Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are an exciting culinary adventure that brings the bold flavors of a popular appetizer right to your dinner table. Picture crispy shrimp, delightfully tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, nestled in warm tortillas and topped with vibrant slaw. It’s a winning meal for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering with friends. It’s simple to prepare and offers an explosion of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos a regular on your meal rotation. First, they are quick to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to compromise on flavor. The crispy shrimp are not only fabulous on their own; the addition of the zesty slaw and a drizzling of bang bang sauce makes these tacos a feast for the senses. It’s also budget-friendly—shrimp tacos can stretch a dollar while delivering big taste. And let’s be honest, who can resist a dish that’s kid-approved and sure to impress adult guests?
"These tacos are a game changer! The shrimp is perfectly crispy in the air fryer, and the bang bang sauce takes it to the next level. Definitely a go-to for Taco Tuesdays!" – Emily, home cook
How this recipe comes together
Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is a straightforward and rewarding process. You’ll start by prepping your shrimp, giving them a lovely crispy coating with panko breadcrumbs. While the shrimp is cooking to perfection, you’ll mix up the creamy bang bang sauce and prepare a fresh slaw for a crunchy bite. Finally, assemble your tacos and enjoy the burst of flavors. Let’s break down the ingredients and steps needed to create this mouthwatering dish.
What you’ll need
To create these tantalizing tacos, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (for slaw)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for slaw)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for slaw)
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if you’re looking for alternatives!
Directions to follow
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko bread crumbs.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Dip each shrimp into the flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat them in panko.
Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
While the shrimp is cooking, prepare your bang bang sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and additional salt and pepper if needed.
In another bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, and lime juice for the slaw.
Once the shrimp is done, toss them in the bang bang sauce, coating them well.
Serve the shrimp in warmed flour tortillas topped with slaw. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Best ways to enjoy it
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with sides can elevate your meal even further. Consider serving them with a side of seasoned rice, black beans, or spicy corn for a complete experience. If you want to add an extra zing, some fresh avocado or a sprinkle of feta cheese makes a delightful addition. And don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side for that fresh burst of citrus!
Storage and reheating tips
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! Store your leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay crispy if kept un-sauced, and the slaw’s crunch will last longer that way. Consume them within 2-3 days for the best quality. Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness, or enjoy them cold in a salad or wrap!
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your shrimp are well-dried before breading to ensure better adherence of the flour and panko.
- Experiment with the level of heat in your bang bang sauce. Adjust the sriracha according to your spice preference.
- If you’re short on time, consider using pre-packaged slaw mix to speed up prep!
Creative twists
The flexibility of this recipe allows for endless variations! Swap out the shrimp for crispy cauliflower or grilled fish. Add some diced mango or pineapple to the slaw for a tropical twist, or try using corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option. The bang bang sauce is also versatile: swapping the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt gives it a tangy health-conscious twist.
Common questions
- How long does it take to prep the ingredients for these tacos? Typically, you can have everything prepped and ready to cook in about 15-20 minutes.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before breading for optimal results.
- Can this recipe be made ahead of time? You can prep the shrimp and slaw ahead, but it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain the crispiness.
With these tips and insights, you’re all set to create Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that will impress your family and friends alike. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
An exciting culinary adventure featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, nestled in warm tortillas topped with vibrant slaw.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (for slaw)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for slaw)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for slaw)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko bread crumbs.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Dip each shrimp into the flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat them in panko.
- Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- While the shrimp is cooking, prepare your bang bang sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and additional salt and pepper if needed.
- In another bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, and lime juice for the slaw.
- Once the shrimp is done, toss them in the bang bang sauce, coating them well.
- Serve the shrimp in warmed flour tortillas topped with slaw. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
For a creative twist, swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, or add diced mango to the slaw.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican