Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup Buttermilk; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper; to taste Cooking spray (for air frying); 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice preference); 1 teaspoon Lime juice; 8 Small corn or flour tortillas; 2 cups Shredded cabbage; 1 Avocado, sliced; to taste Fresh cilantro, for garnish; as needed Lime wedges, for serving

Lora Lopez

Posted on September 2, 2025

Dinner

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Welcome to a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds! If you’re craving a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make, look no further than these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Combining crispy, succulent shrimp with a creamy and spicy sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, looking for a quick dinner solution, or simply want to elevate your meal prep game, these tacos are the answer. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and why you’ll want to whip it up tonight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to prepare. The air fryer cooks the shrimp to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Plus, there’s no need for deep-frying, which means fewer calories and less mess!

Another reason to adore this recipe is its versatility. You can customize your tacos to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer corn or flour tortillas, extra toppings like jalapeños or diced tomatoes, or even a different type of sauce, the options are endless. This dish can easily be adapted to cater to dietary restrictions or simply to match your cravings.

Moreover, the flavor combination is out of this world! The shrimp are coated in a delightful blend of spices and paired with a creamy Bang Bang sauce that gives each bite a perfect kick. The freshness of the cabbage and avocado adds a layer of crunch and creaminess that rounds out the dish beautifully. You won’t just enjoy eating these tacos; you’ll be left wanting more!

Finally, let’s talk about presentation. These tacos are not only delicious but visually appealing. The vibrant colors of the fresh toppings and the golden-brown shrimp make for a stunning dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them up at your next gathering and watch as they disappear!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying out these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, consider this: they are a fantastic way to introduce air frying into your cooking routine. Air fryers are not only convenient but also promote healthier cooking methods by using less oil compared to traditional frying techniques. This means you can indulge in crispy, fried favorites without the guilt!

Another reason to give this recipe a go is the time it saves. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The shrimp marinade takes about 30 minutes, but the active cooking time is only around 10 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Plus, the ingredients used in this recipe are widely available and budget-friendly. You might already have most of them in your pantry, and the few additional items you need are easy to find. This makes it an economical choice for those looking to create restaurant-quality meals at home.

Finally, this recipe is an excellent opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Experimenting with different toppings, sauces, or even side dishes can lead to a unique meal every time you make it. You might find a new favorite combination that your family will love!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
1 teaspoon lime juice

For the Tacos:

8 small corn or flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Recommended Tools or Utensils for Recipe Success

Medium mixing bowls for marinating and mixing ingredients
Air fryer for cooking the shrimp perfectly
Whisk for combining the sauce ingredients
Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
Tongs for flipping and serving the shrimp
Serving platter for an attractive presentation

Detailed Recipe Steps

Prepare the Bang Bang Shrimp:

Start by soaking the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps tenderize the shrimp and adds flavor. While the shrimp soak, you can prepare the breadcrumb mixture by combining panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in another bowl.
Air Fry the Shrimp:

Once the shrimp have soaked, remove them from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the sriracha according to your spice preference for a milder or spicier kick.
Assemble the Tacos:

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are pliable. Begin layering each tortilla with shredded cabbage, a few pieces of crispy Bang Bang shrimp, and sliced avocado. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Serve:

Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. This adds an extra layer of freshness that complements the flavors beautifully. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This will help achieve the best texture when air frying.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover shrimp tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results, ensuring the shrimp remain crispy.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only a delightful dish but also a healthy and quick option for any meal. From the crispy shrimp to the spicy Bang Bang sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. We hope you give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations in the comments below! If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends or on social media. Happy cooking!

For a delicious side dish, check out our Crispy Popcorn Chicken with Spicy Mayo Dip recipe that pairs perfectly with these tacos!