or crema on top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with lime wedges to squeeze over. Enjoy them right away while the shrimp are hot and crunchy!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or quickly under cold running water. Pat them dry thoroughly before coating to ensure the breading sticks and the shrimp crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep tortillas and cabbage fresh separately if possible. Reheat the shrimp briefly in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness before assembling tacos again.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the sriracha in the bang bang sauce to increase or decrease heat. For milder flavor, reduce or omit the sriracha altogether and add a bit more sweet chili sauce or honey to balance the flavors.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Flour tortillas work well as a substitute if you prefer a softer, less traditional shell. You could also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or even hard taco shells if you like extra crunch.
