Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – A Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe

If you are looking for a quick and flavorful dinner recipe, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe are a must-try. Crispy, spicy, and slightly sweet shrimp are tossed in a creamy bang bang sauce, then served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. This easy air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality tacos in just 30 minutes.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Shrimp – The star of the dish, providing a juicy, slightly sweet flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs – Helps create a crispy coating for the shrimp in the air fryer.
Flour & Cornstarch – Forms a light batter for better texture and crunch.
Egg – Helps the breading stick to the shrimp.
Mayonnaise & Sweet Chili Sauce – Forms the base of the creamy and tangy bang bang sauce.
Sriracha – Adds heat and enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Lime Juice – Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
Tortillas – The perfect vessel for holding the crispy shrimp and toppings.
Shredded Cabbage – Adds crunch and freshness to the tacos.
Green Onions & Cilantro – Brings extra freshness and flavor.

Recipe’s Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lime juice

For the Tacos

8 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage
¼ cup chopped green onions
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
In a second bowl, beat the egg.
In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Air Fry the Shrimp

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
Spray the tops of the shrimp with a light coating of oil.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
Add shredded cabbage to each tortilla.
Toss the crispy shrimp in the bang bang sauce, then place them on top of the cabbage.
Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Tacos

Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary for even crispiness.
Lightly spray the shrimp with oil before air frying to achieve a golden crust.
Use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for the best texture and flavor.
If the sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to thin it out slightly.

Presentation Tips

Serve tacos on a platter with lime wedges and extra bang bang sauce on the side.
Add a drizzle of extra sauce over the shrimp for a restaurant-style look.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a touch of crunch and visual appeal.

Creative Twists

Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp breading for extra heat.
Healthier Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter bang bang sauce.
Tropical Flavor – Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast.
Low-Carb Option – Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps to keep it light.

Pro Tip for Customization

For an extra crispy texture, double coat the shrimp by dipping them in the egg and panko breadcrumbs a second time before air frying. This creates a thicker, crunchier coating.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake the shrimp instead of using an air fryer?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to avoid excess moisture.

Q: What type of tortillas work best for these tacos?
A: Both flour and corn tortillas work well. Flour tortillas are softer, while corn tortillas add a traditional taco flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe perfect for any occasion. The crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings make every bite irresistible. Whether you are making these tacos for a weeknight meal or a weekend get-together, they are sure to be a hit.

Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Check out other delicious meal ideas on Chloe’s Cozy Kitchen and find your next favorite recipe.

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