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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp tacos - featured image

These crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp tacos combine crunchy shrimp, tangy slaw, and a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce for a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g) or almond flour for gluten-free option
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (75g), Japanese-style preferred
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • Vegetable oil spray
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • Bread and butter pickles, thinly sliced (optional)
  • About 2 cups finely shredded red cabbage
  • Squeeze of lime juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Bang Bang Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for garnish
  • Optional: sliced avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess or heat

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Set up dredging stations: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Dip each shrimp first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally into the panko, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated shrimp on a plate.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray with vegetable oil.
  6. Cook shrimp for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. While shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste.
  8. Toss shredded red cabbage with lime juice and a pinch of salt to make the slaw.
  9. Warm tortillas by wrapping in foil and heating in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or warm individually in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
  10. Assemble tacos by spreading bang bang sauce on each tortilla, layering slaw, then crispy shrimp. Drizzle more sauce on top and garnish with cilantro and optional pickles or avocado slices.
  11. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure coating sticks and crisps well. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Spray shrimp lightly with oil before cooking for extra crispiness. Adjust sriracha in sauce to control heat level. Warm tortillas wrapped in foil in oven to keep soft and pliable. Leftover shrimp can be reheated in air fryer to regain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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