Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy crispy shrimp with a little kick. The shrimp get perfectly crunchy in the air fryer, then they’re tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that’s a great mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Wrapped in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like crunchy slaw or avocado, these tacos bring a fresh, flavorful punch to any meal.
I love making these tacos when I want something quick but really satisfying. Using the air fryer means the shrimp come out crispy without all the oil mess of frying, which makes clean-up a breeze. I usually like to add a little extra sauce on top and some fresh lime juice to brighten everything up—it’s such an easy way to lift all the flavors.
These bang bang shrimp tacos always get compliments whenever I serve them to friends or family. They’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend get-together. Plus, they’re fun to put together, and everyone can customize their toppings just how they like. I think you’ll enjoy how simple and delicious these tacos are as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work best for even cooking and a good bite-size taco filling. You can swap with small or large shrimp but adjust cooking time accordingly. Frozen shrimp is fine—just thaw and dry before breading.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the shrimp a light, crispy crust in the air fryer. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work too, though they may be less airy.
Flour & Seasonings: The flour mix adds flavor and helps the breadcrumbs stick. Feel free to add your favorite spices; smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning can add a fun twist.
Bang Bang Sauce: The classic combo is mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. For a lighter sauce, swap mayo with Greek yogurt. Adjust sriracha to control the heat level based on your taste.
Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas both work well. Warm them before assembling to keep them soft and flexible, which helps hold all the toppings together.
How Can I Get Crispy Shrimp in the Air Fryer?
Getting shrimp crispy without frying oil is easier than it sounds! Follow these tips for the best results:
- Dry the shrimp well. Moisture prevents crispiness.
- Coat shrimp in flour first. This base helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better.
- Use panko breadcrumbs. Their light texture crisps up nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between shrimp so hot air circulates freely.
- Flip halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning all around.
With these steps, your shrimp will come out crunchy on the outside and juicy inside—perfect for your tacos!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – crisps the shrimp quickly without deep frying and keeps things easy to clean.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a few to prep the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs separately.
- Tongs – perfect for dipping shrimp and flipping them in the air fryer basket.
- Sharp knife – to slice cabbage, chili, and chop cilantro for fresh toppings.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate seasoning and sauce mixing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for small pieces of fried fish like cod or tilapia for a fish taco twist with bang bang sauce.
- Add diced mango or pineapple to the tacos for a sweet, tropical contrast to the spicy sauce.
- Use a mix of red and green cabbage or add shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Top with crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, salty layer.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
For the Tacos:
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 small red chili or red chili slices (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust spice level)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep the shrimp and sauce, 5 minutes to preheat the air fryer, and 8–10 minutes to cook the shrimp. In total, you’ll spend around 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Keep this sauce in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
2. Prepare the Shrimp Coating:
Set up three bowls: one with the flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; a second with beaten eggs; and a third with the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp first into the seasoned flour, then into the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
4. Cook the Shrimp in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden and crispy.
5. Assemble Your Tacos:
Warm the tortillas briefly in a pan or microwave. Place shredded purple cabbage on each tortilla, add the crispy shrimp on top, then drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with sliced red chili and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the tacos.
6. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your crunchy, spicy, creamy bang bang shrimp tacos with a fresh burst of lime and crunchy cabbage.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before breading to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld together.
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
Keep the shrimp and sauce separate from the tortillas and cabbage in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I Substitute Other Proteins in This Taco?
Yes, you can swap the shrimp for fish fillets, chicken tenders, or even crispy tofu for a different take on these bang bang tacos.