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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Dive into the irresistible world of Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, a quick and easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, these tacos offer a delightful balance of crispy, creamy, and zesty elements that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood

Ingredients
  

Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • cooking spray olive oil or avocado oil
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
Taco Ingredients
  • 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • lime wedges for serving
  • Optional toppings sliced avocado, diced red onion, pickled jalapenos

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Bowls
  • Paper towels
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
    1 lb large shrimp
  2. In three separate shallow bowls or plates, set up your breading stations.
  3. Station 1: Combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
    1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  4. Station 2: Place the lightly beaten eggs.
    2 large eggs
  5. Station 3: Spread the panko breadcrumbs.
    1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  6. Working in batches, dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp generously with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.
    1 lb large shrimp, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to cook in batches.
    1 lb large shrimp, cooking spray
  9. Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the shrimp.
    1 lb large shrimp
  10. While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sriracha for your preferred level of heat.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon honey
  11. Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and gently toss them with about half of the bang bang sauce, ensuring each shrimp is coated.
    1 lb large shrimp, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon honey
  12. Warm your tortillas according to package directions. This can be done in a dry skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or briefly in the air fryer (though monitor closely to prevent them from becoming brittle).
    8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
  13. Fill each warm tortilla with a generous portion of shredded cabbage, followed by the saucy air fryer bang bang shrimp.
    8-10 small corn or flour tortillas, 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, 1 lb large shrimp
  14. Drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and any of your favorite optional toppings like avocado, red onion, or pickled jalapenos.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, Optional toppings

Notes

For the best quality, store any leftover cooked bang bang shrimp and the bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
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